Pocket Watches vs Wristwatches
Fashions change. For a hundred years or more, pocket watches were the only alternative. They were everywhere, worn by railroad conductors, stock brokers and fathers.
Intended as a utilitarian device, it became a fashion accessory through the incorporation of scroll work, personalized gold chains and loving inscriptions.
Then along came modern manufacturing and turned the large, heavy, thick pocket watch into something small and light enough to be worn on the wrist. For 50 years thereafter every man (and soon enough, many women) wore a wristwatch as often as they wore shoes.
Styles evolved and multiplied to the point that it would have required a computer - which existed only in large universities and government institutions - to track them all.
There were rectangular, gold Rolexes and round, silver Citizens. There were even tin and steel Timex watches that ‘Takes a licking and keeps on ticking’.
Now that a watch is no longer needed as a timekeeping device, it has evolved to become a fashion accessory, or a habit, or a miniature wrist-borne computer. But whatever the motive for having one, watches continue to fascinate and delight the eye, while they provide practical functions.
Today, the choice is no longer between pocket watch or wrist watch - anyone can (and many do) have both.
Pocket watches are still an elegant and utilitarian object, worthy of gracing a stylish vest. Many have evolved to be worn on a necklace or drooping from a fashionable belt.
Wristwatches are still often worn, despite nearly everyone having a handy cell phone, computer or public time clock. They still look great and being able to tell the time at the flick of a wrist is a great value.
Swiss Army watches continue to delight the eye with the simplicity of their red and white design. The reliability of a Swiss watch, from the land famed for timepieces, is still unparalleled.
The elegance of a Seiko, available in a hundred styles and prices is an unmistakable statement of sleek professionalism.
Movado, Bulova, Tissot and others offer designs as varied as those who buy them. Whether it’s a classic Rolex or Hamilton, super-rich Cartier or just plain Timex, you can never run out of choices.
Want a pocket watch that is the perfect replica of a 1905 Railroad Conductor timepiece? No problem. Looking for the latest atomic-clock regulated, supercomputer-in-a-box the size of your wedding ring gem? You’re covered.
Maybe you long for a necklace that shows how blue diamonds can go perfectly with platinum hands on an opal face? It’s available.
As the old commercial used to say: It’s nice to have a choice. After all, fashions may change but human nature is a constant and watches are as individual as each person. Reflect yours today.