Personalised Pocket Watches: What You Need to Know

Pocket watches are a popular commodity amongst collectors and every day watch-wearers. Most of today’s pocket watches are round in shape and come on a fob or a chain. The watches are usually made of precious metals, though stainless steel designs that are lightweight and affordable are also not uncommon. Precious metal plating on top of a more affordable metal like brass or steel is also a popular choice. The plating helps make the watches sturdy and resistant to wear. If you’re thinking about buying a personalised pocket watch, read on for 5 things you should know.

Personalised Pocket Watches: Things to Consider.

1.) Pocket watch styles vary widely. The styles range from classic and simple to ornate works that can only be described as modern art. Open faced personalised pocket watches without covers are good for people with sedentary jobs and a less active lifestyle while styles with hinged covers help protect the watch from damage and are good for people who are a little more active.

Regardless of whether you choose an open face or hinged watch, most designs will require winding or a battery in order to operate. Digital pocket watches with LCD screens can also be found, thought they are less common and not as sought after by collectors. A style known as the 24-hour pocket watch has a dial for every hour of the day and is one of the most unique versions of the watch available.

The style of the watch will dictate where you wear it. Open-face watches are meant to be worn as jewellery. Many owners of these types of watches have their timepieces engraved or personalized to commemorate a special occasion or the name of the owner.

2.) The size of the watch you choose will depend on your interests. When you start shopping for a pocket watch, think about why you want it. Are you just looking for a reliable timepiece that you can use every day? Maybe you’re looking to start or add to your collection. If you’re a collector, you probably have a certain style that you’re looking for.

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For those that are looking for a more practical piece, a larger pocket watch may provide easier viewing. Collectors often choose smaller watches with compact and impressive clock parts within the case. Extremely small pocket watches are a favourite amongst collectors as are large painted styles.

3.) What style of exterior are you looking for? One popular style for collectors are skeleton watches. Skeleton watches have a clear cover that allow you to view the innermost components of the pocket watch’s clock parts. There are also enamel watches with painted exterior covers and even musical watches that play short tunes or pieces of music at specific times. When you start your hunt for the perfect personalised pocket watch, you’ll need to imagine what style of watch your’e looking for. Remember that not all styles can be customized, so if you’re looking for a personalised pocket watch, you may have to settle for a type that has a place for added engraving or other details.

Also, remember that not all watch sellers offer onsite engraving or personalization. If you’re looking at painted styles, like pocket watches with ceramic cases, you may need to commission the piece to be made with your customization built-in. Metal watches can usually be engraved at a jeweller or keepsake retailer.

4.) What type of metal are you looking for? Because pocket watches come in a variety of metals, you’ll need to take your preferences into account when making a selection. Gold and silver are popular, but platinum, bronze and even brass are all options. Many times you can find a cheaper metal plated with a precious metal. That way, you’ll get the look of a more expensive piece, but at an affordable price. If you’re looking at a gold watch, look for a case that’s made of solid gold or that is gold filled or gold plated. The gold should be marked or stamped with a special mark known as an assay mark. Alternatively, it may also be marked with a karat symbol indicating the purity of the gold. If you’re unsure of the gold content of your watch, you can have it professionally tested. This is especially helpful when buying a second-hand watch.

If you prefer silver, remember that real silver cases are often marked with either sterling or coin silver. Platinum watches are somewhat rare and will not typically have any type of marking on the case to indicate the type of metal. Bronze is another rare type of watch material.

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5.) Consider the durability. Personalised pocket watches are nice, but somewhat impractical if they aren’t durable. The only time someone will see your specialty piece is when you take it out to view the time, so it’s important to get a watch that’s durable enough to take with you on occasion. A particular fragile watch would only be good for display purposes. If you’re okay with that, go ahead and make the purchase. Otherwise, look for something more durable.

Remember that different types of watches are made to satisfy different desires. While a fragile or large watch may not be the right fit for you, it’s probably just what someone else is looking for. Take all 5 factors into consideration when searching for a customizable pocket watch and you’ll be sure to find the right piece to add to your collection.

Personalised watches also make a great gift idea. Give one to a family member that collects timepieces or give one as an anniversary, wedding or birthday gift. Personalise the piece with a name or a special date for a thoughtful gift that’s sure to be well-received. If you’re looking for pocket watches, there’s a great selection here at fantastic prices too – see what you think.

Wrapping it up.

As you consider all of the various styles of pocket watches on the market, remember to take into account the size, material, exterior, durability and style. The more you understand about the individual components of pocket watches, the better prepared you will be to make a purchase. Finding a watch you will love for years to come takes time, but is an adventure that is well worth undertaking.