Recommendations for a quality pocket watch & chain

[The Wizard of BC]

Is this the sort of thing you are looking for? (you can click on the images for a larger view)

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These come with a wide variety of designs on the case. This one is a thistle but there are also Celtic knots and a lot more.

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This one is a wind-up version. There is also a quartz version.
The wind-up version is a true skeleton watch. You can see all the way though.

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While these are not sterling silver or heritage quality they do have swiss movements and work really well. I have carried one for about four years now and it keeps perfect time.

They are widely available. If you can't find one please feel free to contact me.
$62.50cdn plus shipping.

[Tomak]

Oh great, I think I just found number 9.

[KD Burke]

If you would like to compare a variety of styles and price points, I can recommend greenwichpocketwatch.co.uk, having dealt successfully with them in the past.

[duke_19_62]

http://www.gaelsong.com/product/1462...celtic-watches

I have the Celtic Knot design.

[macwilkin]

Just to clarify, but I am not looking for a "Celtic" themed pocket watch. I tend to follow the whole "less is more" theory espoused by Matt Newsome, Jock Scott and others to avoid the "look at me, I'm Scottish!" accessories.

I am looking for a bar chain with fob -- I have a couple of ideas for a fob -- a masonic PM's jewel, a Canterbury cross or saint's medal, for example.

And yes, I would like it to be working. I made the mistake a number of years ago of buying not one, but two of those infernal Russian tractor factory pocket watches simply because of the heraldic designs -- only to have the watches stop working within months of purchase. How did "Uncle Whiskers" do it back in 1945? ;-)

T.

[MrSkippy]

I'm all sorts of new to this board but I know a bit about pocket watches as someone who carried them for quite a while.

As far as which watch to buy... buy the one you like that fits your budget. Pocket watches are like regular watches: There are cheap ones that are junk, cheap ones that work, middle of the road ones that are junk or work, and then you get expensive ones. Those again, may be junk or not.

The point: for your first pocket watch: just buy one that fits your budget from a reputable dealer. You can get them for $50-$80 at most department stores. They'll look nice enough, work well enough and give you a feel for whether this is something you want to do. Sure it's not going to impress any aficionados but big deal.

Be aware, there's a new trend in watches called "mushroom brands" They're new brands to the market but they'll list themselves in the upscale end and then have a HUGE sale. They'll list the MSRP as $600 and up but sell them for $80-$90. These aren't always bad watches, but they are NOT anything close to a $600 watch. They'll have quartz movement or, if they are mechanical, it'll be cheap and wear out fast. I mention this because pocket watches are no different. If the deal seems too good to be true... probably is.

I'd suggest approach pocket watches like kilts. For your first one, don't go overboard. Get one that you like, that you can afford and that works for you. Then if this turns out to be your thing just buy a bigger display case because you'll fill it in no time. ;)

[Tobus]

I too am a big fan of pocket watches, and wear them any time I am wearing a waistcoat (either with a kilt or with trousers). I have a couple of new ones, as well as older ones ranging back to the early 1900s. My favourite is the one my great-grandfather bought in 1920. It's very plain and humble, like he was, but it has great sentimental value to me.

I really would advise looking at your local antique shops. Usually there will be an antique dealer in there who specialises in pocket watches, and will be able to give you good info on what he has, or what he can find. He will also know how to get them running and keep them running. This is a far, far better option than buying sight-unseen from an eBay seller or buying a cheap import, if you're interested in having a vintage pocket watch. I'm of the opinion that modern pocket watches don't have much to offer in terms of style or character.

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

Todd, you've seen mine. The chain and fob are from my ggf - his silver Royal Arch keystone. I happen to have the same name as him and belong to the same chapter.

You may not have seen the watch. I am just as proud of it. It was my mother's father's last watch. He passed in 1961 and I have had it ever since. I think it must have cost all of two dollars - a Westclox Scotty. (that somehow seems appropriate)

I only wear them with formal attire. When I put on the watch, I wind it. It keeps perfect time until it runs down.

[anguilla1980]

I love antiques, the older the better! I went WAY vintage and bought a 1762 verge fusee watch that was made by the most famous watchmaker in Dundee back in his day and possibly one of the best ever in Scotland's history. It's an absolute piece of ART! I works fully and I have it in the UK right now getting reproduction original beetle and poker hands made along with the whole thing gone thru so it's more suitable to use more than just a couple times a year. Just listening to it and watching the mechanism is fascinating, it's a time machine for me. It was the oldest I could afford and has a great original matching silver pair case with no engraving or other design of any kind. I can't wait for it to return with the new hands!

[Calgacus]

I love antiques, the older the better! I went WAY vintage and bought a 1762 verge fusee watch that was made by the most famous watchmaker in Dundee back in his day and possibly one of the best ever in Scotland's history. It's an absolute piece of ART! I works fully and I have it in the UK right now getting reproduction original beetle and poker hands made along with the whole thing gone thru so it's more suitable to use more than just a couple times a year. Just listening to it and watching the mechanism is fascinating, it's a time machine for me. It was the oldest I could afford and has a great original matching silver pair case with no engraving or other design of any kind. I can't wait for it to return with the new hands!

Ooh, now that's nice!! All the best things were made in Dundee, including me...