Pocket watches are timeless pieces you’d want to add to your watch collection. They look cool so, and they’re highly functional. People have been wearing them for ages!
Today, we’ll be reviewing some of the best pocket watches in the market you’d want to get your hands on. And just to get you excited, we’ll tell you now that they all look so stunning and elegant!
Plus, we made sure to put a wide selection of the best pocket watches for every budget.
Are you ready to enter the pocket watch world? We sure hope you are. Let’s go!
Here Are The Top 8 Best Pocket Watches
- Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch
- Charles Hubert Paris
- Bulova Pocket Watch
- Frederique Constant Pocket Watch
- Mudder Vintage Pocket Watch
- Stuhrling Vintage Mechanical Gold Pocket Watch
- FindTime Digital Pocket Watch
- Gotham Pocket Watch
1. Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch
Best Overall
Tissot is a Swiss watch brand known for its high quality and durable timepieces. This is why it isn’t at all surprising that they, too, have one of the best pocket watches of today.
The Tissot Savonnette looks elegant, stunning, and striking. With its durable mineral crystal dial window and reliable Swiss quartz movement, you’ve got yourself a reliable timepiece to take home.
The case size of the Tissot Savonnette is, on average, measuring at 48.5 mm. It fits most pocket-size perfectly and doesn’t feel too heavy at all.
Feeling and looking at this pocket watch on our hands is indeed pleasurable.
The stainless steel material looks striking, regardless of the angle we put it on. But this isn’t the only reason why we love the stainless steel material.
You see, the material is naturally water-resistant, and therefore, we don’t have to worry about rust building upon the body. It’s the perfect material which we can pass from one generation to another.
Now, the face of this Tissot pocket watch looks very stunning.
It sports the all too familiar roman numeral marks and a date window on the 6 o’clock position. Overall, the Savonnette is one of the best pocket watches for the price and design.
Pros
- It comes from a reliable Swiss brand
- Full hunter cover for overall protection
- Made with high quality and durable materials
- One of the best pocket watches to pass on the next generation
Specifications
- Model: T83655313
- Dial Color: White
- Features: Date Window
- Material: Stainless Steel Body and Mineral Glass Window
2. Charles Hubert Pocket Watch
Best Value for Money
The Charles Hubert Paris pocket watch is probably the most stunning timepiece we’ve seen for pocket watches.
More astonishing than some of the Patek Philippe pocket watches. The face sports a skeleton dial and face, which gives us a clear view of the internal gears and mechanisms of this pocket watch.
The Charles Hubert mechanical pocket watch is highly durable, with its brass material. You don’t have to worry about damaging this timepiece just by a single drop.
Now, the skeleton dial and face of this watch is really simple. It features small roman numerals on the edges, with a small seconds window on the 6 o’clock mark.
When you flip this pocket watch over, you’ll find a beautiful exhibition case back to transfix your eyes on for hours.
Overall, the design complements each other well. It’s a type of design where you’d want to showcase it to your friends and family!
And finally, this pocket watch is powered by a reliable Swiss automatic movement, a common feature for most pocket watches. You’ll have to wind this watch daily, but after that, you’re all good to go.
If you’re looking for a classic pocket watch but with a little flair to it, this one’s for you.
Pros
- It comes with a gift box, silver-tone steel chain, and clip
- Lifetime warranty for the movement is provided
- Reliable mechanical pocket watch
- Beautiful and contrasting blue mechanical hands
Specifications
- Model: 3869-S
- Features: Skeleton Dial and Exhibition Case; 17 Jewel Mechanical Movement; Seconds Window
- Material: Brass Body; Stainless Silver Chain
- Movement: Mechanical Hand-Wind
3. Bulova Pocket Watch
Best Budget Pick
Bulova is a watch brand known for their high-quality watches that sure is hard to beat.
This is why we’re more than happy to share that this is the best pocket watch you can enjoy for a relatively affordable price.
One of the first things you’ll notice with the Bulova pocket watch is its hunter case. It looks tough enough to make sure it keeps the elegant face underneath well protected.
And once you flip open the cover, you’ll find a simple looking face with a silver dial color, Arabic numerals, and hands. Overall, the looks of this pocket watch are relatively simple.
It’s perfect for a casual and formal event, making it the best pocket watch to carry around for any given day.
We also enjoyed the fact that the chain of this pocket watch has a strong clip on the end. We don’t have to worry about the chain coming loose, even with just a small movement.
The quartz pocket watch movement is just as simple as the whole design of this pocket watch. You’ll only need a single battery to power the entire watch, and you’re good to go. What more can you ask for?
The Bulova pocket watch is an excellent option for anyone trying to stick with a budget. Retailing for less than $300, you’ve got yourself a sweet deal! It’s affordable, durable, and beautiful.
Pros
- Relatively big case size which is easy to grip
- Simple and elegant design
- Modern and clean looking watch face
- Strong chain clip
Specifications
- Model: 96B270
- Features: Three Hand Movement; Date Window on the 3 o’clock Mark
- Material: Stainless Steel Case, Chain, and Clasp
- Movement: Mechanical Hand-Wind
- Water Resistant for up to 30 meters
4. Frederique Constant Manufacture Pocket Watch
The Frederique Constant pocket watch stands out. For a good reason, of course! The body has a striking red gold, pinkish finish that’s sure to get heads turning on each angle.
We love the color because it gives a fresh and new take to pocket watches, compared to the usual gold and silver colors.
A closer look at this pocket watch, and you’ll find so much more to love on this small pocket watch.
It has a sleek looking body, the roman numerals on the dial look clean, and the bezel looks seamless and polished. And our main takeaway from it all is that this is one clean looking pocket watch.
Carrying and lifting this pocket watch around felt like nothing to us because it’s incredibly lightweight! Weighing only three ounces, you’ll barely notice you have a pocket watch with you!
Although Frederique Constant is a relatively new watch brand, it has nevertheless proven itself to be one of today’s bests.
They’ve got a great selection of watches that can match luxury brands’ designs like Patek Philippe, which you should check out.
If you want to wear a pocket watch that’s sure to get people’s attention, this one’s for you. Plus this is one of the best pocket watches that sports a pretty decent power reserve!
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Looks very clean to look at
- Highly durable
- It comes from a very reliable brand
Specifications
- Model: FC-700MC6PW4
- Features: Three-Hand Movement
- Material: Stainless Steel Case and Watch Chains
- Movement: Mechanical
- Power Reserve: 42-Hours
5. Mudder Pocket Watch
If you’re looking for an affordable and straightforward pocket watch, we highly recommend checking out Mudder Vintage’s pocket watches.
A bit of a disclaimer though, don’t expect this pocket watch to be anything like the Patek Philippe or Tissot pocket watch.
This pocket watch is best described as vintage-inspired, a perfect watch to wear on a costume party and the like. Why? Well, it’s very affordable, and you won’t have a ton of regrets when you break this.
This is a quartz movement pocket watch that sports a stainless steel body and acrylic lens cap. Luckily, there’s a hunter case to protect the fragile acrylic crystal.
Safe to say, it’s a reliable timekeeping device that’s not meant to be an heirloom.
Now, we love the face of this pocket watch because of how fun and quirky it looks. The face uses Arabic numerals instead of the usual Roman numerals, and the hand has a neat looking design to it.
Pros
- Vintage-inspired looking pocket watch
- Highly affordable
- Reliable watch chain that can be worn around a belt loop or on shirt pockets
- Lightweight and small case size
Specifications
- Model: 4331783143
- Features: Three-Hand Movement
- Material: Stainless Steel Chain and Body
- Movement: Japanese Quartz Movement
6. Stuhrling Vintage Mechanical Gold Pocket Watch
Another head-turner on this list is the Stuhrling Vintage Mechanical Gold Pocket Watch. As its name suggests, this pocket watch is encased in a 23k gold body that’s sure to make a run for your money.
Now, the looks of this pocket watch have a vintage feel to them. With its beautiful roman numerals on the edges against the white dial, everything looks familiar and traditional.
But nothing about this Stuhrling pocket watch is traditional, thanks to its unique skeleton dial. It looks so striking and almost feels like a breath of fresh air for us.
This simple design element changed the game when it comes to luxury and vintage pocket watches. Brands like Pate Philippe should watch out.
Unfortunately, this pocket watch doesn’t sport a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window. However, it makes up for it with the Krysterna crystal it uses on both the front and back of the watch.
Rest assured, the crystal is durable enough to withstand scuffs and scratches. You’ve got nothing to worry about!
And when you flip this pocket watch over, you’ll find that the backside is just as beautiful as the front. The skeleton back on this one is one the best we’ve seen among all other pocket watches.
Finally, because this is a mechanical pocket watch, expect you’ll have to hand wind this one at least once a day. But once you’re done with that, you’ve got nothing to worry about!
Pros
- Easy to hand-wind mechanical pocket watch
- Striking 23K gold case
- Relatively affordable for the features
- Beautiful skeleton face
Specifications
- Model: 6053
- Features: Three Hand Movement; Skeleton face and back; Desk Stand; 12-inch Chain
- Material: Stainless Chain and Body
- Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind
7. FindTime Digital Pocket Watch
The first thing we need to tell you about this pocket watch is that it’s unlike anything you’ve seen. It doesn’t look anything remotely close to the pocket watches you’ve envisioned during World War I.
If at all, this pocket watch resembles nothing to a pocket watch except its size and portability. And we’ll tell you why.
It sports an interesting yet alluring design, starting with the fact that it’s digital.
It doesn’t sport any analog dial as you would expect. It’s nothing close to what a Patek Philippe or a Tissot pocket watch would look like.
But what it lacks on looks it makes up with the features it comes with.
It has a thermometer function, compass, altimeter, barometer, and so much more you can imagine.
If ever you’re out in the woods, expect this to be the best pocket watch to get you home safely without any problems.
We also love how this digital pocket watch is water-resistant for up to 30 meters. You don’t have to worry about the occasional splashes damaging this one.
Now, the material used in this watch is also a little different. It uses a silver chrome material, which feels smooth on the hands. Plus, it looks highly modern and minimal, making it easy to wear around anything.
Overall this pocket watch comes with a whole lot of features for you to explore.
Pros
- It comes with a lot of features
- Durable and rugged appearance
- Water-resistant, perfect for outdoors
- It can be worn around the neck
Specifications
- Model: 4331783145
- Features: Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Thermometer, Weather forecast, Pedometer, Stopwatch, Countdown, Perpetual Calendar, Alarm, World time/Dual Time
- Material: Chrome Body; Nylon Rope or Stainless Clip
- Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind
8. Gotham Pocket Watch
Another modern-looking pocket watch on this list is from Gotham.
It’s unlike the looks of a classic pocket watch but looks can still inspire watch lovers. This open face pocket watch gives a full view of the elegant white dial, which lets you tell the time immediately.
The best way to describe the design of the Gotham pocket watch is that it looks like any other watch, but pocket watch version. It sports relatively large Arabic numerals with black hands and markers.
We love how this pocket watch is tiny so we can easily tuck it away in our pocket. It doesn’t feel bulky or heavy, the two qualities we want for our pocket watch.
We highly recommend this watch for people working in the health sector. It’s highly portable, and the face looks very clear and clean.
Pros
- Small and lightweight design
- Very easy to read
- Modern and timeless design
- Accurate timekeeping
Specifications
- Model: GWC15026S
- Features: Three Hand Movement; 12/24 Hour Markings
- Material: Brass Case; Stainless Link Chain; Belt Loop/Clip Holder
- Movement: Japanese Quartz
Buyer’s Guide for Pocket Watches
Before buying a pocket watch, whether for yourself or others, you’ll need to know the different essential considerations to make.
Doing so helps you find a pocket watch that you need and narrow down your choice. And the result? You won’t regret what you end up getting!
Case Material
Pocket watches come in different materials like aluminum, brass, silver, stainless, titanium, and yellow gold. Each has its advantages, depending on what you’re looking for.
If you want a pocket watch that appreciates through time, you’d want to choose a gold or silver material.
Although gold watches are a lot pricier than most materials, it’s an investment for those looking to keep their watch looking as elegant as it was for ages to come.
Plus, they make an excellent timeless piece you can pass down as an heirloom from generation to generation.
Materials such as stainless and titanium are also pretty good and highly durable.
Titanium or steel pocket watches can withstand almost anything, such as your occasional drop and scratch, and come out unscathed!
This is especially true for a full hunter case watch! It’s nearly indestructible!
That said, we can’t emphasize enough how important it is for you to give a lot of thought to the material of your pocket watch.
Regardless of your choice, make sure the material comes with excellent quality and durability!
Case Types
In the world of pocket watches, there’s such a thing as case types. You’ve got the choice between an open face and a hunter pocket watch case.
Admittedly, not a lot of people are familiar with the difference between the two case types. Luckily, we’re here to help get to know each of them.
Open Face
As its name suggests, an open case pocket watch doesn’t have any cover. It means that the crystal isn’t protected by anything, so you’ll be able to tell the time immediately.
Think of it as a book with no cover, and you head straight to the first page.
Open face pocket watches have some advantages, such as convenience.
You can look at the watch face and check the time with no problem. Plus, if the watch face is gorgeous, you can have the whole world looking at it!
Hunter Case
Hunter cases have a unique history behind them. The term was initially coined during the era where fox chases and hunting was a big thing in England.
To protect their pocket watch from any damage, they had what we call now a hunter case. A hunter case provides a lot of protection on the crystal and prevents the watch face from getting damaged.
Now, there are two different kinds of hunter case: full case and half-hunter case.
A full case provides total protection on the watch. Its primary purpose is to protect the whole crystal against any damage while still giving access to the gears on the back.
On the other hand, a half-hunter case has a small window to let you see the time without actually flipping open the case.
Design
By now, you might have noticed already that pocket watches come with different designs. Each looks great and can easily fit in regardless of the occasion.
You’ve got skeleton watches, modern pocket watches, vintage-looking pocket watches, and so many more. How do you know which style for you and if it’s looking good?
Well, we’re here to help you answer that question.
Vintage Pocket Watch
Classic or vintage pocket watches are what you’d often see in movies or on display in a watch store.
It gives off that elegant and classy flair we enjoy with vintage-looking pocket watches.
The beauty of vintage/traditional pocket watches retains the original design from the early days.
You’ve got your stunning numeral face, encased in a yellow gold or silver-tone case, with a metal chain on the side for you to clip on your front pocket.
Skeleton Pocket Watch
Skeleton pocket watches are always a great addition to any collection. Who wouldn’t want to watch the gears of the watch moving and powering the whole thing?
The entire process looks so mesmerizing and hypnotizing even.
Because most skeleton watches use mechanical movement, you can see the gears ticking and turning each time. This type of mechanical pocket watch looks great on display!
The beauty of skeleton pocket watches is that they’re highly durable.
Despite looking fragile, there’s a front and back glass and full hunter case that protects all the gears and mechanisms of a skeleton pocket watch from damage.
Modern Pocket Watch
With the advent of technology and innovation, we wouldn’t be too surprised to find a pocket watch that sports digital features.
Gone are the days where you’ll only find the simple roman numeral designs and mechanical movement.
If you’re techy and enjoy watches at the same time, we’re sure you’ll find modern pocket watches to be a curious-looking thing because of their design.
Instead of the plain and simple face, you’ve got an LCD to look at! You don’t get to see any mechanical hand on the screen or feel the mechanical movement ticking on the case’s front and back.
Design isn’t the only significant difference between modern and traditional pocket watches.
Today, several modern pocket watches come with a ton of features for you to enjoy, like a compass, barometer, altimeter, stopwatch, and so much more!
Sure enough, if you bring your modern pocket watch to dinner parties, it’ll be the talk of the town.
Lens Material
A watch crystal protects the face of your pocket watches, which are usually made of different materials.
Most watch manufacturers use either of the three most common types: acrylic, mineral glass, and sapphire crystal.
Each of those mentioned materials has its pros and cons, and their difference can also be seen in how much each of them costs. Let’s get to know each of them for a bit.
Acrylic
Acrylic lenses are the most inferior type of material out there. As much as possible, you’d want to avoid acrylic materials because of their low quality.
It’s not that durable, and it gets scratched easily. One high drop or long scratch could already potentially damage the window, and nobody wants that.
But in terms of price, acrylic is probably the cheapest of the bunch. Should you get it then?
Well, if you’re only looking for a pocket watch to add to your costume or anything similar to it, it shouldn’t be that bad.
Mineral Glass
We love mineral glass because it’s highly durable and not too expensive.
You’ll find the most common types of pocket watches out there to use this type of material, which isn’t that bad at all.
Mineral crystal is highly affordable and resists most drops and scratches. Although it’s not as hard as sapphire, it still comes with great value.
Sapphire Glass
Finally, the cream of the crop, sapphire glass. It’s no secret that it’s one of the most rigid materials out there, which makes it one of the most expensive as well.
You’ll find many luxury watch brands using this type of material, which explains their relatively big price tag.
But if you’d ask us, spending a little more is a good idea, especially if you want an investment.
If you’re looking into getting a pocket watch you can pass from one generation to another, this is the material you should aim for.
Even after decades, the face will stay clear even without you doing anything.
Movement
Like any other type of watch, pocket watches come in different movements like quartz, mechanical or hand-wound, automatic, and more.
Hand Wound Movement
A Hand wound or mechanical pocket watches comes with responsibility and proper care.
It requires manual wounding to keep the gears running and stay accurate. It requires a little bit of maintenance, especially if it’s an old watch, because the gears and springs may require some oiling.
The beauty of having mechanical pocket watches is you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship involved in making the watch.
It retains the art of making classic and traditional timepieces, which we’re sure you love.
Plus, we find that the maintenance requirements add a level of intimacy and connection between you and your pocket watches.
Quartz Movement
Of all the movements out there, Quartz has to be the most convenient.
It uses a single battery, that’s enough to power your pocket watch for many years. The time stays accurate, and you practically have nothing to worry about!
If you’re someone who’s looking for a statement piece that doesn’t require any maintenance, quartz movement pocket watches are always a good idea. Clip it on your front pocket, and go!
Automatic Movement
Automatic movement watches are known for their self-winding feature.
All you’ll have to do is wear the watch on your wrist, and your movement is enough to power the whole watch.
Now, it’s quite rare to find automatic movement pocket watches. Why? Like we said earlier, it requires contact with your body.
And because pocket watches aren’t usually worn and just clipped to your pockets, this movement wouldn’t perform well compared to a wrist watch.
Size
Pocket watches come in a relatively small size, given that it’s supposed to be accessible and lightweight.
This is why you want a pocket watch that won’t weigh down your pockets as much as possible.
You don’t want to end up feeling bothered by the pulling in your pockets. Because if you are, then you’re better off wearing a regular wristwatch!
Conclusion
Today, we reviewed some of the best pocket watches in the market that you need to get your hands on. Each is a timeless piece you and the generation to come will surely enjoy.
We hope you enjoyed this review. Let us know in the comments below which pocket watches you enjoyed and why. We’d love to hear from you!
And don’t forget, you can also share this review with your friends and family. Who knows?
They might get just one to wear a pocket watch like you. Plus, you can help us reach more people to share this great news.
Recommendation:
