Top Things To Consider When Buying A Mechanical Pocket Watch

In the time of smartphones and smartwatches, there are still people who love to have a pocket watch. One group are collectors who love antiques and are students of history of clock-making. The other group are those who love the timeless (no pun intended) look of a mechanical pocket watch, those who make a fashion statement.

If you are planning to buy a pocket watch here are some things to consider:

Pocket Watch Basics

When buying a pocket watch, make sure you know it's anatomy and how it works. If that is too much, at least understand the basic terms you need to know such as the following:

Case. This is the metallic cover where the dial and other inner working sits.

Dial. This is the face when you are referring to clocks. Dials is where the hands are to tell you the time.

Pendant. This is the metal hook to which a fob or chain is attached.

Crown. This is the knob that you find protruding out of its case and is attached to the stem. You turn the crown to wind the watch or set time.

Stem. The stem is a rod that basically connects the innards of the watch to the crown.

Chain. You use the chain to attach the pocket watch to your clothing.

What You're Interested In

When trying to figure out what kind of pocket watch to buy, you need to think of a few things. You need to figure out if you will be starting a mechanical pocket watch collection or will you be using it everyday.

In terms of design and style, you have a ton to choose from. Just to name a few you can get a vintage style mechanical pocket watch, a double side open pocket watch, Victorian Vintage, London Style pocket watch, among others.

Metal

When buying a mechanical pocket watch, another big thing to consider is what kind of metal should it be crafted from. Most pocket watches are made of gold, platinum, silver, or bronze. If you are planning to get such pocket watch, make sure you know a thing or two to determine that the precious metals used are real. To be safe, have it tested.

Maintenance of Pocket Watch

As a responsible buyer or collector, you need to make sure that you can take care of the mechanical watch you are acquiring. Different pocket watches will require different kinds of tender loving care. Some will need some polishing while others may require consistent lubrication. In case you cannot maintain it on your own, you need to find a professional cleaner.

Of course, you need to remember the basic things to keep your pocket watch in tip top shape. Most mechanical pocket watches should be protected from water, humidity, and high temperature. Also, these well-crafted timepieces consists of small parts such as screws, wheels, hinges, among others. Have a ready local contact that can repair your kind of watch or at least know where to go to.