Pocket Watches: Cool Anachronism or Dickhead Affectation?

[Swellegant]

I've suddenly become obsessed with pocket-watches. As with many of my sudden obsessions, it stems from my previous obsession (waistcoats), which in turn stemmed from the obsession before that (walking-sticks).

It all started with thinking that I'd like to have a timepiece I can wear with my various goth outfits, since a plain steel Timex on a brown leather band just doesn't go with a big-sleeved black taffeta shirt and a Regency waistcoat. So I started poking around on eBay, hunting "goth" or "steampunk," but much of what I saw was either too small or too cheap-looking.

But then I found the perfect pocket-watch while looking at cosplay outfits from one of my favorite anime shows, Black Butler:

Well, it came in the mail the very same day that my abovementioned Timex broke, or rather the strap broke rendering the thing unwearable. So I wore it the next day and the day after at work, the chain clipped to my belt-loop and draped across with the watch in my pocket, and I absolutely loved it! Sure, pulling it out of my pocket by the chain and snapping the lid open takes longer than merely glancing at my wrist, but it's far more entertaining.

However, cool as it is, it's still rather cheaply and flimsily made, meant as a fanboy collectible rather than a serious timepiece. So today I've been trolling a little more concentratedly, doing some research into makers and then hunting specific brands. I bought the two following, both by Colibri, one vintage set and one new piece:

I also have my eye on this one by Charles-Hubert, but am not quite ready to commit to the expense (around $80, equal to what I paid for both of the above combined):

So, what do you think? Is this a goofy waste-of-time foppery, or a cool bit of old-fashioned elegance?

 

[Harke the Boeotarch]

I inherited one from my grandfather.

I think it's okay to carry one as long as you really use it to tell the time.

 

[justsimon]

I like pocket watches. If you don't act like a dickhead about it you'll be fine.

 

[pat grimshaw]

You have to have a chain. So easy to lose.

 

[justsimon]

I like pocket watches. If you don't act like a dickhead about it you'll be fine.

I meant to add that, of course, you won't behave in that manner so you probably don't need to worry.

 

[EJMichaels]

a cool bit of old-fashioned elegance

^ Plus, I don't like the way most watches feel on my wrist.

 

[Fuzzy1]

I have a collection of about 2 dozen pocket watches, my oldest dates from the 1860's and is sterling silver, I have some 14 k gold ones, and a number that are gold plated, some are nickle plated, "railway" watches, the railway watches are actually the best quality, they don't look fancy but to get that designation means they have to keep especially good time. I find them fun.

 

[Asenath]

I love them on a man. They add a touch of something special.

 

[medic1]

Hey there.
ifind your interest in pocket-watches rather sweet,maybe because i am a scot and apart from the Swiss we have some of the best craftsmen around.
Also your taste is also rather nice so i would say if it give,s you pleasure then carry
on.

 

[MoufOfKhaos]

Have to have one now, though, personally, I'd use it to be a dick, because my cellphone already functions as my clock and calendar.

 

[looseliam]

They're cool. But I would recommend looking for old, classic ones. I love the old Elgin pocket watches.

Anyone who says differently, ask them for the time - watch them pull their cell phone out of their pocket. Cell phones: the pocket watch of the 20th/21st centuries.

 

[LilBit]

Provided that it matches the outfit and the personality of the owner, it can add a touch of individuality. On a hipster, I'd just consider it another sign of douchitude. On you, however, I would consider it a classy accessory.

 

[rareboy]

I have 5 inherited watches and one given to me when I graduated from university. I used to wear them, but never have occasion to any more since I don't wear a vest with my suits.

 

[AusyAndy]

I bought a pocket watch ages ago because I just hate wearing a wrist watch. It's just so annoying and uncomfortable. Found a decent looking one that isn't too flashy or fancy... I wear a denim jacket and jeans with a chain for my wallet. So the watch (and it's chain that hangs from one of the button holes and into the jacket's breast pocket) goes quite well with what I wear....

And it's so much easier and quicker than pulling out my phone without scratching the screen on the metal buttons of my jacket, then rubbing the screen to get the key-lock off, just to check the time...

 

[medic1]

Hey again Swellagent(sorry for misspelling)
Have just been looking at your thread again and i have to say that i find your taste really elegant and very individual.
Those photo,s that you posted are really lovely and i am sure that any of those time-pieces will look fantastic whilst you are wearing them.

YAY my mistake did not misspell(so fuck off to my English torturer)

 

[jackoroe]

I've got a pretty good collection of railroad grade pocket watches. They were amazing timepieces. They had to be incredibly accurate under less than ideal circumstances, otherwise trains could collide.

And they cost about six months salary to boot. I've got an old Hamilton 992, made in 1909, that's accurate to a few seconds per week. I'll carry it sometimes just to make sure it still keeps good time. Fits real nice in the watch pocket of my jeans. Most people don't even know that's what that little pocket on the right is for. The down side is they need to be cleaned and oiled to keep them accurate. Cost is anywhere from $60-$100 every couple of years.

So yes, pocket watches are cool!

 

[purina]

My dad was a construction plumber and I suppose for that reason he found a pocket watch more practical. When I was little he would pass on his old one to me when he bought a new one at "Monkey Wards" for 98¢ or $1.98 - I forget exactly. I came across one of them about 12 years ago, and got in the habit of clipping it on my belt loop when going out, until a couple of years ago when I got a flip-phone with a large secondary display - so now that's my pocket watch.

So I vote for Cool Anachronism.

But I think the last one you're considering looks like an old-lady's watch.

 

[star-warrior]

I think they're kinda cool. I use my mobile phone for such a purpose.

 

[palbert]

Totally cool.

 

[BFizzle]

Pocket watches are for old ppl, like Grandpa.