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Watches have definitely evolved from the days when they were but odd curiosities. Today, watches are an integral part of modern timekeeping and fashion.

Watch technology has indeed come a long way. In the past, the pocket watch used to be considered both vogue and functional. While it has mainly given way to a new breed of watches, the pocket watch still remains both a historically relevant timepiece, and a collector’s dream.

Why Should People Collect Antique Pocket Watches?

Antique pocket watches have a rich history. While they are not as widely used as they used to be, antique pocket watches are highly valued by collectors because of their history, and the fact that they are rare by today's standards.

Also, since there has been an explosive proliferation of modern LCD watches, the pocket watch has become more of a curiosity and a valued relic of the past.

As with most models that are no longer in circulation, antique pocket watches ameliorate in value. This is supported by their rarity, which makes a pocket watche a great find in any collectors’ stash.

The History

The earliest recorded mention of a pocket watch was in 1462, by Bartholomew Manfredi, an Italian clockmaker. In a correspondence to the Marchese di Manta, he makes an offer to make and sell the Marchese what he calls a ‘pocket clock.’

You must remember, that during these times, clocks were huge contraptions that ran on a multitude of gears and weights. Gradually as the century closed, innovations in engineering made the construction of smaller clocks possible. By 1510, watchmaker Peter Henlein was regularly producing pocket watches.

In the 16th century, the pocket watch was already firmly ingrained into European culture. As the century wore on, these spring powered clocks become increasingly complex and precise.

Early Uses

In the 19th century, the industrialization of the world hinged on one thing - the accuracy of timepieces. During this period railroads defined the progress of any given area. In the United States, where railways were common, the only way to continue this progress was with the use of accurate timepieces.

During this period, the only way to keep accurate time, without having a grandfather clock strapped to your body, was with a pocket watch. And since trains come and go all the time posing the danger of collision, the only way to avoid accidents was if the rail masters had an accurate means to schedule train departures and arrivals.

In fact, on April 19, 1891 a horrific train wreck happened because one of the engineer’s watches stopped for 4 minutes. This highlights the importance of such timepieces during that time. The pocket watch had become required of all engineers and were a standard part of their equipment.

Today

With the advent of more precise, smaller timepieces, the pocket watch gradually lost its audience. Today, they are collected as treasures of the past – which is probably one way of saying thanks for tiding the Industrial Age over to the Information Age.