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An old pocket watch is a wonderful gift for any special occasion. This type of gift is most appreciated by men who have a love of heirlooms and antiques. It may be given for a birthday, Fathers Day, or simply as a gracious thank you gift.

When choosing an old pocket watch, there are a number of important considerations. You need to be certain that what you’re buying is of fine quality, and would surely pass as an instant heirloom.

Here are some things to consider if you are thinking of an old pocket watch as a fitting gift for an upcoming occasion.

1. Check Its Age. Usually, an old pocket watch would have its date of manufacture either engraved, or printed on it. The printing may be really small and hidden, so you might need the assistance of a good magnifying glass to find it. If you can't find it yourself, you might want to check with an antique shop. They may very well be able to tell you it's age by looking it up using the watches style, and manufacturer.

2. Check The Maker. Just beside the date, there should also be the signature, or the name of the person who made the watch. You can do additional research on this person. While they may not turn out to be a famous watch maker, it's still a great deal of fun.

3. Check Its Physical Appearance. Try to appreciate the pocket watches cosmetic properties. Closely look at its intricate details, as well as its front and back cover. The nicer it looks the better buy it would be. It is also important to note the material the watch is made of, because this a direct indicator of its quality.

4. Check Its Functions. Be certain that it is still fully functional, winds properly, and is working perfectly. If not, it may last only a couple of years. Look for a swiss-made old pocket watch, as they are usually a better choice.

5. Check Its Background. If you are going to purchase an old pocket watch which was previously owned by someone else, try to find out its past and present condition. Was it ever repaired before? Has it been dropped and damaged? Has it stopped working at some point? These are questions that may or may not be answered as honestly as they should, but hey, you’ve still got to find out, right?

6. Check Its Value. Some old pocket watches are expensively priced due to their historical value. Some, because they are originals. If there’s an old pocket watch that seems to be affordable, and looks very interesting to you, it still pays to do a little further research. Who knows, you may be getting a better deal than you originally thought.

7. Check How The Watch Works. Before purchasing an old pocket watch, be certain as to how well it works. You should know how it winds, if it requires regular cleaning and check ups, and everything else related to its operation. You’ve got to maintain the watch if you intend to make it an heirloom.

Old pocket watches are such a treasure, especially to collectors and enthusiasts. There are also a great many people who study pocket watches as a hobby. If you are looking for a good old pocket watch to purchase, just follow these tips and you should be able to make a fair deal, and a wise purchase.