The pocket watch was originally designed and intended for women who wore dresses and skirts without pockets. Quickly becoming not only popular for men, they became statement pieces with designs and materials that distinguished true gentlemen within society from the common man. Today, pocket watches are often handed down as family heirlooms from generation to generation, but many types featuring modern style, functionality and features beyond keeping time are available for purchase today. While today’s best modern pocket watches often imitate the style and classic elegance of yesteryear, others offer features that only modern technology can provide.
History of the pocket watch
Before venturing out to purchase a pocket watch, you may want to learn more about the history and common styles of these classic keepers of time. Timepieces evolved from the large mantle clock to a smaller piece worn as a necklace by women or attached to a man’s vest by a chain. Sometimes the watch was visible on the vest and some designs were intended to display the chain, but keep the watch in the pocket. They were the shape of an egg and featured ornate designs and a hinged cover usually made of brass to protect the glass display and functioning mechanism and allow visibility of the hour hand without opening the cover.
Different styles of pocket watches
The hunter case pocket watch features a spring-loaded cover typically made of metal to protect the crystal watch face. The demi-hunter model includes a feature from the original styles of pocket watches: a glass or opening in the cover to view the time without having to open the watch.
The open face pocket watch style is just as the label says with no cover protecting the glass. The pendant is placed at the twelve o’clock hour and the sub-dial is at the six o’clock hour. Another version of this open face style is the sidewinder, which places these at the six o’clock and three o’clock hours, respectively.
Best Modern Pocket Watches For 2021 – Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dakota Watch Company Leather Field Clip Watch | Luminescent hands Oil tanned genuine leather fob Stainless steel case | $ |
 | Hicarer Vintage Pocket Watch | 1.8 inches wide Quartz movement 14.57-inch chain | $ |
 | Charles-Hubert, Paris Gold-Plated Mechanical Pocket Watch | 14k gold-plated brass 47mm double hunter case 17 jewel mechanical movement | $$ |
 | Gotham Men’s Silver-Tone Ultra-Thin Railroad Open Face Quartz Pocket Watch | Rich white railroad style dial with black 12 and red 24 hour markers Includes 15 inch silver-tone curb link chain with belt clip holder | $ |
 | SEWOR Vintage Bronze Flower Men’s Pocket Watch Luminous Case Mechanical Hand Wind | 17 Jewel Mechanical Hand-wind Movement Comes with a high quality 7mm width Cowboy Chain | $ |
 | Nurse Watch | Silicone rubber housing Glow in the dark face Waterproof | $$$ |
 | Hicarer Quartz Pocket Watch | 1.8 inches wide Quartz movement 14.5-inch chain | $$$$ |
 | Mudder Vintage Roman Numerals Scale Quartz Pocket Watch | 1.8 inches wide Quartz movement Metal alloy | $$$$ |
Today’s pocket watches are varied in style and price. Let’s dive into the top 10 best modern pocket watches you will not find worn on your arm.
Dakota Watch Company Leather Field Clip Watch
Designed for the no-frills man, this simple watch is not the typical pocket watch as it is worn on a belt loop and features an upside-down face that offers ease in checking the time. Do not be fooled by the carabineer-style attachment functionality. The high-quality leather feature makes this watch nice enough to wear to work, but casual enough for weekend use when wearing a pair of jeans. With a stainless steel case, this watch is affordable and durable.
Key Features:
- Luminescent hands
- Oil tanned genuine leather fob
- Stainless steel case
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Hicarer Vintage Pocket Watch
This pocket watch is from Hicarer. It has the same noticeably retro design. However, this one calls back to a very specific type of watch from the old days.
The hinged lid has a small peephole. This peephole lets you take a peek at the time without having to open up the entire lid. The glass stays safely protected behind the lid even as you check on the time.
Key Features:
- 1.8 inches wide
- Quartz movement
- 14.57-inch chain
- Peephole design
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Charles-Hubert, Paris Gold-Plated Mechanical Pocket Watch
Made of 14k gold-plated brass with a matching chain, this classic style pocket watch features a double hunter case to protect the front face and back side. The skeleton dial, Roman numerals and 17 jewel mechanical movement make this a true replica of the stately timepieces worn by society’s gentlemen of the past. While the beauty and detail of this timepiece portrays “expensive,” the $90 price tag says, “affordable,” making this pocket watch a winner and earning it a place on the top 10 list.
Key Features:
- 14k gold-plated brass 47mm double hunter case
- 17 jewel mechanical movement
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Gotham Men’s Silver-Tone Ultra-Thin Railroad Open Face Quartz Pocket Watch
Pocket watches with the term “railroad” signify a larger size timepiece with simple features and timeless style. The wonderful aspect of this watch is that it includes the simplicity and classic style of the railroad description, but is a smaller size that removes the bulk when kept in your pocket. This classic open face style has a white watch face with classic black 12-hour markers and red 24-hour markers Housed in a polished brass case, the back of this pocket watch can be engraved to commemorate a special occasion or display a well-thought message. Shipped in a draw string pouch and gift boxed with a 15 inch silver-tone curb link chain, this beautiful timepiece is ready for gift-giving.
Key Features:
- Rich white railroad style dial with black 12 and red 24 hour markers
- Includes 15 inch silver-tone curb link chain with belt clip holder
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Spoven Sports Compass Altimeter Barometer Clip Pocket Digital Watch
For the sports enthusiast who does not want to be hindered by a watch on the arm, this pocket watch offers functionality, style and durability. It keeps time, provides direction and is a weather device all in one. This watch also includes a compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer and air pressure trend. It features an alarm clock, timer, stop watch and provides the sunrise and sunset times for 43 major cities. It provides climbing altitude, keeps time records and it is water-resistant to 99 feet.
This pocket watch is light-weight and made of acrylic with a hardened glass face covering the digital display. The functionality and key features of a sport watch packaged in the design of a pocket watch make this gadget a perfect addition to the top 10 list.
Key Features:
- provides climbing altitude
- Light-weight
- Made of acrylic with a hardened glass
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SEWOR Vintage Bronze Flower Men’s Pocket Watch Luminous Case Mechanical Hand Wind
This watch makes the list for its unique and beautiful design that is designed for men, but appeals to both genders. So what makes this watch special? The metal bezel with green luminous dial offers a modern twist on a classic pocket watch design. With a classic wind up mechanism, front hole for visibility of the time and 14 inch chain, this pocket watch features all the style and functionality of a class timepiece combined with the aesthetic beauty of modern day style.
Key Features:
- Rich white railroad style dial with black 12 and red 24 hour markers
- Includes 15 inch silver-tone curb link chain with belt clip holder
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Nurse Watch
This nurse watch is a powerful tool to have on the job. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a medical professional in your life, this watch is a great buy. It’s styled like a pocket watch. Rather than wearing it on your wrist, you can keep it in your pocket or clip it to a lanyard.
The face is classic. It utilizes quartz movement for accuracy, which is a must for medical professionals. The watch also comes in a silicone case. The watch itself is removable, making it easy to sterilize and clean.
Key Features:
- Silicone rubber housing
- Glow in the dark face
- Waterproof
- Quartz movement
- Rear pin
- Includes three colored cases
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Women’s Vintage Elegant Cermaics Flowers Quartz Pocket Watch with Chain
As stated earlier, pocket watches were originally designed for women, so a list of the top modern pocket watches would be incomplete without inclusion of a women’s design. Made of alloy with a glass display and featuring a full hunter design, this pocket watch offers pure classic style. You will never be late with the reliability of the quartz movement.
A beautiful floral pattern in bright shades is not only beautiful, but full of style and class, and at only around $10, this is the perfect accessory that makes a statement. At this price, you can afford to buy one for yourself and all your friends and family.
Key Features:
- beautiful floral pattern
- Made of alloy
- Glass display
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Hicarer Quartz Pocket Watch
Check out this old-school pocket watch. Like the last one, this timepiece is modeled after accessories from centuries past. It uses much of the same technology, relying on Quartz movement rather than digital processors.
The face is wide and beautiful. It uses Roman numerals for a classic touch. The glass is protected with a hinged lid, which features a gorgeous embossed pattern that stands out. With the included chain, this watch will add the finishing touch to any sophisticated outfit.
Key Features:
- 1.8 inches wide
- Quartz movement
- 14.5-inch chain
- Embossed lid
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Mudder Vintage Roman Numerals Scale Quartz Pocket Watch
The vintage-inspired pocket watch from Mudder is a fantastic gift for any steampunk fanatic. It’s a beautifully designed timepiece that harkens back to the days before wristwatches and cell phones.
The accessory is made of a unique metal alloy. It takes on a vintage finish. The metal looks aged, which perfectly complements its classic style.
The watch comes with a metal chain and a box. It’s available in a few different styles, but each one is just as iconic as the last!
Key Features:
- 1.8 inches wide
- Quartz movement
- Metal alloy
- Hinged face lid
- Includes chain and gift box
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Whether male or female, an accessory can make the outfit and a statement. While pocket watches were once worn and used by history’s gentlemen, today’s watch wearers looking for such an accessory will want functionality as well as style. Not all of us have heirloom pieces, and some want something that better suits the lifestyle and needs of everyday life. Whether its color or metal, sport durability and functionality or ornate engraving, there are modern pocket watches that appeal to men and women.
Prices are varied from $10 or less to hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Take some time to window shop, try a pocket watch or two on for size, and find the timepiece that best reflects your style and needs.
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