Old pocket watches for collectors
Antique and vintage pocket watches
A selection of vintage pocket watches for collectors
Looking for a vintage pocket watch? Our team scours the various ads on the web and selects the most interesting vintage pocket watches. We select men's pocket watches as well as ladies' pocket watches. Among the most sought-after watches, we have a few Hamilton pocket watches and Illinois pocket watches to name but a few brands. Our selection is updated daily, here are the gousset watches we have selected today:
SECOND-HAND VINTAGE POCKET WATCHES:
Collecting pocket watches
With the great return of vintage and a search for objects with soul and meaning, gusset watches are very popular with vintage watch collectors. Some rare gusseted watches are superb collectors' items that can fetch very high prices. There are more and more collectors, and the value of gusset watches is rising sharply every year. Investing in vintage pocket watches is therefore an excellent investment as well as an exciting hobby.
A fine Hamilton 10k Gold Filled 992B Grade 21 Jewel Pocket Watch
Where can I find vintage pocket watches?
You can find beautiful vintage pocket watches on this page. Every day, our team selects the pocket watches currently available on the web that deserve your full attention. Some models are particularly sought-after, such as the 1930s window pocket watches. A silver chronometer pocket watch will also be a highly sought-after piece.
Pocket watches from different brands
Our selection includes watches from a variety of manufacturers: for example, you'll find Zenith silver pocket watches with their famous crab-shaped hallmark. There are also chronograph pocket watches from L.LEROY & Cie, a watchmaker for the French Navy. There are also beautiful gousset watches with a 24-hour dial by Frainier available on this page.
Vintage Illinois pocket watches
You will find several Illinois pocket watches in our daily selection. You can pick up an Illinois 14k Gold Filled Bunn Special Grade 21 Jewel Pocket Watch for under $200 or an Illinois 10k Gold for around $130. These are highly sought-after timepieces for vintage watch collectors.
An old Illinois 14k Gold Filled Bunn Special 21 Jewel Pocket Watch
Vintage Omega pocket watches
Vintage Omega pocket watches are highly prized for their quality and history. They represent a real investment for watch enthusiasts and collectors. These watches are distinguished by their hand-wound mechanism, offering an authentic experience of traditional watchmaking.
Sought-after models include sterling silver watches, often with enamelled dials and Roman numerals. Some limited editions, such as the 1932 Olympic chronograph, are particularly coveted for their rarity and unique design.
Features that can influence value include overall condition, the presence of complex mechanisms and the use of precious materials. Interestingly, these watches have also been associated with famous personalities, adding to their appeal and value on the market.
Zenith pocket watches
Zenith pocket watches captivate with their precision and timeless elegance. Renowned for their reliable mechanism, they are prized by collectors. A distinctive feature is their precise time display, often combined with enamelled dials and Arabic numerals.
These carefully crafted watches bear witness to Zenith's expertise in fine watchmaking. They are often considered true works of art, combining aesthetics and functionality.
Certain rare pieces, such as the 18-carat yellow gold models, are particularly sought-after. Their one-piece case and 12 o'clock winding bezel add a touch of sophistication. You can discover these treasures on specialist platforms, where delivery is generally secure.
To own a Zenith pocket watch is not only to acquire an instrument for measuring time, but also a jewel of timeless elegance.
Pocket watches for men
Men are particularly fond of pocket watches. They often look for very specific models, such as Elgin pocket watches. The Elgin brand is particularly popular with American fans of vintage watches. You will regularly find on this page some Elgin 10k Gold Filled B.W. Raymond 478 for example. Men also look for Tissot pocket watches and other popular Swiss brands (Longines, Universal Genève...). Men are looking for elegant pocket watches in good working order or to renovate in order to obtain a lower price.
A vintage Elgin 10k gold pocket watch
Vintage pocket watches for women
Women are also increasingly interested in pocket watches. They are looking for precise models with feminine designs, often with smaller dials and cleaner lines. There are a number of particularly sought-after pocket watch models, such as women's pocket watches from the 1920s to the 1940s.
A selection of art-deco pocket watches
Art-deco pocket watches are particularly sought-after by enthusiasts of this period. With their square or rectangular dials and their design so representative of this artistic movement, art-deco pocket watches are not easy to find on the market. We will add to this list any art-deco gousset watch worthy of your interest. You will therefore regularly find 1920s pocket watches on this page.
The most sought-after antique pocket watches
The most sought-after antique pocket watches are often horological treasures, prized for their rarity and history. Among these coveted timepieces, certain brands stand out for their prestige and expertise. Patek Philippe pocket watches, for example, are highly prized by collectors for their sophisticated complications.
Other brands such as Vacheron Constantin and Breguet, renowned for their watchmaking excellence, also produce highly sought-after models.
The features that make these watches so special include complex mechanisms, precious materials such as 18-carat gold, and unique designs that are often impossible to reproduce today. Here are a few examples of particularly popular models:
- Multi-complication watches from Patek Philippe
- Gold models from Vacheron Constantin
- Historic timepieces by Breguet
To own such a watch is to own a piece of history.
What is the value of a pocket watch? Estimate
As we saw earlier, pocket watches are becoming more and more valuable as they are increasingly appreciated by collectors of antique watches. But how much is a pocket watch worth? There is no easy answer, but here are the criteria that determine the value of your pocket watch:
- the rarity of the model: a very rare model will be much more expensive.
- the brand: a Cartier pocket watch will obviously be much more expensive than a pocket watch from an unknown or less well-known brand
- the working order of the watch: a fob watch that has been serviced and is in good working order will be valued more highly
- the material: an 18k gold or silver pocket watch will be worth more
- the beauty of the watch: difficult to quantify, but it's clear that the most beautiful models are the ones that receive the most offers.
How can you tell if a pocket watch is valuable? To give you a few specific examples, a Longines 18k gold pocket watch can be found on the second-hand market for around €500. On the other hand, a regulator pocket-watch from an unknown manufacturer can be bought for less than €60. And some very rare models will easily top €5,000. As you can see, there are pocket watches to suit every budget, and that's what makes them so fascinating to study and collect.
What is the price of an antique gold pocket watch?
The value of an antique gold pocket watch depends on several criteria. The material is crucial: an 18-carat gold watch, for example, can fetch high prices on the market. The brand also plays a key role. Renowned manufacturers such as Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin are particularly prized, increasing the watch's value.
The general condition of the watch, including the case and movement, also influences the price. A mechanism in good condition or a rare mechanical movement can increase the value.
Finally, the rarity and age of the watch are decisive. A watch produced in a limited series or dating from a significant historical period can fetch considerable sums. For a wise purchase, it is advisable to call in an expert for an accurate appraisal.
How can I tell if a pocket watch is valuable?
To determine whether a pocket watch is valuable, several criteria need to be examined. Prestigious brands such as Patek Philippe, Omega or Longines are often sought after by collectors. Next, it's important to check the materials used:
- Gold or silver, which increase the value
- Precious stones integrated into the mechanism
- Complex and raremechanisms
The general condition of the watch is also crucial. A well-preserved watch, with a case and dial in good condition, will be worth more. The rarity and age of the watch are other determining factors. A model produced in a limited series or dating from a specific era may have an exceptional value. For an accurate valuation, consulting an expert is often recommended.
How can I tell the date of a pocket watch?
To determine the date of a pocket watch, several key elements need to be examined. Start by checking the make of the watch. Some well-known brands keep historical records that can help. The serial number is also crucial; it is often engraved on the inside of the case or on the movement.
Also look for hallmarks on the watch, as these can indicate the year and place of manufacture. The materials used, such as gold or silver, can also provide clues to the era.
Don't forget to look at the dial and the style of the hands. For example, watches with enamelled dials and Roman numerals are often older. By combining these clues, you will be able to date your watch with some accuracy.
Where can I sell an antique pocket watch?
There are several options for selling your antique pocket watch. Sites specialising in the sale of antiques, such as Proantic or eBay, are ideal platforms for reaching a public of passionate collectors. These sites allow you to highlight the unique features of your watch, increasing your chances of selling it at a good price.
Local antique dealers may also be interested in buying pocket watches. They know the market well and can offer you a fair valuation.
Auctions are another possibility. They often attract connoisseurs ready to invest in rare pieces.
Finally, don't hesitate to send us an email and we'll give you a free estimate. This will help you set a realistic price and maximise your profits.
How do I open an antique pocket watch?
To open an antique pocket watch without damaging it, it is advisable to use the appropriate tools and follow certain steps. Start by identifying the type of case on your watch. If the case is screwed on, a small pair of pliers can be useful for gently unscrewing it in an anti-clockwise direction.
For a case without a notch, a rubber ball works well. Apply it to the cover and turn gently to release the mechanism. Be careful, as the internal mechanism is fragile.
Before handling your watch, prepare a clean, well-lit work area. Have a microfibre cloth handy to protect the surface. Always take your time and, if the cover resists, consider consulting a professional to avoid any damage.
How do I identify the brand of a pocket watch?
To identify the brand of a pocket watch, carefully examine several strategic areas of your watch. Start with the dial, where the mark may be discreetly inscribed. If the brand is not visible here, open the case to inspect the internal movement.
Prestigious brands often place their logo or name on the mechanism. Don't forget to check the case back too. You might find engravings or a serial number, which could indicate the manufacturer.
Some antique watches also have hallmarks, which can reveal information about the case material and geographical origin. Use a magnifying glass to decipher these often tiny details. If you have any doubts, send us a photo and we will try to help you.
A fine example of a 19th century gousset watch with cockerel movement (often called a cockerel watch).
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