A pocket watch is a cool, yet subtle way to demonstrate both sophistication and style.
Beyond simply making a statement, a fine pocket watch should be made from quality material, have a crystal that won’t easily scratch, all while accurately keeping time.
Not only will we review some of the most popular and highly sought after pocket watches currently on the market, but we will also go over a few key considerations that you should think about before making a purchase, essential care instructions so your pocket watch will look beautiful for years, along with answering a few common questions many men had when it comes to finding the perfect pocket watch for them.
Let’s get started:
Comparison Table of Best Pocket Watches
To help you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect pocket watch, we have compiled a comparison table that highlights the key features and differences between the top pocket watches on the market.
The table includes information on the type of watch movement and unique features, allowing you to easily compare and find the perfect pocket watch to suit your style.
| Pocket Watch | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch | Swiss Quartz | Swiss made, Affordable, Hunter case |
| Hamilton 992B Railroad Pocket Watch | Mechanical hand-wind | American craftsmanship, Mechanical design, Elegant |
| Stuhrling Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watch | Mechanical hand-wind | Skeleton dial, Roman numeral, 23K gold case |
| Charles-Hubert Pocket Watch (Classic Collection) | Mechanical hand-wind | Skeleton dial, Lifetime warranty, Blue dials |
| findTime Digital Pocket Watch | Digital | Multi-functional, Water resistant, Rugged |
| SIBOSUN Antique Skeleton Mechanical Pocket Watch | Mechanical hand-wind | Skeleton dial, Open face design, Mechanical, Affordable |
| Steampunk Pocket Watch | Mechanical hand-wind | Steampunk design, Affordable, Unique color |
| Carrie Hughes Mechanical Skeleton Pocket Watch | Mechanical hand-wind | Intricate design, Mechanical, Affordable |
| Mudder Vintage Pocket Watch | Japanese Quartz | Vintage-inspired, Affordable, Hunter case |
Best Pocket Watches Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch
Swiss watchmaker Tissot is one of the few highly regarded modern watch companies that still make a pocket watches. Unlike so many that have streamlined their product catalog, Tissot offers a variety of pocket watches including this Savonnette pocket watch.
What makes the Savonnette so special is that it effortlessly balances between both being an affordable pocket watch while still carrying on the Tissot legacy.
The compromises made in this pocket watch include the reliance on a mineral crystal and a Swiss quartz movement.
These compromises make for a much more affordable price tag that is well within reach for many.
With a 48.5 mm round case design, it should fill out your palm nicely while also carrying a bit of heft. Made from stainless steel, the watch will naturally resist water and never have rust build up along the edges – making it a potential pocket watch to pass down from one generation to the next (although quartz still hasn’t proven itself given that it’s a rather new invention).
One unique feature within this pocket watch has to do with the face. With roman numeral markings along with a date view at the 6 o’clock mark, you should have all the critical information at just a glance.
While the mineral crystal isn’t nearly as hard as sapphire found in some of the higher-end watches available, the hunter case will fully protect the window when not in use.
Overall it’s a great value and great quality, especially from Tissot.
Type: Swiss quartz
What customers are saying: The Tissot pocket watch has received praise for its classic and elegant design, with high-quality stainless steel construction and easy readability. However, some customers experienced issues with the cover not latching properly. Overall, the watch is appreciated for its style and functionality.
Pros
- Beautiful Swiss made time piece
- Affordable considering the craftsmanship
- Hunter case offers added protection
Cons
- Compromises on both crystal and movement
What You Need To Know
If you are looking for a nice pocket watch but don’t want to spend a fortune, this is one of the best modern offerings out there. The Swiss craftsmanship is second to none.
2. Best As A Family Heirloom: Hamilton 992B Railroad Pocket Watch
The Hamilton 992B was one of the most popular brands of watches used by the trainmen in the early-to-mid 20th century.
Made in Lancaster, PA by the Hamilton Watch Company, it truly is a remarkable timekeeping piece.
While the 992B pictured above is by far one of their most notable models, Hamilton made a variety of other pocket watches which include the following:
While their roots were once based here in the United States, they are now part of Swatch (you can learn more about their history here).
But back to the Hamilton 992B and what makes it so special.
Most notably, the American craftsmanship. Widely considered to be among the finest jewelry that this country has ever produced, the Hamilton 992B Railway Special gave the watch owner a clear and easy-to-read view of the time.
But what makes this watch even more special is when the back case is removed. There you can see an intricate view of the inner workings of how this pocket watch operates.
Needless to say, it worked well for the trainmen at that time.
Of course, with the adoption of the wristwatch, the Hamilton 992B eventually fell out of style.
If you want to learn more about the history of this unique pocket watch, we recommend checking out this page – it was by far the greatest resource we came across when learning about the Hamilton 992B.
When searching sites like eBay, you can routinely find this watch still available for a few hundred dollars (prices naturally vary greatly depending on both watch condition and time of year).
While absent of any sort of waterproof protection or sapphire window, it is a beautiful watch that deserves to be passed down from one generation to the next.
Type: Mechanical hand-wind
Pros
- Rich in history and accurate time keeping
- Elegant design showcases fine American craftsmanship
- Mechanical design will work for generations
- Great choice if buying for a pocket watch collection
Cons
- Must be serviced regularly at a jewelry store
- Lack of any hunter case exposes the mineral window
- Watch chain must often be purchased separately
What You Need To Know
If you want a family heirloom pocket watch, the Hamilton 992B is rich with history, especially if you live in the USA. It’s one of the last great pocket watches ever made.
3. Best For Gift Giving: Stuhrling Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watch
If you’re looking for a classic vintage pocket watch to keep you on time, then the Stuhrling watch may be what you are looking for. Featuring a skeleton dial and roman numerals around the edges, it is a beautiful watch.
Whether you are giving it as a gift or simply buying it for yourself, the 23K gold presents itself incredibly well.
To help keep the cost much lower, Stuhrling relies on their own proprietary Krysterna crystal on both the front and backside of the watch.
While absent of any traditional hunter case (so you will have to be careful), the crystal should still be strong enough to resist some surface scratches and scuffs.
Given that this is a mechanical pocket watch, it doesn’t rely on a battery and will need to be wound about once a day.
Type: Mechanical hand-wind
What customers are saying: Many customers appreciate the appearance and quality of this pocket watch, explaining that it adds a touch of sophistication when dressing for events. However, some find it difficult to read the time due to the low contrast of the hands, and others mention that it does not always keep time accurately.
Pros
- Glass front and back allow you to see the interworkings
- Roman numeral dial gives it a vintage feel
- 23K gold case is beautiful
- One of the best watches under $100
Cons
- Great for formal use, but perhaps not as a heirloom
What You Need To Know
If you are looking for a new pocket watch that is elegant and antique-looking, then the Sturhling makes a great choice. This mechanical skeleton pocket watch is both affordable and beautiful – makes as a great gift.
4. Best Skeleton Design: Charles-Hubert Pocket Watch (Classic Collection)
The Charles-Hubert Paris pocket watch is similar to the Stuhrling, though perhaps a bit more ornate. It features a skeleton face and a small inner dial. The back is also clear, allowing you to view all the elegant and intricate gears as the watch keeps time.
This classic railroad-style watch has an open face design which allows you to easily check the time in an efficient manner. Made from brass, this watch is incredibly durable.
In addition to the watch, Charles-Hubert does also includes a steel chain with a clip (not pictured) and a navy blue and black gift box.
While the movement of this watch is listed as Swiss Automatic, it is a classic mechanical pocket watch that must be hand-wound daily.
As is the case with all watches from the Classic Collection, Charles-Hubert offers a lifetime warranty on the movement of the watch.
Customers love how heavy this watch is in their hand. It’s got a nice feel to it; but is not too heavy that it weighs down your pocket.
Type: Mechanical hand-wind
What customers are saying: Most customers love the Charles Hubert Paris pocket watch for its beautiful design, durability, and smooth operation. However, some find the hands difficult to see and the timekeeping may not be as accurate as desired. Despite this, it is generally considered a high-quality and well-received product.
Pros
- Skeleton dial provides view access of the inner workings
- Movement backed by a lifetime warranty
- Beautiful blue dials contrast nicely against the gears
Cons
- Made from brass and may tarnish over time
What You Need To Know
The perfect pocket watch from the Classic Collection beautifully showcases Charles-Hubert’s craftsmanship. The skeletal dial is a conversation starter and one that you will want to keep looking at.
5. Best Digital: findTime Digital Pocket Watch
This pocket watch is an interesting piece because instead of the standard analog dial, it is a digital pocket watch. This allows the pocket watch to have numerous other functions like a barometer, thermometer, and even an altimeter. Essentially, if you find yourself outdoors often and want a few more functions rather than simple timekeeping, then this digital pocket watch is a great choice.
With a built in water-resistance of 30M (100′), it can withstand getting wet without losing complete functionality.
To further lend to the ruggedness of this digital pocket watch, it relies a on thick and smooth silver chrome case that will fit well into the palm of your hand.
Unlike other pocket watches that are clad with a stainless steel chain, this pocket watch relies on a synthetic necklace.
Given that it’s made from a metal alloy rather than something a bit more lightweight, many men have said that it is a bit heavy.
If you aren’t completely sold on the one dimension of a pocket watch and are looking for greater value in the form of additional functionality, then this digital pocket watch is a great selection.
Type: Digital
What customers are saying: Many customers are happy with their purchase, praising the pocket watch as a great gift and appreciating its features. However, some have experienced issues with battery life, difficulty in setting up and calibrating certain functions, and the need for a special screwdriver to change the battery.
Pros
- Highly functional digital pocket watch
- Made from a smooth chrome case giving it added ruggedness
- Water resistant body should do well when outdoors
Cons
- It’s a bit heavy when compared to others
What You Need To Know
If you find yourself outdoors often and want a functional time-keeping piece that is also a barometer, thermometer, and even an altimeter, then this digital pocket watch is a great pick. Perfect for men who love Swiss-army type products, this watch does a bit of everything.
6. SIBOSUN Antique Skeleton Mechanical Pocket Watch
Fully embracing both the mechanical and skeleton design, this pocket watch by SIBOSUN is the ultimate conversation starter when it comes to pocket watches.
Completely transparent on both the front and back, it gives you an inside look through the skeleton dial as to how a pocket watch truly works.
Unlike so many other pocket watches priced under $200, this pocket watch relies on mechanical movement that must be wound daily (about 10 to 15 times) in order to keep accurate time.
Rather than having a hunter case like many others, this pocket watch is an open case – evoking the same style as the classic railroad pocket watches (almost touching on steampunk design as well).
However, it’s not without its faults.
Most notably will be the time markings.
Unlike railroad pocket watches and even those prior to the 19th century, this pocket watch has very minimal time markings on the face.
Given that it’s fully skeleton dial, the simple line-markings rather than Roman Numerals or Arabic numbers will slow down its efficiency when checking the time.
Another compromise on the design is the crystal.
It’s made from acrylic.
Making this a costume purchase rather than an heirloom piece that you can pass down to future generations.
Flaws aside, it still is a great little pocket watch that is affordably priced. The mechanical skeleton design is great for those looking to get their very first pocket watch.
Type: Mechanical hand-wind
What customers are saying: Many customers appreciate the loud ticking and attractive design of this mechanical pocket watch. However, some customers have found it difficult to read the time and report that the watch is delicate and not suitable for rough usage or children.
Pros
- This skeleton dial provides one of the best unobstructed views of the gears at work
- The open face design on both the front and back is rarely found in pocket watches
- Great pick for the money
- Borders on steampunk design
Cons
- Acrylic crystal makes this ideal for casual use
What You Need To Know
If you want a skeleton pocket watch yet don’t want to put out several hundred dollars, then this watch is a great alternative.
7. Best Steampunk Design: Steampunk Pocket Watch
Like the dragon pocket watch we reviewed, this is another one with roman numerals and an interesting color palette. However, instead of browns and golds, this one is black and blue. The case is intricately designed with swirls and gears evoking a steampunk style that will be sure to turn a few heads.
It comes with a long chain with a clip, so you can safely store it in your pocket without fear of it coming loose.
It uses mechanical movement to remain precise for several hours between winding, making it great for those that want that antique feel.
If you are doing a bit of cosplay or you simply love the steampunk style that is found in so many video games like Final Fantasy or Cyberpunk, it does a great job at blending those lines.
Type: Mechanical hand-wind
What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the pocket watch’s sleek design and unique color, and enjoy seeing the gears actively moving. However, some have experienced problems with the clasp not lining up, plastic instead of glass for the screen, and the watch not lasting very long.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great for casual use
- Steampunk design will generate conversations
Cons
- Compromising components
What You Need To Know
This is the perfect steampunk pocket watch. With a mix of both modern and antique design aesthetics, it functions well as a casual time-keeping piece.
8. Carrie Hughes Mechanical Skeleton Pocket Watch
This handsomely crafted watch has got to be one of the most intricate watches on this list. The case is phenomenal; it features a carving of a Chinese lung dragon alongside a fiery phoenix, all surrounded by clouds engraved in an Oriental style.
Where there is no metal, the watch can be seen clearly underneath, and when you open it up, a fantastic gold and brown color scheme makes for a beautiful frame around the golden gears that make this watch run.
The hands are very fine, with the hour hand being more ornate than the minute hand. Roman numerals in a deep rose gold decorate the outside, set upon what appears to be wood.
This is an ideal gift for yourself or someone you love; it’s positively phenomenal and incredibly cheap.
Type: Mechanical hand-wind
What customers are saying: The pocket watch receives mixed reviews, with customers appreciating its beautiful design and presentation, making it a great gift option. However, some customers have experienced issues with the watch easily breaking or stopping working after a short period of time.
Pros
- Great costume or casual pocket watch that will strike a conversation
- Mechanical movement
- Cheap price
Cons
- Highly compromising components allow for a lower price
What You Need To Know
The unique hunter-style case features a dragon and phoenix that will be sure to start a conversation or two. At an affordable price, it makes for a great casual piece.
9. Mudder Vintage Pocket Watch
Protected behind a hunter case, the Mudder vintage pocket watch is the perfect little costume companion to take with you when outdoors.
While sure, it’s a quartz pocket watch that has an acrylic crystal, it functions well for simply keeping time.
With the oversized Arabic numbers coupled with the larger hour, minute, and second hands, you can easily get the precise time when simply flipping this case open.
Whether you are purchasing this as a conversation starter, costume design, or as a unique gift, it presents extremely well given the price.
Type: Japanese Quartz
What customers are saying: Reviews for this pocket watch are mixed, with some customers appreciating its style and functionality for the affordable price. However, others are disappointed by the watch’s cheap build and unreliable timekeeping, in some cases, the watch stopped working completely after a short period of use.
Pros
- Vintage-inspired look gives it a antique and classic style
- Affordable
- Hunter case protects the fragile crystal
Cons
- It’s not an heirloom piece like others reviewed
What You Need To Know
If you want a simple quartz movement pocket watch that will complement your style, then this pocket watch by Mudder makes a fine choice.
5 Tips for Buying a Pocket Watch
When buying a pocket watch, consider the following:
1. Case Material
You will find that pocket watch cases are commonly made from any of the following metals: stainless steel, titanium, gold, silver, and more.
If you are looking for a pocket watch that appreciates in value, then those relying on classic metals such as gold or silver will be a safe investment. If you want a durable pocket watch, consider a hard metal such as stainless steel or titanium.
2. Watch Crystal
Watch crystals (sometimes referred to as the window or lens) come in three primary varieties. Here’s what you need to know about each:
- Sapphire: One of the hardest minerals according to the Mohs scale (9 out of 10), a sapphire window will resist scratches and scuffs. Sapphire is a luxury crystal only found in pocket watches that costseveral hundred dollars. If you are looking for an heirloom piece that will retain its window clarity for years – go with sapphire.
- Mineral Glass: Found in moderately priced pocket watches, mineral glass is affordable and can resist most scuffs and scratches.
- Acrylic: This material should be avoided as it can get scratched rather easily. The only instance where an acrylic window may make sense is with costume or novelty pocket watches.
3. Open Face vs. Hunter Case (Closed Case)
Pocket watches come with two different case types – open face and hunter case.
Open Face: This pocket watch has no protective cover over the crystal – making it much easier to see the time at a quick glance. The open-face design was popularized by the trainmen of the late 1800s and early 1900s as they could track the time of the inbound and outbound trains in an efficient manner.
Hunter Case: This case originated in England and was used by men during famous fox chases. The hunter case provides protection of the crystal and must be pressed along the side in order to be opened like a clamshell. The hunter case is available in two varieties: full and half hunter.
4. Brands
Here are a few of the widely recognized brands that have or still do make pocket watches:
| Company | Founded | Location | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin | 1863 | Elgin, IL | USA |
| Danbury | 1969 | Norwalk, CT | USA |
| Geneva | 1974 | New York, NY | USA |
| Waltham | 1850 | Waltham, MA | USA |
| Patek Philippe | 1839 | Plan-les-Ouates | Switzerland |
| Tissot | 1853 | Le Locle | Switzerland |
| Bulova | 1875 | New York, NY | USA |
| Hamilton | 1892 | Lancaster, PA | USA |
5. Jewels
When reviewing pocket watches, particularly antique ones, you will often see the mention of the number of jewels on the pocket watch – usually either 17 or 26 jewels.
While it may sound both elegant and expensive, the jewels within pocket watches are there to serve a functional purpose in reducing friction between the movement mechanisms in mechanical watches (source). They carry with them no additional value for the pocket watch itself. The only exception to this would be pocket watches made in the 1800s.
Nearly all modern pocket watches use synthetic ruby or sapphire, whereas old antique pocket watches may (but not always) use real ruby, diamond, or garnet.