Antique Watches
Sophisticated, suave, charming, stylish and refined is the character that comes to mind, which chooses to wear an antique watch. There are many different sizes, styles and mechanical workings of antique watch to choose from, whether you wish to purchase a wristwatch or pocket watch in gold or silver. The clock face and hands will distinguish the style of the antique watch largely, there are a large number of visually appealing attractive antique watches to choose from, each with their own story of who wore it in the past, the life they lead and the time that past them by.
History of the Watch
Keeping track of the time has been an age-old pursuit- measuring the passing of the hours evolving over the years. The idea one could carry around a portable time keeping device was first realised in 1524 by Peter Henlain who made the first pocket watch, this particular pocket watch could be attached to ones clothing with a pendant chain.
In 1868 Patek Phillipe went one step further and developed the first wristwatch, the majority of first antique wristwatches being worn by women as an accessory. In 1904 Alberto Santos-Dumont commissioned Louis Cartier for a men’s wristwatch so he could tell the time whilst flying, due to the fairly recent history of the male wristwatch, men’s antique watches are hence more likely to be pocket watches.
Digital watches will not be considered antique as they were not available until the middle of the 1900s, therefore antique watches will be analogue watches, although it is possible to pick up a nice vintage digital watch.
Types of Antique Watch
Antique watches will require regular adjustments and will need to be carefully maintained, they may need regular winding and will benefit from special cleaning. Antique wristwatches tend to be mechanical in terms of movement, these mechanisms can be affected by positioning, magnetism and also temperature so may require attention every so often. One benefit of a mechanical watch is their visible mechanisms, so one can appreciate their true craftsmanship.
With regard to antique pocket watches, you can choose from an open-faced pocket watch, a hunter style pocket watch whether it be a full, half or double antique hunter pocket watch. What type of antique hunter pocket watch you desire will be dependent on how much of the face you wish to be covered.
A full hunter pocket watch is often in ornate casing, engraved with initials on the inner, occasionally with a picture. Half hunter pocket watches were developed as to ease telling the time, as you did not have to open the casing to tell the time.
A double hunter pocket watch is encased front and back, whereas a double half hunter pocket watch is encased on the back and front but with the viewable time and mechanical workings.
Antique pocket watches have two types of mechanism, a key wind mechanism and a stem wing mechanism, the key wind mechanism is more likely to be found in an older antique watch.
A skeleton antique pocket watch is an attractive accessory as you are able to see all of the inner mechanical workings.
Unique engravings, different types of numerals and jewels embedded in the face of the antique watch will all contribute to increasing its value. Visually there are many attractive vintage wristwatches; vintage watches by Patek Phillippe and Rolex are towards the more valuable, high-end spectrum of vintage wristwatches. A classic accessory an antique watch will make a unique addition to an outfit or a thoughtful keepsake gift.
