We see them all the time at auctions: the ubiquitous pocket watch. A coveted timepiece of yester-year, pocket watches are enjoying a small revival of interest among collectors and aficionados thanks to new updated looks, unusual materials and even convertible styles.
A decade ago, you could barely find a pocket watch as part of a watch brand’s regular collection. The new move toward pocket watches reflects today’s modern man and his desire to wear a pocket watch with jeans, hanging from belt loops, and in other innovative ways. Today, there are at least a dozen top-tier brands creating pocket watches as part of their current collections. Among those embracing the concept are Bovet, Bell & Ross and Chopard.
Sometimes these modern-day pocket watches are reinvented renditions of original designs, but with a contemporary twist such as a leather cord instead of traditional chains, or creating them in high tech and unusual materials or finishes. Additionally, some brands offer convertible pieces that are extremely versatile. Some brands offer pocket watches whose chain can be removed and straps can be added for wristwatch wear, and some even convert to tabletop clocks.
In fact, thanks to a cleverly engineered system, Bovet offers superb masterpieces that can be worn as pocket watch, wristwatch or used for bedside table clock. The Bovet Amadeo® Fleurier is a convertible self-winding pocket watch that is sold with a leather strap for the wrist and with a goldplated chain to be worn as a pocket watch. It also features a flip-down caseback that converts it to a small table clock. The newest piece from Bovet is the Amadeo®Fleurier Tourbillon Virtuoso III –a 5-day tourbillon with retrograde perpetual calendar. This watch is a technical and artistic masterpiece. It features the calendar information printed on sapphire discs and placed on the perimeter of the dial. By doing this, the tourbillon escapement has plenty of room to show off. A technical challenge to build due to many minor intricacies of mechanics, this convertible pocket watch is the consummate expression of time and art.
Similarly, Chopard offers the L.U. C Louis Ulysse The Tribute pocket watch that can be worn as a pocket watch or fitted into a cradle on a leather strap and worn as a wrist watch. First released several years ago as attribute piece to celebrate Louis Ulysse Chopard, who founded the brand in 1860, the mechanical watch is crafted in 18-karat white gold and is a COSC-certified chronometer. The watch can be transformed from pocket watch to wristwatch in one swift move, thanks to a system based on adjustable lugs and a cradle – making switching back and forth between wristwatch and pocket-watch simple.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Bell & Ross offers a very functional and traditional pocket watch in its Heritage PW1 pocket watch based on vintage aviator inspired timepieces. The 49mm piece houses a manual wind movement and features a grooved crown that pilots could work with while wearing gloves. The domed crystal gives the watch a vintage appeal. This watch is strictly a pocket watch, but offers an authentic look that is at once both urban chic and trendy.
