Pocket Watch Guide

For as long as people have been collecting pocket watches, the gold pocket watch has been a a much sought after item. As the price of gold continues to increase, more and more collectors are looking to purchase these precious timepieces for their collections. However, a gold pocket watch won’t necessarily come cheap these days. If you’re willing to spend some money though, you can find a wonderful selection of beautiful pocket watches made of gold.

There are some gold pocket watches out there that are simply plated or leafed. These are cheaper versions and should not be confused with the solid gold pocket watch. Solid gold will not chip off, revealing a non-golden layer below and will last for a very long time, even a century or more, if well-maintained!

Before the 16th century, the idea that of a portable timepiece was absolutely ludicrous to most people. Few people had personal clocks, let alone a clock they carried with them. Clocks were huge and heavy and often only housed in large buildings such as cathedrals. Suddenly a breakthrough occurred and clocks became small and lightweight, able to be carried in one’s pocket. The pocket watch was born.

By the end of the sixteenth century, pocket watches were all the rage; a luxury item everyone wanted. By the 17th century, they were so popular that many a watchmaker had gone into making these new pocket style watches. The first pocket watches were made of steel by blacksmiths and locksmiths. In the 17th century, watchmakers started adding gems and diamonds, and of course, solid gold.

There are many beautiful gold pocket watches to choose from. Among them is the Elgin 18K Solid Gold Antique Pocket Watch. This little beauty is a size 18 with 11 jewels, circa 1884. She’ll run you about $3,500 in mint condition. The Gustave Sachs Antique 18K Solid Gold Pocket Watch, which is a size 18 with 21 jewels, circa 1880, will set you back about $2,1000. There are many others on the market and prices range from about $500 on the low end to $5,000 or more, depending on the age and condition of the watch. Of course, the gold plays a big role in the price as well as whether or not it carries the antique or vintage title.

If you’re in the market for a nice gold pocket watch, whether it be new or antique, there’s something out there for everyone, guaranteed!