Is There a Market for Antique Pocket Watches?

 The history of the pocket watch dates to the 16th Century when advancements in miniaturizing clock mechanisms made it possible to create the first portable and wearable timepieces. Symbols of status and sophistication, the first models resembled portable clocks worn round the neck, known as clock watches or Nuremberg eggs, in deference to a German Locksmith called Peter Henlein, who arguably produced the first pieces. As the shape evolved throughout the 17th Century to the smooth, rounded shape we are more familiar with today, there was a fashionable upsurge when Charles II introduced the waistcoat as men's attire, which included a front pocket that could carry a small timepiece.

^{A Sir John Bennett of 65 Cheapside pocket watch}

^{Sold for £76,000}

As royal patronage is always an indicator of fashion trends, the pocket watch evolved again in the 19th Century when Prince Albert introduced a chain attached to the watch at one end and to clothing at the other with a fob. The "Albert Chain" was a fashionable accessory that combined function and form by preventing damage and loss of the pocket watch while adding a highly decorative element. 

Technological advancement came in tandem with fashionable evolution, such as the stem-winding mechanism and the stem set movement invented in 1842 by Adrien Philippe and sold by Patek Philippe & Co. in the 1850s. These mechanisms eliminated the need to wind the watch up with a separate key, and their popularity was further enhanced when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert became the first owners of them.

The First World War saw a decline in the popularity of pocket watches when timepieces strapped to the wrist, trench watches, were regarded as an altogether more practical and convenient solution to timekeeping, keeping both hands free and heralding the popularity of the wristwatch.

^{Rare Cartier 18k Minute Repeater Open Faced Pocket Watch}

^{Sold for £17,000}

However, as is always the case, fashions rise and fall like the tide, and in the 1920s and 1970s we saw a resurgence in the popularity of three-piece suits, for which a pocket watch is regarded as de rigour. Indeed, even today, with the popularity of costume dramas and the huge success of hit series Peaky Blinders, a pocket watch is still regarded as a symbol of style and nostalgia.

As a result, there is an avid collectors' market for pocket watches, which are prized for their aesthetic appeal and horological significance. The value of a pocket watch is determined by several factors, including its age, rarity, condition, and maker's reputation. Collectors often look for pieces with unique designs, historical significance, and original parts.

In recent years, Dawsons has facilitated the sale of many pocket watches, most notably a John Bennett minute repeating full hunter pocket watch believed to be a gift to Sir Winston Churchill from H. H Asquith in 1905,given to him for crossing the floor to the Liberal Party from the Conservatives, which ignited interest from all over the world, and after a fierce bidding war, it eventually sold for £76,000 in 2024.

^{Montres Niton Genève open-face Jump hour pocket watch}

^{Sold for £8,500}

Here at Dawsons, our expert team of Valuers provide accurate current market valuations, whilst our unique and bespoke in-house marketing is designed to engage a huge audience of known collectors and enthusiasts, in order to ensure that we secure the best price for your pocket watch at auction.

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Nicky Houston

Our Head of Department - Jewellery, Silver & Watches... Nicky is a highly respected Auctioneer & Valuer, who had dreams of becoming an artist. Whilst she may not have made it as a successful artist herself, Nicky has helped many a customer to successfully sell and buy beautiful pieces of jewellery and works of art over her many years working within the auction industry.

 

Jewellery Silver & Objects of Virtue Watches

Are you thinking of selling a pocket watch?

With a global audience of more than 10 million known bidders, Dawsons can secure the highest prices.

Get in touch with an expert Valuer for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help you:

0207 431 9445 / info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk