The small change pocket.........

Jun 16, 2009,11:44 AM
 

in your jeans is (iirc) actually the "watch pocket", introduced by Levi's in his jeans (around 1900??); gold-miners and other working people didn't wear waistcoats, so Levi provided them with the small pocket to carry their pocket-watches, the watch chain could easily be attached to a "belt lug" (sorry don't know the English name for that).
I also have a few pocket watches, and when I wear one, I use this little pocket in my jeans, it's very convenient (as long as the watch isn't too big); I must admit the times I use a pocket watch are really rare, usually only for a day or so when I've repaired one to see if it runs OK; even then I only do so with the "newer" ones, ie from the 1920-1940's, like these Corteberts:



Older ones in my modest collection are hardly ever worn, they probably would be reliable timekeepers, but I'm a bit scared that they could get damaged, this old chronograph with calendar-pointer never leaves the house:





Paul

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Are pocket watches still ‘functional’?

 
 By: AndrewD : June 16th, 2009-05:30
Hi All, I recall reading that when men’s wristwatches became more widely available in the 1920’s, the pocket watch carriers dismissed them as a passing fad. Wristwatches had been worn by females for several decades before they were used by the (appropriat...  

Sometimes...

 
 By: LeonDNumidia : June 16th, 2009-06:56
Only if I have to do some serious handwork (the garden, my car, cooking in the grill, etc...) and I'm feeling highly worried about messing awfully with my wristwatches. In this cases I found it very usefull actualy. Also, use to keep it in the small pocke... 

The small change pocket.........

 
 By: Paul K : June 16th, 2009-11:44
in your jeans is (iirc) actually the "watch pocket", introduced by Levi's in his jeans (around 1900??); gold-miners and other working people didn't wear waistcoats, so Levi provided them with the small pocket to carry their pocket-watches, the watch chain...  

Nice collection..

 
 By: W72 : June 16th, 2009-18:42
That is a nice collection of pocketwatches. Great that you do your own repairs. I wish I have the skills to do some basic stuff myself but I doubt - my eyes and hands are not really watch technician grade. Thanks for showing us. W72

Cool photos, Paul!

 
 By: dxboon : June 17th, 2009-02:11
I love the movement on that pocket watch! Very handsome! Cheers, Daos

I think so, yes

 
 By: cazalea : June 16th, 2009-09:45
Hi, I have about 20 of them. Here's a selection of my favorites. As indicated this past weekend in the Financial Times watch section, they are just coming onto the radar at auctions. I believe that's partially because you can get a nice watch for a very l...  

i dont own one, but i see no reason why not.

 
 By: G99 : June 16th, 2009-10:46
it would mean that you are using it purely for its main purpose, telling the time, whereas many wristwatches are also a form of Jewellery. best Graham

Almost always.

 
 By: Robert Durick : June 16th, 2009-14:47
I may have a hundred or so mechanical pocket watches. I normally carry a quartz pocket watch. I find the Swiss Army pocket watches to be really readable (time wise; the calendar on the one I'm reading today is unreadable for an old man). And I have a Skag... 

Farmers...

 
 By: Richard C : June 16th, 2009-15:36
I've always thought that farmers would find them useful in that a pocket watch would be safe from damage when working on heavy machinery etc while accessable enough for occasional reference, like when to come home or have a lunch break.

Oh Yes..

 
 By: W72 : June 16th, 2009-17:47
Pocketwatches are very "functional" timepieces to use even today. I sometime carry one during the normal workdays and would place it on the desk when in the office. It is easy to read the time because of its relative large dial at >50mm. Leaving it in the... 

What's ticking?

 
 By: AndrewD : June 16th, 2009-18:00
Nice story. Thanks....  

Nah..

 
 By: W72 : June 16th, 2009-18:36
Andrew, we pocketwatch enthusiast are infintely more peace loving .... tic. tic. tic. .. a perfectly poised balance W72...  

Gorgeous! :-) [nt]

 
 By: dxboon : June 17th, 2009-02:13
No message body

You may be right …

 
 By: AndrewD : June 17th, 2009-17:41
Pocket watch users may be even more gentle souls than mechanical wristwatch wearers. Mine certainly transport me back to more quiet and gentle times. Actually I left the pocket chronograph pictured above on the dressing table last night and my wife compla... 

I do not own one...

 
 By: MiniCooper : June 16th, 2009-20:19
but I have been looking for one. Any suggestions are more than welcome Cheers

Lovely watch, Andrew!

 
 By: dxboon : June 17th, 2009-02:09
I like the idea of pocket watches for men (they seem silly for women, based on our clothing choices), but I'm not sure how they can be adapted for wearing with today's outfits (so many offices have moved from suits to business casual). Men carry so many m... 

I was thinking EXACTLY the same thing! LOL

 
 By: AndrewD : June 17th, 2009-03:27
I was planning to wear the Ultra-Chron to the film and get some photos in front of the movie posters. The new story line: Ultrachron battling Megatron to take control of the Decepticons and forming an alliance with the Autobots to end the millennial war. ... 

Correction: Read in context with Ultra-Chron post …

 
 By: AndrewD : June 17th, 2009-03:36
Hi Daos, Replied in haste, but please read this in context with your Ultra-Chron post . Andrew

Waistcoats …

 
 By: AndrewD : June 17th, 2009-03:46
Hi Daos, I don’t know if I am completely unfashionable, but a have several waistcoats. I rarely wear them with suits, but over a shirt in spring and autumn (fall) when the weather is milder. That is the occasion that I may carry a pocket watch. Fob pocket... 

Waistcoats are cool!

 
 By: dxboon : June 17th, 2009-23:15
I'm sure you are a well-heeled gent, Andrew! My cousin Paul loves his waistcoats, or vests. I think they are very handsome clothing items for men. It is wonderful that you have your grandfather's pocket watch, and have added some of your own important mem... 

no no no Daos...

 
 By: MiniCooper : June 17th, 2009-05:44
I think that you are wrong. A woman can pull of a pocket watch under certain circumstances- if a woman can wear a 44mm Panerai and look nice why not a pocket watch? True may be not with a dress, but with a pair of trousers (not skinny) it would go very we... 

:-) I like your modern sensibilities, PinkPanther!

 
 By: dxboon : June 17th, 2009-23:24
Perhaps you are right and plenty of women could pull off wearing a pocket watch, but I just don't want to be one of them! Now, a 44mm Panerai, that piques my interest! Actually, even a 47mm Panerai sounds lovely, but I do think that may be too large for m... 

Try this ...

 
 By: AndrewD : June 17th, 2009-23:50
I know that few of us here are entirely normal, but if I saw a lady using a pocket watch it would certainly prick my interest. One of my staff wears a pocket watch in a half hunter case on a chain around her neck (similar to the one pictured). It is unfor...  

Interesting notion, Andrew!

 
 By: dxboon : June 18th, 2009-00:01
I don't think I can afford to be any weirder at the office than I already am though -- they will kick me out! Daos

there is....

 
 By: MiniCooper : June 18th, 2009-04:20
a middle way... A Radiomir which is 45mm and more comfortable on the wrist Cheers