Pocket watch - a symbol of status

Pocket watch was available in two main types. The open faced watch and the Hunter watch. The open faced watches had no lid covering the face of the watch. This was prone to scratches and dust getting collected on the face of the watch. The hunter watch had a spring hinge metal lid covering the face of the watch. This protected the watch from dust and damage. The early ones had poor mechanism and the time kept by the pocket watch was not accurate. This was not satisfying the railroad to maintain their timetable. The better method to show a standard time was adopted by the railroad people. This later came to be known as a standard time of railroad.

By the seventeenth century the clockmakers had expertise to make better pocket watches. Exquisite carving and colorful dials came into fashion. Each watchmaker had his name engraved on the watch made by him. The cost on manufacturing pocket watch was high as every part of the watch was done individually and assembled by one person and by hand. Then a mass production with manufacturing and assembling were brought under one roof. With the overheads reduced, the pricing was also kept under control.

The nineteenth century saw the new makers jump into the manufacturing of pocket watch. Newer looking designs and functionalities were introduced. Introduction of crown winder was done during this period. Issuing certificates to watchmakers who produced precision time and ideal design was brought about in practice. 

In the present day a whole lot of styles which are unique to look and resemble antiques are being manufactured.  The mind boggling varieties have made choosing the right pocket watch more confusing. The bejeweled one with good designs on it may be a good choice but still not cost much. It makes a fine gift for the near and dear ones. An excellently crafted pocket watch is a feast to the eye.

Today internet has provided the public a great venue to go online and explore the variety of watches available around the world. The feel of the watch can be viewed so distinctively on the websites. With Christmas round the corner, people are making hectic purchases to gift their loved ones. To ease the confusion of what is to be purchased, the online watch stores offer a great variety of pocket watch designs which compete with one another in beauty and fashion.