How to wear and use a Pocket Watch

One of the most common questions we receive from customers is asking how to operate and wear a pocket watch correctly.  We have therefore created the following guidance which we hope assists in the pleasure of using our pocket watches.

Setting the time on Quartz Pocket Watches

Just like a standard quartz wristwatch, our quartz pocket watches operate by pulling out the crown (at the top of the pocket watch) and winding clockwise to set the correct time. Push the crown back in to start the movement and begin time keeping.  We have silver, gold and gun metal Quartz pocket watches available.

Mechanical Pocket Watches

Mechanical pocket watches depend upon the stored energy in the main spring to power the movement and therefore should be wound daily.

To wind the watch, lift and turn the crown in the clockwise direction anywhere from 30-40 half turns until it stops. Push the crown back down into the normal operating position. Winding and setting of the time should be done daily. However, do not over wind, as this can damage the spring mechanism.

Mechanical pocket watches typically have an accuracy +/- 60 seconds within a 24 hour period. This is due to temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and altitude affecting the movement. For this reason, a mechanical pocket watch should not only be fully wound, but the time should also be reset daily. If the watch is wound only, the time could be off by several minutes within a few days.

How to Open & Close Hunter-Cased Pocket Watches

To open the watch, you depress the crown (the winding knob) which is connected through a spring to the latch. To close a hunter-case watch, press the winder as you push the case gently closed – it’s important that you don’t “snap” the case-lid shut. Doing this will wear out the spot on the case-rim where the latch engages.

How to Open & Close Double Hunter Pocket Watches

To open a double hunter case, press the button on top of the winder gently to open the front case. Press the button further to open both the front and back cases.
To close a double hunter watch, press the winder, it is important that you don’t “snap” the case-lid shut, doing this will wear out the latch.

Mechanical pocket watches typically have an accuracy +/- 60 seconds within a 24 hour period. This is due to temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and altitude affecting the movement. For this reason, a mechanical pocket watch should not only be fully wound, but the time should also be reset daily. If the watch is wound only, the time could be off by several minutes within a few days.

See our full collection of Wholesale Pocket Watches here: Dalaco Pocket Watch Collection

How To Wear a Pocket Watch With a Waistcoat

The classic way to wear a pocket watch is at the end of a fob chain in your waistcoat pocket. This look is traditional yet stylish, and very popular for weddings.  To wear a wedding pocket watch with a waistcoat, the fob chain should pass through the buttonholes in the middle of the waistcoat and then feed through to a pocket on the other side. The watch can then be placed into your waistcoat (or jacket) pocket, leaving the decorative chain on show.

How To Wear a Pocket Watch With a Suit

A pocket watch can also be paired with a suit rather than simply just a waistcoat and shirt. This look is slightly more formal, great for creating a powerful impression at work parties or high-class special events.

If your suit is not three-piece (i.e does not include a waistcoat), there are still a number of ways you can attach your pocket watch. A pocket watch chain can be attached through your suit jackets buttonhole, leaving the watch free to be slipped into your jacket pocket. Otherwise, a belt loop chain will allow you to attach your pocket watch to your trouser belt loop, with the watch safely stored in your trouser pocket.

How to you wear a Watch Albert chain

The classic Albert T-Bar is best paired with a waistcoat or jacket. The buttonhole will hold the bar in place; allowing you to attach the pocket watch to the other end and store in the breast or side pocket

The double Albert watch chain is characterised by having two equal lengths of chain attached to the T-bar. One chain was used to hold the pocket watch, and the other was, traditionally, used to hold the watch key to wind the movement.  With a double albert, the chain attaches to the waistcoat or vest by the middle (usually a central T-bar) and the end of the chain is kept in a separate pocket