I wore pocket watches through high school (before the days of smartphones) and for years after. Usually a 16s RR grade but occasionally an 1851 English fusee. While I was somewhat careful with the fusee, the old railroad watch was a great timekeeper and was very rugged. As a side note, many jeans are still made with a watch pocket. While I wouldn't wear a repeater with jeans, American railroad grade watches are great for daily carry. When properly set up, they tell better time than modern mechanical watches and can be worn with little worry on a daily basis, especially in jeans. Service isn't an issue. Just use a sturdy chain (the chain fits in the pocket that surrounds the watch pocket on jeans if you don't want to show off) and make sure the crystal/dial faces your body when in the pocket.
I wear pocket watches everyday. From work to days off. I’m glad there’s someone who shares their experience wearing an antique/vintage pocket watch in the 21st century.
Love this topic! Have a photo of my grandfather the day he retired from Union Pacific Railway in 1970. You could clearly see his pocket watch in the upper pocket of his overalls,with his chain leading across the front. Don't think he ever much worried about elements and running into things. It was a Illinois Bunn Special. Love it and keep it for many reasons.
@@PocketWatchTime A 16 size shouldn't be a problem with jeans. A 12 size like the 917 Hamilton mentioned above even less so. I think the pocket was placed to accommodate sitting with a watch in it (though it might be tough to check the time without standing up).
I do wear a pocket watch from time to time, and I repair watches as a hobby. There’s not any problem with moisture or impacts killing the watch if you don’t wear it when doing some kind of sport activities, or loose it on the floor. shock resistance is more relevant for wrist watches. What I find to be the killer of old watches is magnetic fields. That’s a big challenge for old watches made before 1930, or even later. Hence, I find my Hamilton 992E to be the perfect watch to keep in the watch pocket you will find on almost all classic jeans.
Great production here Patrick. You went to a lot of effort. I own one beautiful vintage Hamilton 917 from the 1920s that sits in its original case on my watch display cabinet. It runs well. But it’s not going out into the real world for the reasons that you give.
I have been shopping for a pocket watch for over a year. I haven’t yet made a purchase because my shopping is actually my educational process. I will finally buy my watch once I feel qualified to select the one pocket watch that is right for me. I intend to wear this pocket watch as often as appropriate. Can you recommend any books that will educate me and help me understand the fundamentals and functions of a pocket watch movement? Also, is there a book or resource that would help me understand the differences between late 19th/ early 20th century American pocket watches and Swiss pocket watches? Thank you, in advance, for your attention to my questions.
Sounds like you’re making a great, educated decision. Sadly, I can’t really think of any books. But, I do recommend the NAWCC forums. It’s a free resource of information on all sorts of watches and pocket watches. That’s where I first started learning and researching different pocket watches.
PW. I I have been contemplating, because of where I work, I have to wear identification badges on a lanyard that I attach to my breast pocket everyday. I think I might need a shorter chain but I am thinking about attaching it to my lanyard and keeping the watch in my breast pocket. At most I keep in pen in that pocket... ANYWHO... I will let you know how it works out. :) Great review and video!
@@PocketWatchTime PW thanks! I have only been introduced to those sizes since watching your videos. I am going to start looking for some. I currently only have the 16s Railroad watches.
I wore pocket watches through high school (before the days of smartphones) and for years after. Usually a 16s RR grade but occasionally an 1851 English fusee. While I was somewhat careful with the fusee, the old railroad watch was a great timekeeper and was very rugged. As a side note, many jeans are still made with a watch pocket. While I wouldn't wear a repeater with jeans, American railroad grade watches are great for daily carry. When properly set up, they tell better time than modern mechanical watches and can be worn with little worry on a daily basis, especially in jeans. Service isn't an issue. Just use a sturdy chain (the chain fits in the pocket that surrounds the watch pocket on jeans if you don't want to show off) and make sure the crystal/dial faces your body when in the pocket.
Good suggestion to have the crystal face inward.
I wear pocket watches everyday. From work to days off. I’m glad there’s someone who shares their experience wearing an antique/vintage pocket watch in the 21st century.
That’s amazing. How do you wear it?
@@PocketWatchTime breast pocket from my vest, right jeans small pocket, leather belt pouch, and recently, right waistcoat pocket.
I wear pocket watches everyday as well.
I just had a new product sent in for review… A leather pocket watch “chain“. Review coming soon.
@@PocketWatchTime usually my vest breast pockets. Sometimes jeans pockets, leather belt pouches, and occasionally, waistcoat pockets!
Love this topic! Have a photo of my grandfather the day he retired from Union Pacific Railway in 1970. You could clearly see his pocket watch in the upper pocket of his overalls,with his chain leading across the front. Don't think he ever much worried about elements and running into things. It was a Illinois Bunn Special. Love it and keep it for many reasons.
What a great example of a fabulous railroad watch. Even better knowing it’s a TRUE railroad watch and a family heirloom. Congratulations 🎉
I wear a pocket watch every Friday in my jean’s “pocket watch pocket”. I secure it with a braided lanyard that I designed and make.
How do you find it wears in a jean pocket? Any difficulty sitting do to size of the watch?
@@PocketWatchTime A 16 size shouldn't be a problem with jeans. A 12 size like the 917 Hamilton mentioned above even less so. I think the pocket was placed to accommodate sitting with a watch in it (though it might be tough to check the time without standing up).
@@PocketWatchTime I wear size 16 railroaders, and have never had a problem. Awkward to tell the time while sitting down though.
@@arts.4014 True - standing is probably a must. 😁
@@daverooni7763 Thanks for the comment. Appreciate your insight.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on an interesting topic. Wearing pocket watches in the modern era does seem risky but rewarding.
Definitely risky - but so agree can be very rewarding. Thanks for watching.
I do wear a pocket watch from time to time, and I repair watches as a hobby. There’s not any problem with moisture or impacts killing the watch if you don’t wear it when doing some kind of sport activities, or loose it on the floor. shock resistance is more relevant for wrist watches.
What I find to be the killer of old watches is magnetic fields. That’s a big challenge for old watches made before 1930, or even later. Hence, I find my Hamilton 992E to be the perfect watch to keep in the watch pocket you will find on almost all classic jeans.
Very true. Magnetism is tough on classic watches. Glad to hear you found a pocket watch you can wear from time to time.
Great production here Patrick. You went to a lot of effort. I own one beautiful vintage Hamilton 917 from the 1920s that sits in its original case on my watch display cabinet. It runs well. But it’s not going out into the real world for the reasons that you give.
Thank you.
I don’t think I could ever wear a pocket watch. I’d probably lose it.
🤣 I trust you. That’s what the chain is for.
I have been shopping for a pocket watch for over a year. I haven’t yet made a purchase because my shopping is actually my educational process. I will finally buy my watch once I feel qualified to select the one pocket watch that is right for me. I intend to wear this pocket watch as often as appropriate. Can you recommend any books that will educate me and help me understand the fundamentals and functions of a pocket watch movement? Also, is there a book or resource that would help me understand the differences between late 19th/ early 20th century American pocket watches and Swiss pocket watches? Thank you, in advance, for your attention to my questions.
Sounds like you’re making a great, educated decision. Sadly, I can’t really think of any books. But, I do recommend the NAWCC forums. It’s a free resource of information on all sorts of watches and pocket watches. That’s where I first started learning and researching different pocket watches.
PW. I I have been contemplating, because of where I work, I have to wear identification badges on a lanyard that I attach to my breast pocket everyday. I think I might need a shorter chain but I am thinking about attaching it to my lanyard and keeping the watch in my breast pocket. At most I keep in pen in that pocket... ANYWHO... I will let you know how it works out. :) Great review and video!
If you like smaller 0 size & 6 size watches attaching to a small chain and putting in a breast pocket would look amazing.
@@PocketWatchTime PW thanks! I have only been introduced to those sizes since watching your videos. I am going to start looking for some. I currently only have the 16s Railroad watches.