Traditionally known as transportable watches, pocket watches are worn as a necklace or in the pocket, with a chain attached to prevent loss. These items were first worn and used in the 1700′s. They are likely the first time pieces to become portable. These items created a new mandate in time-keeping, with precision in time keeping and quality mechanisms used internally to keep the device working accurately.
The introduction of jewels to the bearings of watch mechanisms began in the 1900s. During this era, oil was also introduced to keep the movement and lubricated. This allowed the mechanical parts to maintain functioning for a longer period of time, without need of repair. The second hand was added to increase accuracy of giving the proper time and was eventually used as a method of timing races and events.
Railroad pocket watches were a new product offered during this era, mostly utilized by train engineers and workers, to keep accurate account of arrivals and departures of passenger and transport trains. Accuracy in time was imperative for railroad of long ago, to prevent head on railroad track collisions between two trains on one track, traveling in opposite directions.
By the next century, several new manufacturers of pocket watches came into being and the quality of such time pieces improved significantly. Another century later, certificates for such pieces became a requirement, for makers who produced pocket watches.
While pocket watches were the time pieces of the period, wrist watches eventually took their place, though they were important for quite a long time. They were also used as a means to distinguish one’s style or social status, in many instances. Today, they are purchased by collectors or passed down from one generation to another. So many people collect watches of different styles and makes; there is even such thing as harley davidson pocket watches. Authentic antique working pieces can fetch quite a bit of money, depending on the manufacturer and when it was made.
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