| ver pocket watch is something other pieces of | | | | After a massive train wreck in Kipton, Ohio in |
| jewelry are not: it is timeless. Pocket watches are | | | | 1891, railroad officials established a precision |
| the very epitome of elegance. They exude quiet | | | | standard for railroad pocket watches. In 1893, |
| wealth and charm, and give their bearer distinction. | | | | stringent standards for silver pocket watches |
| Pocket watches are personal timepieces that can | | | | were adapted in railroading. |
| be carried around in one's pocket. They are | | | | Pocket Watches Today |
| strapless, and they sport traditionally analog | | | | In modern times, silver pocket watches have |
| displays. Though not always a present feature, | | | | become collectors' items. An antique pocket |
| silver pocket watches often have a hinged cover | | | | watch is bound to catch the attention of |
| to protect the watch face. Fobs or pocket watch | | | | enthusiasts. Pocket watches have also |
| chains are always present to secure the | | | | considerably increased in value. Despite their plain |
| timepiece to a waistcoat, belt loop, or lapel. Most | | | | faces, railroad pocket watches are particularly |
| antique pocket watches also have fasteners | | | | appealing for the quality of their craftsmanship. |
| designed to be put through buttonholes and worn | | | | There are also several vintage pocket watches |
| in a waistcoat or jacket. | | | | worthy of mention. |
| Keep It Open, or Keep It Closed | | | | An Elgin pocket watch made 50 to 150 years ago |
| Pocket watches could be any one of two types. | | | | can still be of practical use today. These pocket |
| The first type are open-faced watches, or | | | | watches are considered symbols of America's rise |
| hunter-cased, often known as Savonette. The | | | | from an agricultural country to the powerful |
| second, and possibly the most common type, has | | | | industrial country it is today. Waltham pocket |
| a hinged front cover that protects the crystal | | | | watches were the first antique gold pocket |
| face of the watch. Traditionally, the stem or | | | | watches to be mass produced, with the idea of |
| pendant of a Savonette is set at its twelve | | | | producing gold pocket watches at an affordable |
| o'clock position. The hunter's stem, on the other | | | | price. |
| hand, is placed at the three o'clock position. | | | | Hamilton pocket watches are known for their |
| Modern manufacturers of new pocket watches, | | | | precision. In fact, most of their watches became |
| however, are not bound by tradition, regardless | | | | the standard for railroad pocket watches. By |
| of the cases they use. Sometimes, mechanism | | | | 1923, 53 percent of their production was solely |
| intended for modern wristwatches are being used | | | | dedicated to the manufacture of railroad pocket |
| in silver pocket watches nowadays. This is a trend | | | | watches. Another antique pocket watch worthy |
| virtually unheard of with the old, classic silver | | | | of mention are the very rare and much |
| pocket watches. | | | | sought-after Verge pocket watches. |
| Pocket Watches on the Railway | | | | The pocket watch is a survivor. It survived the |
| The last half of the 19th century saw a rise in | | | | painful beginnings of the railroad system and is still |
| railroading, as well as the use of silver pocket | | | | worn today, in the age and place of |
| watches. Old pocket watches became a | | | | commercialism. Beautiful, exquisite, and timeless, |
| requirement for all railroad workers, for the sole | | | | the pocket watch will undoubtedly be around for |
| reason of preventing train wrecks. | | | | years, perhaps even centuries, more. |