Which Pocket Watch Should You Choose?

Since its creation in 1505, the pocket watch has always been regarded as a true fashion accessory. First worn around the neck as a pendant watch and later slipped into a small fob pocket, this extraordinary timepiece quickly evolved over the years.

Of course, all the great watch manufactures we know today (Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Patek Philippe) played a part in its technological and aesthetic development.

Unfortunately, it suffered a sad decline when the First World War broke out. For strategic reasons, soldiers on the front needed quick access to the time—something that wasn’t easy with a pocket watch. As a result, it gave way to the object of our true passion: the wristwatch.

However, the old pocket watch hasn’t said its last word—and for good reason. For a few years now, it has been coming back into fashion, right alongside the vintage trend. At least, that’s the mission the team at Atelier Gousset have set themselves—a boutique dedicated to it!

With that in mind, in this article we’re going to explain how to choose the right one, so that you too can assert your old-school style!

Ready? Then let’s discover all of this together right now!

1. Which watch movement should you choose?

Before getting to the heart of the matter, it’s important to lay the groundwork so you can understand what we’re going to talk about. To choose the right pocket watch, we first recommend determining which movement will best match your needs and expectations.

So, let’s start by discovering together the three most common types of movements today.

Mechanical movement:

The inside of a watch is just as important as the outside, which is why the hand-wound mechanical movement is certainly the mechanism most prized by purists.

For the uninitiated, this type of movement works thanks to the mechanical energy stored in the mainspring. As it unwinds, it transmits its power to the rest of the watch mechanism (escapement, balance, gear train, etc.), allowing the hands on the dial to turn.

Then, once it has fully unwound, that is the precise moment when the mechanical pocket watch stops. All you need to do is wind it manually via its winding crown, and it will run again as if it were day one. Simple as that.

*Note that for some enthusiasts, winding their watch every morning is considered a true horological ritual.

So if you love fine mechanics (especially if you choose a skeleton pocket watch), this movement is made for you!

Automatic movement:

Automatic pocket watches work exactly like those fitted with the previous movement, with one key difference: they wind themselves.

This feature comes down to a single component called the rotor. It’s a small oscillating weight that follows the wearer’s movements and automatically winds the mainspring.

Now, if you want to enjoy the advantages of a mechanical watch (craftsmanship, prestige, no battery required) and you’d like the convenience of automatic winding, then this type of movement is for you!

Quartz movement:

It’s easy to use, requires almost no maintenance, and is cheaper than the others. That’s why it’s the best-selling movement in the world. Thanks to the way it works, it delivers timekeeping that is reliable, accurate, and consistent over time.

What more is there to say?

A quartz pocket watch will be perfect for someone who wants a good-looking watch (without spending too much), without having to worry about what’s going on inside. Quite simply.

2. Which style should you choose?

A discreet watch, an eye-catcher… or both? First and foremost, it’s a matter of taste.

From vintage pocket watches to modern pocket watches, you have options. It depends on your personal style and your personality. So you’re the only one at the helm.

3. Where to buy your pocket watch?

Now that you know the type of movement that will best suit your needs and the style that will match your personality, let’s discover together where you can buy your future timepiece.

If you want to buy a watch from a major Swiss watch manufacture, we recommend going directly to the brand or simply using pre-owned resale sites. But be careful: prices can reach dizzying heights!

Now, if you’d like to buy from a specialist at a more accessible price, you can also do so via the online boutique we mentioned earlier in the article.

In this collection of pocket watches, you’re sure to find the model that meets your expectations. What’s more, you can benefit from plenty of buying and care advice simply by contacting their service team. A great way to treat (yourself) to a very beautiful gift!