9 Best Pocket Watches 2023 – Comprehensive Guide

Pocket watches are back in vogue.

These are more than just your antique timekeepers. A pocket watch serves as a fashion statement, displaying elegance and style for anyone who sports it.

With so many choices, it can be hard to pick the one that best suits your personality and taste.

Luckily, this review is here to list down some of the most high-quality men’s and women’s pocket watches in the market.

For the products to follow, I'll touch on aesthetics, durability, precision, accuracy, and everything else in between.

Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch: Best Overall

Tissot has been in the watch industry since 1853. They have been producing Swiss luxury watches that contain high-quality components. [R] Their attention to detail has been second to none.

Unlike other watch brands transitioning to wristwatches and digital stopwatches, Tissot still produces some of the best pocket watches.

One of them is the Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch. It stands out as the best overall pocket watch on this list.

What makes Tissot's creation unique from other pocket watches is its watch face. The magnificent craftsmanship is evident in its face, while the roman numerals evoke prestige and nostalgia.

Tissot Savonnette applies a Japanese quartz movement, one of the most precise methods of tracking time.

It's also made of stainless steel, making it water-resistant and rust-proof.

One disadvantage of the watch is it relies on mineral crystal, which is not as strong as sapphire. Thankfully, the hunter window can fully shield the watch’s face when you do not use your watch.

Bulova B2662 Ashton: Best Value

Bulova is another brand you should consider when trying to buy the best pocket watches.

Founded by Joseph Bulova in the late 1800s, the Swiss watch manufacturing company has been manufacturing timekeepers and pocket watches since 1911. [R]

Fast forward to around a century later, and the Bulova B2662 Ashton is one of the brand's best innovations. It will surely be worth it in terms of value for money.

Instead of Roman numerals, it uses Arabic numbers. This format may be easier to read for some watch users. It also comes with a chain and clip. These prevent your pocket watch from slipping off your pocket.

It also comes with a presentable gift box. I have to give kudos to Bulova for emphasizing the proper packaging of the product.

Unlike most pocket watches, which use mechanical movement, this particular watch practices Quartz movement.

For $117.80, expect the best and most optimized timekeeping service Bulova brings to the table.

Mudder Pocket Watch: Best Budget Pick

It makes sense if you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars over an antique watch.

These costly watches are mostly used as furniture accessories or character costumes. While all the pocket watches on this list have their own set of functions, these do not justify the hefty price tags.

If you're on a budget and want to try the pocket-watch experience, then the Mudder Pocket Watch may be the watch to go for. Here are some of the things the $11.99 pocket watch has to offer.

For starters, it comes in a classic, white dial, which includes both 12-hour and 24-hour formats. Paired with Japanese Quartz motion, Mudder does the job in terms of accurately keeping track of time.

It also features readable Arabic numbers and a large second, minute, and hour hands with reliable accuracy and precision.

The budget pocket watch comes in multiple colors like gold, rose gold, silver, bronze, and black. Indeed, you will not have to feel guilty spending a lot of bucks for this vintage antique.

If anything, the Mudder Pocket Watch has all the features to give you that preppy vibe or if you want a quirky accessory to your cosplay adventure.

FindTime Digital Pocket Watch

I cannot deny that pocket watches still belong in today's era of smartphones and digital watches. [R]

What if I told you that you could combine both modern and antique elements in one timepiece?

If you are looking for a modern pocket watch that does not involve Quartz style movement or clock hands, the FindTime Digital Pocket Watch is for you.

As suggested by the name, it does not use the standard analog dial. Instead, it presents the time digitally.

It carries advanced functions such as the altimeter, barometer, and thermometer indicators. These features make your digital watch suitable for outdoor activities.

Unlike most pocket watches, the Find time Digital Pocket Watch is waterproof, with a water resistance of 30 meters. The design uses a smooth silver chrome case that adds to the ruggedness of the product.

While some of the best pocket watches rely heavily on a stainless steel chain, this particular pocket watch is paired with a synthetic necklace.

It may be a disadvantage because the necklace is made out of metal alloy, which is heavier than other lightweight materials.

For $65.99, you will be able to enjoy the digital advantages this pocket watch brings compared to its more traditional counterparts.

ShoppeWatch Pocket Watch

Modern pocket watches have been the norm as of late. Various watch brands have re-engineered their designs to cater to the young audience.

ShoppeWatch, on the other hand, maintains its old-fashioned antique vibes.

Despite this, you won't have to worry about going out-of-style. If anything, old-school apparel is making a comeback, and the vintage pocket watch helps to complete the look. [R]

To enhance your clothing experience, wear the antique pocket watch around your neck with a 14-inch chain. By doing so, you'll be able to keep track of time while looking stylish.

It also uses a half-hunter eagle design for durability and aesthetic purposes. The watch face measures 45 mm and 4.2 ounces. This proves that the pocket watch is lightweight and easy to carry with your palm.

Its three-hand design comes with Quartz movement, which may be disadvantageous for some because of battery requirements.

For $35, you will be able to add vintage flair to any outfit. Other pocket watches cannot pull this off.

Patek Philippe Art Deco 18K Pocket Watch

If I may paraphrase Bruno Mars, you will be getting "18 Karat magic in the air". Kidding aside, the Patek Philippe Art Deco 18K Pocket Watch is on the high end of this list.

Originated in the early 1940s, this prestigious pocket watch gives off an Art Deco look.

The case has a minimalist appeal to highlight the elegant yellow-gold look. The back part of the pocket watch has an engraved covering that lets you see the mechanical gear and insides.

As mentioned earlier, the disadvantage of the Patek Philippe Art Deco is the expensive price tag, which is an understatement, to be honest.

It costs $6200. You heard that right. You can get about 515 pieces of the budget pick (Mudder Pocket Watch) for the price of one Patek Philippe Art Deco 18 Karat Pocket Watch.

If you have the cash and revel in the notion that you got your watch from a certified antique dealer, then go for it by all means.

Quick Verdict: Invest in timeless luxury with the prestigious Art Deco Patek Philippe 18K Pocket Watch, exuding elegance and mechanical mastery.

SIBOSUN Antique Skeleton Mechanical Pocket Watch

Although Quartz watches give you precise and accurate results, they still have their fair share of flaws. One of those is the need for batteries for it to function.

If you want a mechanical pocket watch that can automatically operate independently, I suggest going for SIBOSUN Antique Mechanical Skeleton Pocket Watch. [R]

Based on the watch product's name, it contains a skeleton dial, which gives you all-access to how a pocket watch functions at the back while viewing the dials in the front.

Since it relies on mechanical movement, it uses a mechanical hand that you need to wind up at least 10 to 15 times.

By doing this, the pocket watch can read the time accurately, just like its Quartz counterparts.

Instead of a hunter case, which most pocket watches use, the skeleton watch applies an open-case style. It is similar to vintage railroad pocket watches.

One of the watch's biggest problems is the inconsistent time markings. Since it comes in the form of a skeleton dial, it uses line-markings instead of Arabic numbers and Roman numeral labels.

As a result, you may have a difficult time keeping track of time.

Another disadvantage is it contains acrylic crystals, which is not as strong compared to sapphire.

All in all, at $22.99, the SIBOSUN Antique Skeleton Mechanical Pocket Watch is still a good option for you.

Steampunk Pocket Watch

If you are looking for another sophisticated watch design, you should try out the Steampunk Pocket Watch. It's perfect for those who have an interest in cosplaying amine characters.

Steampunk sports black and blue color patterns. It is different from other pocket watches that use gold, silver, bronze, etc.

Gears and wheels surround the case to complement the Steampunk style. These features make for an eye-catching conversation piece.

You also don't have to worry about it slipping off your pocket. Steampunk utilizes a snugged chain with a clip that stays connected with your pocket watch. It uses a mechanical hand for precise tracking of time.

The only concern is the gears blocking the Roman numeral markers. It also does not help that these markers are in dark blue, making it difficult to read the time.

It has a starting price of $18.99, which is not too expensive. Indeed, the Steampunk Pocket Watch is something you can invest in if you want to explore an unorthodox yet eye-catching design.

Gotham Open Face Pocket Watch

If you are going for a simple yet classic design, I suggest going for the Gotham Open Face Pocket Watch.

It doesn't have the most sophisticated design than other skeleton watches, but its sleek look is sure to be a winner.

The pocket watch features an open face design so that you will find it easy to track time. Unlike hunter-designs, which require you to open and close the case, the open face design watch is the case itself.

It is also lightweight; therefore, you can put it inside your pocket without any hassle. The other face pocket watch also comes with a stainless steel chain if you want to hang it around your neck.

It also applies Arabic numbers and a military time format. [R] These are beneficial for those who may have difficulties reading AM and PM time formats.

The only problem with this watch is it is not an heirloom piece compared to other watches. Despite this, I still believe this watch is a solid pick-up for only $44.95.

History of the Pocket Watch

Back in the 16th century, Peter Heinlein invented pocket watches that consisted of springs rather than weights.

At first, pocket watches used to be bulky and heavy to wear. It's quite ironic given the fact that these watches were meant to be worn as necklaces.

After a hundred years of research and experimentation, pocket watches became more portable and easy to slip into the pocket.

During the 18th century and the Industrial Revolution, pocket watches started to incorporate jewelry and more sophisticated materials.

As a result, the pocket watch became a staple among railroad workers and professionals.

In the present day, the pocket watch has brought itself back to the fashion industry. It's no surprise if you see yourself sporting a pocket watch to informal gatherings and events.

How to Buy the Best Pocket Watch?

With so many options, it can be hard to find the pocket watch that best suits your budget and personality. Here are some things you should consider when choosing a pocket watch:

Budget

I cannot stress this enough. You have to make sure the watch you are going to buy fits your budget.

The last thing you want to do is to throw away your entire livelihood for a $6000 pocket watch. If that amount is chump change for you, then, by all means, go for it. Indeed, for watch lovers, it is free to dream.

Durability

When buying a pocket watch, you need to take into account its durability. Usually, pocket watches with metal cases are the least fragile. Although you can paint ceramic, it is not as long-lasting as metal, glass, or crystal.

Watch Movement

On the one hand, a Quartz style movement is accurate but requires batteries that can last up to two years.

On the other hand, mechanical movements require spring movement, and some help from the wind. From here, it's all about personal preference.

Wrap Up

With some of the best pocket watches on this list, I hope you could find the best pocket watch for you!

The choice is still yours, but consider the different reviews and factors before going for your desired pocket watch.