Return of the Pocket Watch

In the last weekend T Magazine, there was a small article describing the ultimate elegance and a come back of a  pocket watch to men's fashion. Somehow, I loved the sentence that was part of the description: "It makes telling time by the glaring face of a smartphone seem strangely passé." The image of a pocket watch brought me back once again to the beginnings of my fascination with men's style and elegance. My paternal grand-father was a bespoke tailor and a fascinating story-teller. However, from a little girl's perspective, the world truly was becoming magic, at those special moments when he was checking the time on his beautiful silver pocket watch taking it out from the dark pocket of his pants. The watch looked so mysteriously beautiful to me with a case engraved with flowers. It was super heavy, had a long silver chain and when the lid was opened the white face with mechanical hands were the spectacle of its own.

My Grandfather's Pocket Watch

Many years later, when I was in high school, my grandfather gave me this watch. It was not of any great material value but I still remember the unique design and the gentleman's aura associated with it. I was wearing it in my jacket's pocket and I am pretty sure I was the only girl with a pocket watch in my school, so trend-setter of me. Now, you can understand why the return of the pocket watch into the modern gentleman's style arsenal made me so excited. Moreover, in the times where fashion runaways cross the lines between female and male specific fashion, I strongly advocate pocket watches for both women and men.

The pocket watches have been around since 15th century and in the time of their glory they were the mark of a high society status. Now, some of the Swiss pocket watches' prices are far from affordable. However, if you pay attention to the modern design, creativity, sustainability and support independent makers, I am quite sure I have selected 4 watches that meet all of the criteria.

Magic of the Pocket Watch
Clockwise from the top left:
PW1 Strap and Case Watch, Bell & Ross -/- Titan Azure Pocket Watch, ZIIIRO
1920's Inspired Pocket Watch, Tissot -/- The Vaugirard Pocket Watch, Wanderlust

First,  the watch from Wanderlust, an Australian company, which with their successful Kickstarter campaign aimed at restoring the grandeur and bringing modern life into a long history of pocket watches in men's fashion. Their designs are simple and minimal and perfect for those who value high quality and are world travelers.

Then, for all those who value the feel of  leather when it comes to their accessories, I have selected Bell & Ross' pocket watch. It has a modern vintage feel and you can never go wrong with the watch made by  the watch company with the Swiss and French roots.

If you are a sporty type, then ZIIIRO is a perfect watch brand for you; minimalist, futuristic, with brave colors and super light body. This kind of sport pocket watch is perfect for any active person. It is worth mentioning that this brand is a result of a collective international effort of 4 guys who met online from such different parts of the world as Germany and Hong Kong and became united in their effort of putting heart and soul into the design process. 

Finally, for those who prefer tradition and more conservative feel when it comes to their choice of accessories, Tissot pocket watch seems a perfect solution. Its design is based on the 1920's model, a perfect combination of the nostalgia and modern elegance. 

Show your time like real gentleman or lady! Put smartphone back where it belongs and have a great time!!!