790130_pocket_watch_1The types of vintage pocket watches can create a near endless list.
Just a few to start.

American and European-made watches
Openface watch
Hunter face watch
Railroad watch
Gold or Silver watches
Historical watches

   A new collector may feel quite overwhelmed by the many choices available. The quick answer is to collect what You like rather than what someone else tells you to. After all it is your collection. Take into consideration the reason you want to collect, whether for profit or the sheer enjoyment of having a nice collection of old watches.

   Many long time collectors may suggest that condition and focus are the two most important things to remember when starting to collect. You will be able to learn more about a particular type of watch by focusing  and becoming an expert on that type. You may want to start with one maker of watches for example or a specific era of watchmaking. The railroad pocket watch for instance has a great history behind it. You can not know everything about all types, and many collectors have no desire to.I personaly feel the new collector should just pick something they like, and as they learn about the different models and styles to be found can then pick a favorite.

   Condition of a pocket watch can bring about a long debate on what is right. The purist will say that only mint condition is acceptable, but to me the reasons for collecting need to be considered. If you are only interested in the money, then mint is the way to go. My main interest is having a nice collection of vintage pocket watches regardless of condition. Of course you want to get the best you can for what you spend, but for many collectors the mint condition may be out of reach with their budget.

   In future articles I will bringing you some history on the many great watches to be found and tips on where to  look.

vintage-silver-tone-dad-case-pocket-watch-gift-fob-uk Vintage Silver Tone DAD Case Pocket Watch Gift Fob UK
US $1.56 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 7:38:01 PST
  | Watch this Item
bronze-motorcycle-quartz-pocket-watch-vintage-vintage-style-free-shipping-gift Bronze Motorcycle Quartz Pocket Watch Vintage Vintage Style Free Shipping Gift
US $7.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 7:45:29 PST
  | Watch this Item
bronze-skeleton-women-pendant-clock-quartz-steel-necklace-pocketwatch-vintage-uk Bronze Skeleton Women Pendant Clock Quartz Steel Necklace Pocketwatch Vintage uk
US $0.02 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 7:48:10 PST
  | Watch this Item
polish-silver-vintage-unisex-hand-wind-mechanical-pocket-watch-chain-gift-new Polish Silver Vintage Unisex Hand Wind Mechanical Pocket Watch Chain Gift NEW
US $1.56 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 7:49:36 PST
  | Watch this Item
-classic-antique-vintage-style-pocket-quartz-watch-with-chain-bfk Classic Antique Vintage Style Pocket Quartz Watch With Chain, BFK
US $0.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 7:50:07 PST
  | Watch this Item
flower-branch-vintage-women-ladies-pocket-watch-quartz-necklace-gift-see-through Flower Branch Vintage Women Ladies Pocket Watch Quartz Necklace Gift See Through
US $0.02 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 7:50:23 PST
  | Watch this Item
vintage-hamilton-railway-special-enamel-pocket-watch-dial-new-old-stock-nos- Vintage Hamilton Railway Special Enamel Pocket Watch Dial New Old Stock NOS
US $83.00 (6 Bids)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 8:01:05 PST
  | Watch this Item
vintage-&fashion-silver-skeleton-carved-men-xmas-gift-pocket-watch-chain-+box- Vintage &fashion silver skeleton carved men XMAS GIFT pocket watch /chain +box
US $0.01 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 8:02:11 PST
  | Watch this Item
rare-vintage-gold-case-engraved-mechanical-pocket-watch Rare Vintage Gold case Engraved Mechanical Pocket Watch
US $0.02 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 8:02:29 PST
  | Watch this Item
new-perfect-classic-antique-vintage-style-pocket-quartz-watch-with-chain-bfj New Perfect Classic Antique Vintage Style Pocket Quartz Watch With Chain, BFJ
US $0.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 8:06:48 PST
  | Watch this Item