Vintage is always an option, and many fascinating pieces can still be found in working condition, and even for reasonable prices.
More down-to-earth options, however, some with modern designs, others more classical, make the idea of carrying a pocket watch seem more fun and approachable for the average person. Vacheron Constantin’s reference 57260, for example, holds the title of world’s most complicated watch and is ergonomically akin to a grapefruit. There are a number of high-end luxury watch companies that produce very expensive pocket watches in precious metals which are more or less exercises in haute horlogerie and intended for elite collectors. Pocket watches come in different sizes, and sometimes offer features like hinged lids (“hunter-style”) and/or case backs that can be canvases for art and engravings - providing interesting possibilities for personalized gifts. Using a pocket watch can be a satisfying experience, which impart a hefty weight in the hand and elegant details. Pocket watches had a good, long run of popularity between the 16th and 20th centuries, when they were simply called “watches” before the later need to distinguish them from wristwatches. The chain makes the watch easy to access quickly and protects the watch from accidental drops. The other end holds the watch, which resides in a pocket. Here’s how it works: One end of a chain or strap attaches to a button hole (say, in a vest or jacket’s lapel) or belt loop. Hardly less anachronistic or obsolete than wrist watches, for example, there’s no practical reason not to rock one if it strikes your fancy. Pocket watches may seem to some about as relevant and appropriate to contemporary life as, say, top hats and monocles, but the experience of using one will feel familiar to anyone who has pulled a phone out of his or her pocket to check the time. Many may be surprised to learn that modern watch companies continue to produce high-quality pocket watches in classical as well as contemporary forms with mechanical movements as well as those with more affordable quartz.
While uncommon today, pocket watches are still very much a thing. But for now, at least I’ll always have the dream that such a magnificent and ridiculous thing even exists.That small, mysterious pocket on the front of your pair of jeans? It was made to hold a pocket watch and begs to differ that there is no place for one in modern life. And also a three-piece suit, which I would need to actually wear a pocket watch. Which is a shame, because I would buy this pocket watch thing immediately. Unfortunately, all three designs are far from finished consumer products, and Samsung hasn’t announced any plans to release them. And those are all well and good, but let’s be real: you’re here for the Gear S3 hybrid pocket watch concept, which someone hopefully actually turn into a real product.
Looking at the other two concepts, one offers some new and fancier finishes for the existing Gear S3 the other sees watches that borrow the case design of the Gear S3, but swap the digital internal components for some fine Swiss-crafted mechanical movements. And just to really drive the point home, the pocket watch’s lid also includes a compass, because two entirely separate devices wasn’t enough. But Arpa didn’t stop there, and not only includes the Gear S3 on the inside, but repurposed the back of the case for a traditional mechanical movement as well. If the idea was to simply take a traditional pocket watch and replace the mechanical innards with Samsung’s own hardware, that’d be novel enough on its own. That’s right, it’s a smart pocket watch, and it’s one of the wackiest and most interesting smartwatch ideas I’ve ever seen.
The Baselworld 2017 watch show is in full swing, and Samsung is using it as an opportunity to show off three new series of concepts from watch designer Yvan Arpa inspired by its Gear S3 smartwatch, including an honest-to-god pocket watch version of the Gear S3.