Striking the balance between classic style and coming off like steampunk cosplay isn’t as difficult as you think. Understanding how to wear a men’s pocket watch will have you ready to start a new collection in no time.
Imagine finally not having to listen for church bells to know what time it is. Excitement must have been the feeling when the first pocket watch was pulled out of a pocket. The entire village in silent awe… and then a mad rush to the local shop to get one.
The pocket watch – or the world’s first wearable tech game changer – was first invented by Peter Henlein in Germany in 1510. The pocket watch shape that we know and love was honed during the 17th century with the introduction of waistcoats (thanks, Charles II). This round, flat shape could slide easily into a pocket and was void of sharp edges that would damage the fabric.
This was also when the term fob watch was coined. Fob comes from the low German dialect word ‘fuppe’ for a small pocket. Nowadays, fob refers to the pocket that a watch slides into, the chain or ribbon attached to a pocket watch, or the actual watch hanging off the chain.
For most pocket watch connoisseurs, watch fob refers to the chain or ribbon attached to a pocket watch and is usually shorter than a watch chain.
Whether you call it a watch fob or a pocket watch, the story is the same. When World War I started, the wristwatch took over and the pocket watch got stuck in the pockets of history. That is… until snazzy dressers like yourself decided to give them a go.
How to Wear a Pocket Watch with a Suit Jacket or Blazer
If you want to wear your pocket watch with a suit jacket or blazer, attach one end of the chain to the lapel buttonhole and place the watch in your breast pocket. This is a smart way to bring interest to your suit without having to go all-in with a lapel pin and pocket square. And a great look for any wedding or formal event.
Another way to wear your pocket watch with a blazer is to pull a T-bar through a buttonhole on the front and place your watch in one of your front pockets. We suggest putting it in the pocket opposite your dominant hand.
Best Pocket Watch Chain for Blazers and Suit Jackets: Bolt Ring chains and Belt Slide chains (Belt Loop Slides).
How to Wear a Pocket Watch with Jeans
There’s good news for the guy who wants to carry a pocket watch but who doesn’t want to dress up with a vest and jacket all the time. To wear a pocket watch with jeans or trousers, simply slide the watch in your front pocket and attach the chain to your belt or jeans with a belt slide. Or use a bolt ring and connect a shorter fob or chain to your belt loop.
The chain can hang on the outside of the belt or loop from underneath the belt. We suggest using the pocket opposite your dominant hand to make checking the time easier.
If you’re wearing a button-down dress shirt, you can also loop the chain through one of the lower buttons on your shirt. And if your pocket watch is small enough, use the small pocket inside your pocket to hold your timepiece. This was originally created to hold a pocket watch anyway, so it might be the right size for yours.
Best Pocket Watch Chain for Jeans and Trousers: Belt Slide chains (Belt Loop Slides) and Bolt Ring chains
How to Wear a Pocket Watch as a Necklace
Pocket watches do have their intended location mentioned right there in the name – pocket. But that doesn’t mean you can’t break with tradition and wear it around your neck.
To wear your pocket watch as a necklace, remove the watch chain and replace it with a metal necklace chain or leather cord.
Keep the width of the chain in mind – you want it to be strong enough to hold the watch and in the same colour as your timepiece. For most men’s pocket watches, shop for a necklace chain in the 4-8 millimetre range. Stainless steel is a great option because it won’t turn your neck green and comes in silver- and gold-tones.
Credited to: https://www.trendhim.sg/
