Retro is in, and even younger people are enjoying wearing pocket watches again. Whether elegantly with a vest or suit, casually with jeans or on a necklace: there are numerous ways to wear one. We’ll tell you how to do it right.
Classic and elegant: wearing a pocket watch with a suit and/or waistcoat
Pocket watches are traditionally worn with a three-piece suit (suit with waistcoat). They are placed in the waistcoat pocket and usually hang from a chain. There are several types of chains or spring clips that can be used for this purpose. The chains are not hidden, but hang freely over the stomach.
- Regardless of whether you are also wearing a jacket or not, there is a rule when wearing a pocket watch with a vest. If the vest has two pockets, right-handed people wear the watch in the left pocket and left-handed people in the right pocket. This makes it easier to reach your watch.
- Many vests have pockets, but these are sewn shut. In this case, you must carefully unpick the seam.
- If you wear the pocket watch on a chain with a large spring ring, the ring is attached to a button and only then is the vest buttoned up.
- So-called Albert chains have a T-shaped end piece. You must insert this piece through a buttonhole from the front. A double Albert chain is particularly practical for watches that also have a winding key. You can then carry the pocket watch in one vest pocket and the key in the other.
- If you are wearing a suit but no vest, the watch is placed in the breast pocket of the suit jacket. If your jacket does not have a buttonhole on the lapel, wear the watch without a chain.
- However, if there is a buttonhole on your lapel, use a buttonhole chain, which is shorter than other chains. Buttonhole chains with a T-end piece are inserted into the buttonhole from the front. Other chains (e.g., with a small pendant) are inserted from the back.
Wearing a pocket watch with jeans
You can also wear a pocket watch casually with jeans. Here’s how:
- Most jeans have a small pocket at the front that was introduced specifically for pocket watches. If you wear the watch on a chain with a large spring ring, the ring is attached to the belt loop (right next to the pocket).
- If your chain has a small spring ring, you will not be able to attach it directly to the belt loop. Therefore, you must wrap the chain around the belt loop and then attach the ring to the chain.
- Chains with belt clips are very easy to use. To ensure a better fit, you should attach the clip to the back of your belt.
- If this does not bother you when moving, you also have the option of using a (leather) pouch that is attached to your belt. To prevent the watch from accidentally falling out of the pouch, it is best to use a chain in this case as well.
Additional options for women
Pocket watches are of course worn not only by men, but also by women. When the pocket watch was introduced, however, most women wore dresses – so you had to get creative and wear the pocket watch differently. If you wear a vest or jeans, you can choose one of the options mentioned above. In addition, there are also these options:
- You can easily wear a small pocket watch on a necklace.
- Alternatively, there are also so-called sliding chains: these are longer chains where you can adjust the height at which the pocket watch hangs as desired. These chains can also be used to store the watch in a pocket, in the hem of your clothing at the waist, or behind a wider belt.
- Last but not least, smaller, lightweight pocket watches can also be attached to a dress, blouse, etc. with a brooch. Modern pocket watches with brooches are available in numerous shapes and colors and made from a variety of materials.
