The first timepieces ever created were not those that embrace your wrist. Instead, they were kept in the pocket, in fact worn as pendants on a chain. Developed in Germany and France in the 16th century, the pocket watch quickly became a must-have fashion accessory as much as a device for telling the time. As such, pocket watches—already the most intricate mechanical devices ever made for sale—were regarded as luxury items, often handcrafted in gold and silver and embellished with precious gemstones. Indeed, only those with deep pockets could afford such extravagance.
Captivated? Then click through and spend time admiring this gallery of rare and beautiful pocket watches.