I wear a lot of suits for Masonic functions, I am thinking of getting a pocket watch. How do you properly wear it? Do you just keep it in your pocket? Where does the chain connect?
How to wear a pocket watch
- Thread starter TravelingMan82
- Start date
There's probably a zillion different ways, but I connect the chain to a belt loop and leave the watch in my pant's pocket (most of my slacks have a small pocket inside the main pocket for a watch). If a vest is worn, I would connect the chain to a button hole and leave the watch in a vest pocket.
Do not keep the pocket watch in the small pocket in your jeans, no matter how much you want to - this is a good way to break the stem. If you're wearing a 3-piece suit then hook the chain to a buttonhole on the vest and put the watch in the watch pocket of the vest. If you're wearing a 2-piece suit then hook the chain to a buttonhole on the jacket and put the watch in the interior pocket of the jacket on that same side.
Here is some information (and I read it on the web, so it must be true 
)
" From the Watch Chapter of The Encyclopedia of Men's Clothes:
The pocket watch usually has a short chain or ribbon connecting it and at the other end a fob, which was originally a seal used to seal letters and documents.
The watch and/or fob could be placed in pockets with the chain draped between. This practice of wearing a chain or ribbon (connecting the watch and fob) worn across the front of a vest became an essential part of Victorian dress, and was called an Albert, after the Prince consort (husband of Queen Victoria).
This classic look is accomplished by placing the watch in one of the front pockets of a vest and running the chain through the buttonhole that is at the same level as the top of the opposing pockets, and then into a pocket on the opposite side. The chain should sag equally on both sides of the button. You can attach a Phi Beta Kappa key to the chain if appropriate!
You can also wear a pocket watch in the breast pocket of a suit or sports jacket and insert the fob though the buttonhole on the lapel."
Always cite your sources: http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47038
Regards,
- John
)" From the Watch Chapter of The Encyclopedia of Men's Clothes:
The pocket watch usually has a short chain or ribbon connecting it and at the other end a fob, which was originally a seal used to seal letters and documents.
The watch and/or fob could be placed in pockets with the chain draped between. This practice of wearing a chain or ribbon (connecting the watch and fob) worn across the front of a vest became an essential part of Victorian dress, and was called an Albert, after the Prince consort (husband of Queen Victoria).
This classic look is accomplished by placing the watch in one of the front pockets of a vest and running the chain through the buttonhole that is at the same level as the top of the opposing pockets, and then into a pocket on the opposite side. The chain should sag equally on both sides of the button. You can attach a Phi Beta Kappa key to the chain if appropriate!
You can also wear a pocket watch in the breast pocket of a suit or sports jacket and insert the fob though the buttonhole on the lapel."
Always cite your sources: http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47038
Regards,
- John
Working class people used to wear the watch attached to a short leather strap and a fob and usually wore it in a vest pocket. Back in the day clothes were designed for pocketwatch wearing. Now they are not. Wealthy people had a gold or silver chain also worn with a vest.
These days you must get a chain other wise I can guarantee it will eventually fall on the floor and break. The best bet is get a pouch to wear on your belt with a chain attached to your belt loop. If you wear a vest that's the best way. Avoid a pants pocket with moisture and lint and other items you keep in your pocket like change and keys.
These days you must get a chain other wise I can guarantee it will eventually fall on the floor and break. The best bet is get a pouch to wear on your belt with a chain attached to your belt loop. If you wear a vest that's the best way. Avoid a pants pocket with moisture and lint and other items you keep in your pocket like change and keys.
There were many fine masonic pocket watches made back in the day. Although not a mason myself, because my grandfather was a mason I have an affinity to things masonic. Just one example, see ebay auction 220542524875. I have no connection to the seller, but I do like vintage Elgin watches. I personally wear a vintage Illinois Bunn Special watch using a leather "chain" through a belt loop with the watch in my front pocket. Make sure there are no keys or coins in the pocket.
Is it considered a faux pas to use one of those leather pockets attached to your belt?
Like some kind of time-telling gun slinger? I guess that'd be a time slinger. "Well, stranger, ya think ya can tell time faster than me? Let's step into da street an find out."
Personally, I don't think that's a good look. I think carrying a pocket watch is kind of understated classy. Hanging in it's own holster out on your belt seems like you're wanting everyone to know that you've got this unique time-telling device that requires it's own special carrying compartment.
First of all less people carry a pocketwatch everyday then use a straight razor to shave with so just carrying one will set you apart from the crowd. The pouch is just a modern means to safely wear them. No one will remark about the pouch they will notice the watch first and comment about that.
