Pocket watches step up

With the vintage accessory getting an update as a necklace or tucked into jeans, manufactures are experimenting with materials and details

The pocket watch may seem like an oxymoron today, but its time is far from over. In recent years, heritage manufactures such as Vacheron Constantin, Breguet and Patek Philippe have come up with imaginative ways to add these auction house staples to their recent collections. Even brands with a younger history, such as Parmigiani Fleurier, are embracing the concept. Not only do 21st century updates range from newer materials such as stainless steel and high-tech ceramic, but also include convertible styles (a 2021 Bovet x Rolls-Royce collab gave us one that turns into a wristwatch and a desk clock!). A blend of tradition and modernity have also given us fine details such as skeletonised movements and tourbillon escapements.