The Pocket Watch

The first watches were not the wrist versions we know today but pocket watches. These were larger and were attached by a chain to a belt or waistcoat. They were kept in the pocket from whence they were removed for reading. Old, antique pocket watches are extremely popular however you can still buy new models today. Gold - or more often gold plated - has been a traditional choice (many of today's more affordable models are actually gold-tone stainless steel).

The first known pocket watch was created in 1524 by Peter Henlein. These earliest watches were big and bulky; genuine "pocket" watches only really became common in the 17th century.

Condor 14K Solid Gold
Mens Hunting Case Pocket Watch

Savonnete and Lepine

Pocket watches are normally classified according to the relationship between the seconds dial and the winding stem. If the two are at positioned at a 90 degree angle then the watch is a savonnette (sometimes spelt "savonette"), if the two are in line then the watch is a lepine (named after Jean-Antoine Lépine). So if, in the case where the seconds dial is at the "6" position, the winding stem on a lepine will be at "12" and on a savonnette at "3".

The Lepine style of pocket watch is held upright for reading. It does not usually have a cover so it has a scratch-resistant face covering.

The savonnette style of watch is rotated 90 degreees to be read and usually has a cover which hinges opposite the winding stem.

A savonnette style watch with a full metal cover is known as a Hunter. Some savonnettes have a hole in the over through which the position of the hands can be seen. These are known as Half Hunters.

A style of case often used on precision watches was the consular case. In the consular case, not only does the front cover open but a second hinge attaches the watch mechanism to the rear of the case. By using this, the mechanism can be lifted clear of the case to allow for easy access and servicing. Consular style hinging can be applied to either lepine or savonette pocket watches.

Modern pocket watches on the market to buy today sometimes ignore the traditional disctinction between between lepine and savonnette, mixing orientation and casing at whim.

	All About Clocks, Watches and Time
The Pocket Watch The first watches were not the wrist versions we know today but pocket watches. These were larger and were attached by a chain to a belt or waistcoat. They were kept in the pocket from whence they were removed for reading. Old, antique pocket watches are extremely popular however you can still buy new models today. Gold - or more often gold plated - has been a traditional choice (many of today's more affordable models are actually gold-tone stainless steel). The first known pocket watch was created in 1524 by Peter Henlein. These earliest watches were big and bulky; genuine "pocket" watches only really became common in the 17th century. Condor 14K Solid Gold Mens Hunting Case Pocket Watch Savonnete and Lepine Pocket watches are normally classified according to the relationship between the seconds dial and the winding stem. If the two are at positioned at a 90 degree angle then the watch is a savonnette (sometimes spelt "savonette"), if the two are in line then the watch is a lepine (named after Jean-Antoine Lépine). So if, in the case where the seconds dial is at the "6" position, the winding stem on a lepine will be at "12" and on a savonnette at "3". The Lepine style of pocket watch is held upright for reading. It does not usually have a cover so it has a scratch-resistant face covering. The savonnette style of watch is rotated 90 degreees to be read and usually has a cover which hinges opposite the winding stem. A savonnette style watch with a full metal cover is known as a Hunter. Some savonnettes have a hole in the over through which the position of the hands can be seen. These are known as Half Hunters. A style of case often used on precision watches was the consular case. In the consular case, not only does the front cover open but a second hinge attaches the watch mechanism to the rear of the case. By using this, the mechanism can be lifted clear of the case to allow for easy access and servicing. Consular style hinging can be applied to either lepine or savonette pocket watches. Modern pocket watches on the market to buy today sometimes ignore the traditional disctinction between between lepine and savonnette, mixing orientation and casing at whim. Clocks-Watches-Time / Watches / Types / Pocket / All original material copyright © Trevor Mendham 2005-2008. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners Please read the site terms of use		Clocks Watches Celebrity Famous Makes A-H Makes I-Z Mechanics Types Chronograph Hunter Pocket Wrist Store Time Time & Motion More...