A Glance at Pocket Watches

Pocket watches have almost become a thing of the past, but that can be good for collectors. The first pocket watches in America were handmade upon request and not stocked in stores. Even when factories took over production, American watchmakers dominated the world markets.

In 1936, the United States signed the Reciprocal Trade Treaty, which cut tariffs on Swiss watches in half. Swiss watches began to flood the market. Then, World War II hit. In the post-war economy, American manufacturers struggled with 
inflation, rising wages, and capital to modernize. Soon watchmakers here almost stopped making jeweled watches.

Modern technology is causing most watches to become things of the past. However, because of the relatively short period of time American pocket watches were produced, they are highly sought by collectors. And, as with most antiques, their value is only likely to increase.

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