An Introduction to Pocket Watches:
A pocket watch is a time keeping device carried in pocket and usually with a led as a cover and may be attached to a chain. The phrase “pocket watch” literally means a watch carried in pocket, however, for a pocket watch it is not essential to be carried in a pocket. It can be either carried in a pocket or attached to any part of the clothes, or secured a waist coat or belt or can be worn around the neck to hang on the chest to prevent it from being dropped. It is called pocket watch only because originally and primarily it was, and is still, designed to be carried ( not essentially, though) in the pocket.
The use of pocket watches has been traced to as early as 15th century and continued to be used very commonly till the early part of the 20th century. In the USA, the rise of the railroad necessitated the widespread use of pocket watches because the railroad workers need to know the exact time of arrival of the railroad. This helped them to prevent the possible train wrecks and the railroad accidents. In fact, a pocket watch became required equipment for the railroad workers. The popularity of the pocket watch as a regular time keeping device was greatly diminished when wristwatches were introduced in the earlier part of the 20th century, which became popular very soon.
Initially the wristwatch was considered as a part of feminine jewellery but it overcame the predominant use of Pocket Watches because of its high portability, style, fashion, designs and multi-functionality. Also with the introduction of mobile phones and other gadgets the use of pocket watches further declined. However, it does not mean that these are out of use altogether. These are still used for time keeping, given as presents and as collectibles.
