Black Pocket Watches

Black Pocket Watches with a Modern Edge

Black is the finish for someone who likes the idea of a pocket watch but not the shine of one. You keep the hinged lid, the chain and the small ritual of opening the case, and you lose the polished formality, which is why this range does well for groomsmen, milestone birthdays and buyers in their twenties and thirties. It also suits a dark suit or a black-tie brief far better than a bright metal does, and it will not clash with a steel wristwatch or a plain ring.

What the black finish actually is

These are new vintage-style watches with a black finish applied over a base metal case, not a coloured coating over a precious metal. The colour goes right around the case, lid and bow. Treat it the way you would any dark finish: wipe it with a dry, soft cloth, keep it out of pockets that also carry keys or coins, and store it in a box or pouch so the lid does not pick up scuffs. The movement has a 12-month warranty and unworn pieces can be returned within 60 days in their original packaging.

Half hunter, full hunter and skeleton in black

Half hunters are the largest group here: the lid stays closed but a window cut into it shows the hands, so you can read the time without opening the case. Skeleton designs are almost as common, with the dial cut away so the movement is visible while it runs, which reads especially well in black. There are fewer full hunters and only a small number of open-face pieces. If the mechanism is the part that appeals, compare every Skeleton Pocket Watches design, or see the same window-lid idea in other finishes across our Half Hunter Pocket Watches.

Winding, chains and buying for an occasion

Because this range is almost entirely hand-wound mechanical, plan on winding the crown about twenty to thirty turns each morning and stopping the moment you feel firm resistance. There is no battery to replace and nothing to service on a schedule. A chain is not included in the box, so add one from our Pocket Watch Chains range, or let it come free on orders over $100. Most black designs are in stock and leave Brisbane within 1 to 2 business days, which makes this a sensible category when the occasion is close. For other finishes, start from the full Vintage Style Pocket Watches collection.