How To Style A Pocket Watch In 2019
Sharp suits, flat caps and waistcoats are in again, and we probably have Peaky Blinders to thank for that, with Thomas Shelby and his well-tailored gang gracing our screens for four series.
If you’re looking to add some Peaky Blinders-inspired flair to your wardrobe, finish off your smartwear with a vintage-inspired pocket watch.
Here’s our guide on how to style a pocket watch in 2019.
A pocket watch has always been something to treasure
Whilst there’s no denying that a pocket watch looks great with a three-piece suit, it’s probably fair to say that most of the style’s appeal comes from its vintage mystique.
Reaching the height of their popularity in 1800s, pocket watches conjure the romance of the Victorian era - renowned for its great inventions and revolutionary change.
In those days, whether you were rich or poor, a pocket watch would have been a cherished family heirloom; proudly passed down through the generations with all the priceless sentimental value attached.
Single or double Albert?
Pocket watches are normally worn with something called an Albert chain. Named after Prince Albert, it’s simple metal chain with a T-bar at one end which can be secured through a buttonhole.
For fans of Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, you might be persuaded to follow his lead and go for the single Albert - attaching your pocket watch to a single chain and wearing your watch in left-hand pocket of your waistcoat.
See how we’ve styled this beautiful Tissot Lepine Rose Gold Tone Mechanical Pocket Watch.
Arthur, however, sometimes sports the slightly more ostentatious double Albert; a double chain with which you place your watch in one pocket and a charm or locket in the other.
Regardless of which Shelby brother’s style you want to steal, when it comes to styling a pocket watch, you can’t go far wrong by following their lead.
The need for tweed
If there’s one thing that goes hand-in-hand with a pocket watch - that’s tweed.
Perfectly in-sync with the Peaky Blinders trend, you can go all-out with a three-piece Harris tweed, or give the look a modern twist by pairing a two-piece lounge suit with a smart tweed waistcoat.
We love the look of this Tissot T-Pocket Savonnette Pocket Watch with a smart grey tweed.
Be a trail blazer
Perfect for occasions when you want to dress to impress, a pocket watch can look great with a blazer or even a dinner jacket.
Wear yours by threading your Albert chain through the button-hole on your lapel, and popping your pocket watch into your breast pocket.
A more modern style like this Mondaine Pocket Watch could work really well here.
Say ‘I do’
Pocket watches have long been associated with weddings, and make great gifts for the best man as well being the perfect finishing touch for the groom’s suit.
Presenting your husband-to-be with an engraved pocket watch on the morning of your wedding is a great way to start the tradition of handing down a pocket watch as a family heirloom.
This Tissot Savonette Gold Tone Pocket Watch will look great with a morning suit and is in a full hunter style (with a cover which opens to reveal the dial) to add further protection.
Whether you’re taking your styling inspiration from Peaky Blinders or not, we’re fully on-board with the pocket watch trend.
If pocket watches aren’t for you, but you’re still searching for a wedding watch, discover the most beautifully crafted Swiss watches they’ll treasure forever from TAG Heuer, Breitling, Omega and more.
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