We all know that certain pieces never disappear. One such piece is a pocket watch which is worn as an accessory of classic menswear instead of just a simple timepiece. Many people generally ask how to wear a pocket watch to the expert. This means these days, many men are showing great interest in this classic piece. But now, they have arrived with added features or designs that may make them look slightly different from the past century. The way men wear pocket watches has been the same for hundreds of years.
Whether it’s a family gift or you have bought your own new timepiece, pocket watches have always been known as a combination of class and style. They have that power that can complete your three-piece suit. One of the classic ways to learn how to wear a pocket watch is at the end of a chain called a fob in your waistcoat pocket. Make sure that this fob must be passed through the buttonholes in the center and must lay off in a pocket on the other side. But, several pocket watch chains provide different ways to attach your pocket watch to your clothing safely.
When you understand how to wear a pocket watch, it will make you ready to start a new collection of similar pieces. However, before learning different ways to wear a pocket watch, let’s look at the types of pocket watch chains. This will help familiarize you with attaching and wearing your pocket watch.
Types of pocket watch chains
Whether you want to own a classic mechanical pocket watch or the watch with battery-operated quartz movement, the chain of your watch is highly capable of grabbing the attention of envious colleagues and friends. Moreover, it also helps in keeping your watch from crashing to death.
T-bar pocket watch chain
These pocket watch chains are called Albert T-Bars or just Albert chains. They are generally named after Prince Albert, and he made this style of watch chain quite popular. To wear this type of pocket watch chain, you require placing a T-shaped bar in any buttonhole of your waistcoat or vest.
If you don’t know which buttonhole to use? The best idea is to choose the buttonhole directly above your pocket, or you can also choose the one in the middle, i.e., around the 3rd or 4rth buttonhole of your waistcoat or vest. Then, place the watch in the pocket opposite your leading hand.
If you are right-handed, place your pocket watch in the left pocket; if you are left-handed, place it in the right pocket. This way, your leading hand will remain free when you check the time.
You must also know that the Double Albert chain works the same way as a Single Albert. The only difference is an extra chain with a pendant on it.
Belt slide pocket watch chain
Indeed, you cannot dress up like Peaky Blinders every day. If you want to have a casual look, you must choose a belt slide pocket watch chain. Another name for belt slide chains is belt bars. They have a watch on one end that slides over the belt or on the top of your jeans, pants, or trousers.
You should know that this belt slide chain must hang outside your pants, trouser, or denim. This watch will slide into your pocket on one side opposite your leading hand. If you have worn jeans, you must use the small pocket designed for cowboys and working men.
Here, we are talking about one of the little pockets that you never know what to do with. Actually, this little pocket is created for pocket watches. Go and tell your friends about this fact.
Just ensure the chain is long enough to get your pocket watch comfortably in view. You must bend a little to check the time if it is too short.
Bolt ring pocket watch chain
These types of chains are similar to wallet chains as they can be attached directly to the belt of your trouser with the ring lock. This bolt ring can also be attached to a buttonhole in the waistcoat or vest to get the same look as a T-bar chain.
If you want to wear your pocket watch with your blazer or suit jacket, attach the bolt ring to the buttonhole on the lapel and bring your watch to the lapel pocket. Here, no vest is needed to wear a pocket watch.
Just continue reading to know more about how to wear a pocket watch gracefully and stylishly.
Different ways to wear a pocket watch
How to wear a pocket watch with a waistcoat
Wearing a pocket watch for a special occasion, like a wedding, with a waistcoat is one of the most classic ways to learn how to wear a pocket watch. This style gives a traditional and ever-stylish look. It gives you a great choice to get a formal look when you wear your pocket watch.
No worries if you don’t want to wear a full three-piece suit and want to wear your pocket watch classically. Wearing a watch with a waistcoat is something that gives you a perfect look, especially when you attend a summer wedding.
To wear a pocket watch with a waistcoat, you need to have a T-bar chain or bolt ring chain, as both these types of chains will work the best. Attach one end of the chain to your pocket chain and attach another to your waistcoat buttonhole. Place your watch into the waistcoat pocket while keeping your decorative chain in view.
How to wear a pocket watch with a suit
Instead of wearing a pocket watch with a waistcoat or shirt, you can also pair your watch with a suit. Wearing your pocket watch in this way is a little more formal. Wearing a pocket watch with a suit is a great way to create a powerful impression at work parties or high-class events.
No worries if you don’t have a three-piece suit with a waistcoat. You have many ways to wear a pocket watch. Attach the pocket watch chain through your suit jacket’s buttonhole. You must leave your pocket watch free to slide gently into your jacket pocket.
Another way is to attach your pocket watch to your trouser belt loop, where your pocket watch will be stored safely in your trouser pocket.
How to wear a pocket watch without a waistcoat
It is true that to wear a pocket watch, it is not necessary you need a waistcoat or a suit jacket to get the perfect look of your pocket watch. If you want to wear a pocket watch with a casual look, it is possible to get this.
Here, a shirt provides a great way to wear a pocket watch without a waistcoat. The best idea is to try a white shirt and wear it with more relaxed chinos and loafers. You can attach your pocket watch to your short buttonhole, or it can also be attached to your belt loop, whatever is convenient for you. Then, put your pocket watch in your trouser pocket for a relaxed look.
How to wear a pocket watch with jeans
Are you looking for how to wear a pocket watch in different ways? Here, you will learn to wear it with jeans. We know it’s not a combination that can be expected to work together. But it works great. With the right styling, the combination of jeans and a pocket watch can make a fantastic impression.
The best options are black, grey, or dark blue jeans if you want to wear your pocket watch with your jeans. If you wear light or stonewashed jeans, they give a more casual look that we think many men don’t like to have. Also, it is recommended to wear smarter slim or straight fit jeans instead of loose or baggy jeans.
You can pair your jeans with a shirt or blazer jacket to wear a pocket watch perfectly. Hers, you can get a perfect smart-casual combination.
Attach your pocket watch to your jeans. For this, you require choosing a belt loop pocket watch chain and then putting your watch in the pocket of your jeans.
How to wear a pocket watch as a necklace
The name ‘pocket watch’ implies wearing this type of watch in the pocket. But, it does not mean you can’t wear it in another way, like wearing it around your neck.
If you want to wear it as a necklace, remove its chain and use a metal necklace chain or a leather cord to wear a pocket watch. Make sure to get the perfect width of the chain so it can be strong enough to hold the watch. It is recommended to get 4-8mm of the necklace chain. The best option is stainless steel, available in silver and gold tones.
Final Words
Whether you have a pocket chain or thinking of buying one, you must know how to wear a pocket watch for any occasion. Always remember that in the right way, you can integrate your pocket watch into your everyday style to get a chic look. If you want to follow the trends, now is the time to invest in one of the great pocket watches and enhance your personality.
Read our latest blog post, “Mastering Vintage Style: A Guide to Timeless Outfits for Men,” if you are obsessed with retro clothing.
