Types of Pocket Watches

Open-Face Pocket Watch

• This type of pocket watch is the easiest to identify according to the PocketWatch website. It has an open face where you can easily read the time without having to open a covering. This type of pocket watch is popular now, but it was not in the 18th and 19th centuries, because the pocket watch face was easily scratched.

Full-Hunter Style

• The full-hunter style pocket watch has a hinged covering that must be lifted when the person wants to check on the time. These watches are often used for heirlooms, because they are not very practical having to open and close them to check on the time. The coverings are usually ornate and sometimes there is an inscription on the interior of the covering.

Half-Hunter Style

• The half-hunter pocket watch style was very popular in the 18th and 19th century. Although it has a covering, there is a hole or crystal in the covering so that the person can see the time without opening the cover.

Double-Hunter Pocket Watch

• The double-hunter pocket watch is very handy. Not only does it have a decorative covering like the half-hunter style, it also has a covering over the back interior of the pocket watch, so that at any time you can lift the back to see the workings of the timepiece. You can stand this type of pocket watch up on your nightstand and easily be able to read the time in the middle of the night without having to reach for it.

Double Half-Hunter Style

• This style of pocket watch has all the features of the half-hunter and the double-hunter pocket watch, although it has one difference. There is a covered opening on the front of the pocket watch, which not only allows you to see the hands of the timepiece, it also allows you to see the inner workings. This type of pocket watch has a real antique feel to it and is popular with many collectors.