Working or Not
Antique Pocket Watch Buyers & Appraisals
Gitman Antique Watches & Rarities is actively interested in unusual pocket watches, from individual heirlooms to broader collections.
An Experienced Look at Pocket Watches
Pocket watches bring together precision mechanics, decorative arts, metallurgy, and personal history. Howard Gitman has spent more than forty years buying, selling, repairing, and appraising antique watches and clocks.
A pocket watch does not need to be running or recently serviced to begin a conversation. Incomplete or non-working pieces may still be of interest, as may movements, cases, dials, chains, tools, and related material.
Understanding a Piece
Details That May Matter
Maker & Movement
Names, serial numbers, inscriptions, movement construction, and signatures can help identify a watch.
Case & Dial
Case marks, materials, decoration, dial condition, hands, and the relationship between components provide context.
History & Completeness
Boxes, papers, chains, repair notes, family history, and provenance may add useful information.
Before You Contact Us
Photographs That Help
Front & Back
Photograph the full watch, dial, hands, case, and exterior surfaces in even light.
Marks & Inscriptions
Include readable close-ups of visible names, numbers, hallmarks, engravings, and dedications.
Accessories
Show any chain, fob, box, papers, tools, spare parts, or accompanying material.
Do Not Force or Polish the Watch
If a cover will not open easily or the winding mechanism resists, leave it as it is. Aggressive cleaning or polishing can remove original surface information. Howard can advise what additional views or details may be useful after an initial conversation.
For related items, see information about selling an antique collection or requesting an antique watch appraisal.
Share Your Pocket Watch
Contact Howard Gitman
Call or email to discuss an antique pocket watch, related material, or a collection.
212‑579‑9830