Loading Spinner

Watch Accessories

From watch ribbons to cases to holders, watch accessories share in the rich history of telling time with the added aesthetic of beauty. From the earliest days of portable time telling, wearers and designers have grappled with how best to port one’s watch. The first innovation, coinciding with the earliest of pocket watches, was the case, which enveloped the inner workings of the watch and protected it from damage.

Then came the navigation of how best to attach this metal disc to ones outfit. Though first simply slipping into the pocket, as the name suggests, pocket watches soon became suspended from one’s outfit. Some were dangled from decorated ribbons to be worn similar to a brooch, while others suspended from chains or chatelaines. Over time, these accessories only grew in luxury, adding to their worth today.


Quick Facts

  • Though the first wrist watch supposedly dates to the early 17th century, it did not eclipse the popularity of the pocket watch until the 20th century, when the simplicity of a strapped on watch proved more efficient than its dangling predecessor
  • The antique watch holder also evolved out of the question of where to put ones pocket watch while “off duty.” Artful miniature sculpture proved a perfect position to support ones timepiece when it was not being worn
  • How long does a watch strap last? Cartier estimates that, if it is leather, the strap will endure only 6 to 12 months, given expert care

Recommended Items at Auction

See all items

An antique brass velvet lined pocket watch holder 12cm.
Apr 25, 9:30 AM BST
An antique brass velvet lined pocket watch holder 12cm.
by Hannam's Auctioneers
Est: £40- £60
£351 Bid
PATINATED EAGLE WATCH STAND, 19TH C.
Apr 30, 9:00 AM CDT
PATINATED EAGLE WATCH STAND, 19TH C.
by Jackson's International
Est: $50- $100
$200 Bids
Sailor Made Watch Hutch, 19th Century
Apr 26, 9:30 AM EDT
Sailor Made Watch Hutch, 19th Century
by Rafael Osona Auctions
Est: $300- $500
$2000 Bids
Assorted items comprising a French 18ct gold handl
Apr 27, 9:00 AM BST
Assorted items comprising a French 18ct gold handl
by Claydon Auctioneers
Est: £50- £100
£500 Bids
Rokoko-Taschenuhrenständer
May 17, 10:30 AM CEST
Rokoko-Taschenuhrenständer
by Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden
Est: €240- €480
€2400 Bids
bp parity badge
18TH C. CONTINENTAL POCKET WATCH STAND
Apr 30, 10:00 AM EDT
18TH C. CONTINENTAL POCKET WATCH STAND
by Litchfield Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids
OLD SPELTER "EAGLE" POCKET WATCH HOLDER
Apr 27, 5:00 PM IDT
OLD SPELTER "EAGLE" POCKET WATCH HOLDER
by The Bidder
Est: $60- $80
$300 Bids
Angular faceted anchor links with toggle clasp.
May 15, 2:00 PM CEST
Angular faceted anchor links with toggle clasp.
by Kunsthaus Lempertz KG
Est: €500- €700
€3500 Bids
Angular faceted anchor links with a toggle clasp.
May 15, 2:00 PM CEST
Angular faceted anchor links with a toggle clasp.
by Kunsthaus Lempertz KG
Est: €4,000- €6,000
€3,0000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Watch Accessories


Kunsthaus Lempertz KG

Kunsthaus Lempertz KG

Jackson's International

Jackson's International

Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden

Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden

Rafael Osona Auctions

Rafael Osona Auctions