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Watch Chains

Developed initially for functionality, the watch chain grew into a statement piece itself. From the elaborate chatelaines to the dapper fob decoration, watch chains evolved in parallel to the pocket watch to become an essential component of refined dress.

As early pocket watches became more refined, many wearers sought solutions to maneuvering their timepieces without worry of damage or loss. To be sure, these watches were designed to fit snugly into pockets, but the hurried wearer ran the constant risk of dropping or losing ones watch if not adequately attentive when slipping it back into its spot. The solution that emerged for this conundrum was the watch chain, which gave the wearer the freedom to attach his or her watch to a button lapel or belt loop.

Soon after, this utilitarian chain became elaborated, with its links conjured in precious metals like silver and gold and its terminal accented with elegant fobs featuring semi-precious stones and enamel inlays. Thus, antique and vintage watch chains serve as a reminder of both the past popularity of the pocket watch and the sophistication of its wearer.


Quick Facts

  • Watch chains did not emerge until the early years of the 17th century. Before that era, watch chains referred to necklace-like chains on which a portable watch pendant would be suspended
  • Prince Albert, ill-fated spouse of Queen Victoria, is rumored to have popularized the use of the watch chain in 19th-century England
  • To accommodate the day-to-day variety of women’s dress, some women’s watch chains featured an adjustable length

Recommended Items at Auction

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14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Chain and Slide
Feb 25, 10:00 AM CST
14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Chain and Slide
by Leonard Auction
Est: $1,000- $1,200
$8004 Bids
17k Yellow Gold Watch Chain and Pendant
Feb 25, 10:00 AM CST
17k Yellow Gold Watch Chain and Pendant
by Leonard Auction
Est: $1,800- $2,200
$1,0004 Bids
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10k Gold Filled Long Watch Chain
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
10k Gold Filled Long Watch Chain
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$12 Bids
STERLING SILVER VICTORIAN ERA POCKET WATCH CHAIN
Feb 21, 11:00 AM EST
STERLING SILVER VICTORIAN ERA POCKET WATCH CHAIN
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $200- $400
$501 Bid
A Vintage Watch Chain & Toggle in 14K
Feb 27, 12:00 PM EST
A Vintage Watch Chain & Toggle in 14K
by Alex Cooper
Est: $2,000- $4,000
$1,0001 Bid
14K GOLD WATCH FOB CHAIN
Mar 02, 11:00 AM EST
14K GOLD WATCH FOB CHAIN
by Americana Auctions
Est: $900- $1,100
$4501 Bid
Ladies Luertne Pocket watch chain
Feb 24, 6:00 PM EST
Ladies Luertne Pocket watch chain
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids
14 kt roségouden gourmettte horloge ketting met mu…
Feb 26, 7:00 PM CET
14 kt roségouden gourmettte horloge ketting met mu…
by Veilinghuis Van Spengen
Est: €400- €600
€3250 Bids
18 kt geelgouden horloge ketting waaraan een rond …
Feb 26, 7:00 PM CET
18 kt geelgouden horloge ketting waaraan een rond …
by Veilinghuis Van Spengen
Est: €350- €450
€3250 Bids
14 kt geelgouden fantasie schakel horloge ketting …
Feb 26, 7:00 PM CET
14 kt geelgouden fantasie schakel horloge ketting …
by Veilinghuis Van Spengen
Est: €400- €600
€3500 Bids
14 kt geelgouden horloge ketting met afwisselend s…
Feb 26, 7:00 PM CET
14 kt geelgouden horloge ketting met afwisselend s…
by Veilinghuis Van Spengen
Est: €500- €700
€4500 Bids
14 kt geelgouden horloge ketting met musketonhaak,…
Feb 26, 7:00 PM CET
14 kt geelgouden horloge ketting met musketonhaak,…
by Veilinghuis Van Spengen
Est: €500- €700
€4500 Bids
14 kt geelgouden gourmette horloge ketting met 14 …
Feb 26, 7:00 PM CET
14 kt geelgouden gourmette horloge ketting met 14 …
by Veilinghuis Van Spengen
Est: €600- €800
€5000 Bids
14 kt roségouden horloge ketting met een teckelkop…
Feb 26, 7:00 PM CET
14 kt roségouden horloge ketting met een teckelkop…
by Veilinghuis Van Spengen
Est: €600- €800
€5500 Bids
A GRADUATED CURB LINK ALBERT CHAIN
Feb 27, 9:30 AM GMT
A GRADUATED CURB LINK ALBERT CHAIN
by Elstob Auctioneers
Est: £50- £80
£500 Bids
Art Deco 14K Gold Flat Curb Link “1920” Watch Chain
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Art Deco 14K Gold Flat Curb Link “1920” Watch Chain
by Intervendue
Est: $4,000- $7,000
$3,4000 Bids
(3) POCKET WATCH CHAINS
Feb 26, 10:00 AM EST
(3) POCKET WATCH CHAINS
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $40- $80
$100 Bids
Pocket Watch Chain.
Feb 28, 11:00 AM CET
Pocket Watch Chain.
by Auktionshaus Stahl
Est: €0- €0
€9000 Bids
Art Deco 14K Gold Curb Link “1918” Watch Chain
Feb 27, 11:00 AM EST
Art Deco 14K Gold Curb Link “1918” Watch Chain
by Intervendue
Est: $3,000- $6,000
$2,4000 Bids
A Heavy Antique Hallmarked 1881/2 Silver Albert Chain with T-Bar.
Feb 19, 10:00 AM GMT
A Heavy Antique Hallmarked 1881/2 Silver Albert Chain with T-Bar.
by Cadmore Auctions
Est: £90- £130
£900 Bids
A silver Albert watch chain with silver fob and T-…
Feb 23, 9:00 AM GMT
A silver Albert watch chain with silver fob and T-…
by Claydon Auctioneers
Est: £30- £50
£140 Bids
A .925 silver watch chain with T-bar and silver fo…
Feb 23, 9:00 AM GMT
A .925 silver watch chain with T-bar and silver fo…
by Claydon Auctioneers
Est: £30- £50
£140 Bids
14 kt roségouden deels gourmette horloge ketting m…
Feb 26, 7:00 PM CET
14 kt roségouden deels gourmette horloge ketting m…
by Veilinghuis Van Spengen
Est: €700- €900
€6500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Watch Chains


Veilinghuis Van Spengen

Veilinghuis Van Spengen

Intervendue

Intervendue

Claydon Auctioneers

Claydon Auctioneers

Auktionshaus Wimberger

Auktionshaus Wimberger