Collection

Pocket Watches

Pocket Watches for the groom and the men beside him — skeleton, half hunter, full hunter and open-face cases in brass, gold, silver and black. Dispatched from Brisbane, Monday to Friday.

65 in collection
4.8 / 5 163 reviews

Pocket watches — common questions

What is the difference between a full hunter and a half hunter?
A full hunter has a hinged metal cover over the dial, so you open the case to read the time and the dial is protected when it is closed. A half hunter has the same cover with a small glass window cut into it, so the time can be read without opening it. An open face has no cover at all.
What is a skeleton pocket watch?
One with the dial cut away, or the caseback glazed, so the gears of the movement are visible while the watch is running. It is the style people stop and look at, and it is the largest group on this shelf.
Are these mechanical or quartz?
Almost every pocket watch in this range runs a mechanical movement, which is wound by hand rather than powered by a battery. The movement is listed under Specifications on each product page, so check there if that matters to you.
How do you wear a pocket watch with a wedding suit?
Traditionally in the waistcoat pocket, with the chain across to a buttonhole; with a three-piece suit that is still the neatest way to do it. Without a waistcoat, a trouser pocket with the chain to a belt loop works. Each product page states whether a chain is available for that watch.
How quickly do pocket watches ship, and what if one arrives faulty?
In-stock orders are usually dispatched within 1–2 business days (Monday to Friday) from Brisbane. Parcel Post is a flat $8.99 Australia-wide and orders over $60 ship free by Express Post. We do not offer change-of-mind returns or exchanges, but if a watch arrives faulty, damaged or not as described, contact us within 7 days with photos and we will replace or refund it under the Australian Consumer Law.
About

A pocket watch is the one groom's accessory that does not compete with the ring or the suit. It sits in a waistcoat or trouser pocket, it comes out once during the day, and it reads as considered rather than showy. It is also the gift that tends to be kept.

The range is organised two ways. By case style: a full hunter has a hinged metal cover over the dial, a half hunter has the same cover with a small window so you can read the time without opening it, an open face leaves the dial permanently visible, and a skeleton dial is cut away so the movement is visible turning behind the glass. By finish: brass, gold, silver and black. Most men choose on the finish and then narrow down on the style.

Almost everything here runs a mechanical movement, wound by hand rather than run from a battery — part of the appeal, and worth knowing before you give one to somebody who will never wind it. Each product page lists the movement, the case finish and whether a chain is available under its Specifications block.

Skeleton Pocket Watches is the largest of the style shelves and the easiest place to start if you want the movement on show; Full Hunter Pocket Watches is the more traditional, closed-case route. If you are buying for the whole party rather than the groom alone, the flasks and cufflinks in Groomsmen Gifts are the cheaper way to cover a group and keep the watch for the man who is getting married.

Pocket Watches ship Australia-wide from Groom & Co. In-stock orders are usually dispatched within 1–2 business days (Monday to Friday) from Brisbane, with a flat $8.99 Parcel Post rate and free Express Post on orders over $60.

Pocket Watch Styles, Materials and Movements: A Buyer’s Guide

Pocket watches represent a bridge between past and present—timekeeping tools that evolved into jewellery, status symbols, and genuine heirlooms. Whether you're a serious collector, a gift-giver seeking something meaningful, or simply drawn to the elegance of vintage timepieces, understanding pocket watch styles, materials, and mechanisms helps you choose confidently. With styles ranging from half-hunter to skeleton, and finishes from brass to silver, the variety can feel overwhelming. This guide helps navigate that selection, clarifying what distinguishes one pocket watch from another and what makes each genuinely special.

Understanding Case Styles: Hunter, Half-Hunter, Skeleton, and Full-Hunter

A full-hunter pocket watch has a solid metal case that closes completely, protecting the dial—opening requires deliberately unsnapping the cover. A half-hunter has a small crystal window in the front cover, allowing time-checking without fully opening—practical and elegant. A skeleton watch features an open-face case (no cover) and often a transparent caseback, showcasing the mechanical movement inside—genuinely fascinating for mechanical enthusiasts. Each style carries different aesthetics and practical implications. Hunters feel protective and precious; skeletons feel open and mechanical; half-hunters offer compromise. Your preference depends on whether you value protection, mechanical display, or practical balance.

Materials and Weight: Brass, Silver, and Gold Options

Brass pocket watches develop warm patina over time and weigh less than precious metals; they're accessible and beautiful. Silver-finish pocket watches feel substantially heavier and more precious, photographing with cool elegance. Gold-finish pocket watches read warmer and more formal. Dial materials vary too—enamel is authentic and beautiful; printed dials are more practical. Movement materials differ: some watches have visible jewel bearings (a sign of precision); others use simpler designs. Understanding these distinctions helps you appreciate value and genuinely choose based on preference rather than assumption.

Chains, Sizing, and Waistcoat Pocket Fit

Pocket watch dial diameter typically ranges from 34mm to 50mm, with most vintage pieces around 45mm. A proper-fitting waistcoat pocket accommodates your watch without forcing: too tight and the watch strains; too loose and it risks falling. Chain length typically measures 12–14 inches, allowing the watch to hang naturally from a waistcoat button to pocket depth. Our collection includes watches in various diameters and weights, with detailed specifications so you understand exactly what you're purchasing. Some watches include chains; many don't, allowing you to source separately and ensure genuine compatibility.

Condition, Listings and What Happens If Something Is Wrong

These are new pocket watches built in traditional styles rather than antiques: they are made to be worn and wound now, without the servicing a genuinely old movement needs. Our listings specify the movement type, dial style and case finish, so you know what you are buying before it arrives. We do not offer change-of-mind returns or exchanges; if a watch arrives faulty, damaged or not as described, contact us within 7 days with photos and we will put it right with a replacement or a refund under the Australian Consumer Law.

A pocket watch chosen well is a genuine investment in craftsmanship and personal meaning. Whether you wear daily or display proudly, you're holding genuine elegance and genuine history.