You may purchase pocket watches from a horologist, a pocket watch dealer, or a jeweler in your neighborhood. Though you can be assured that the antique pocket watches they are selling are in working condition, experts usually have a high premium or mark up rate.

But there is a way to buy vintage and old pocket watches without paying a dealer’s fee. You can purchase pocket watches from online sellers. Some pocket watch sellers allow you to haggle for the price over the internet.

Where to buy pocket watches online? 

Purchasing pocket watches online allows you to have more choices within the amount that you can afford. 

You can enter general buy and sell websites such as eBay and Amazon.com to search for old and antique pocket watches for sale. 

It is better if you find a specialized website about pocket watches where you can join forums. This is where pocket watch sellers and buyers interact. This website has a pocket watch classified ads where sellers can post their timepieces for sale.

What are the things to know before I purchase a pocket watch?

•    Types of pocket watches

There are two basic pocket watch types: (types of pocket watches) the open face and the hunter case pocket watches.

Open face pocket watches do not have lids or covers. This is a typical design of a railroad pocket watch.

•    Pocket watch age

Antique pocket watches are over 100 years old. Old pocket watches that have not reached a century are called vintage pocket watches. The serial number on the pocket watch mechanism indicates the manufacturing year.

•    Pocket watch brand

Reputable pocket watch makers such as Elgin, Waltham, and Patek Philippe has produced top of the line pocket watches since 1850s. These classic and antique pocketwatches are worth hundred of dollars today.

If the company has folded up, the pocket watch value increases. These are considered rare pocket watches.

•    Pocket watch jewels

Rubies, diamonds, and sapphires are set inside the watch mechanism to minimize friction among the moving parts. Metal on metal produces high wear and tear. But using friction jewels makes the pocket watch parts move smoothly. Pocket  watch jewels indicate the timepiece’s quality.

•    Pocket watch metal

A pocket watch has an intrinsic value if it is made of precious metal. Most pocket watch cases are made from silver, gold, titanium, or silveroid (mixed metals).

How to purchase a pocket watch in the internet?

For instance you found a vintage Elgin pocket watch online. By the looks of it, the pocketwatch looks elegant but are you sure the mechanism is not defective? How would you know if the pocket watch price is way too high?

Purchasing a pocket watch online can also be risky. You may not get a fair deal of what you paid for. This guide will help you how to make worthy pocket watch bargains in the internet.
    
•    Look for pocket watch for sale online

When you find a pocket watch in the internet, maximize your choices by visiting other pocket watch forums and other finding other pocketwatches for sale. Then, you compare your finds for the best pocket watch bargain.

•    Check the online pocket watch price guide

The online secondary market provides a baseline data of the antique and vintage pocket watch prices. Check the 2-Clicks pocket watches price guide for a complete directory of websites on pocket watch prices.

•    Know the pocket watch seller well

The way to build rapport with the pocket watch seller is to communicate with him. Check the seller of the pocket watch’s credentials online. Read the feedback of other buyers about the seller.

Be friendly with your pocketwatch seller and inquire about the following:

What to ask your online pocket watch seller?

•    What are the complete specifications of the watch?

Be sure the seller has indicated the brand, number of jewels, pocket watch metal, and other important details.

•    What is the physical condition of the pocket watch?

Ask the seller if he or she can provide a macro shot of the pocket watch dealer. A closer detail of the pocket watch reveals scratches and faded toning.

Most gold-toned or gold filled pocket watches will lose their gold luster after many years. From afar, these pocket watches might look like copper but with a closer look, you’ll see that the inner metal shows through.

•    Are there any mechanical problems with the pocket watch?

Another good idea is to invite the pocket watch seller to a video conference. That way, you can see if the pocket watch movement is functioning well. Does the pocketwatch still run when faced downwards?

•    Has the watch been opened, cleaned, or repaired before?

Ask the pocket watch seller how much the entire cost of the repair was. How many parts have been changed? Were the original parts replaced with generic ones? If the dealer confirms that the antique pocket watch has been repaired, ask him who did it and where.

•    Does the pocket watch have any interesting history?

Just all other collectibles, pocket watch values increase they have a colorful background. We may have heard similar stories about a pocket watch that has been passed on from one generation to another.