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