Historical information
Fob (or pocket) watches were developed in Europe in the 16th century and gained wide usage during the mid 18th century until World War 1 when the wristwatch was invented. These watches were designed to be carried in a small pocket and attached through the means of a 'fob' which could be a chain or made from a variety of materials such as leather. Their popularity peaked in the nineteenth century where they were an important part of middle and lower class society as well.
Significance
This item is of social significance as fob / pocket watches were valued as an essential object in all levels of society. For some occupations, such as the railroads, it was a necessary tool of the job.
Physical description
Steel York Lever open face pocket / fob watch dated between 1940-1960. The dial has an inner pewter circle, outer minute divisions and a circular insert and hand to show the seconds. The numbers are finely edged with a black line and the hands are two coloured. The back of the watch is patterned with fine lines and three rectangle shapes. The words 'ANTIMAGNETIC' are on the front of the watch. Anti-magnetic watches began to be made at the beginning of the 20th century as mechanical watches were affected by magnetic fields. The 'lever' set on watches was a requirement for railroad watches. It required a two step process for the hands to be adjusted.
Inscriptions & markings
The front dial of the watch has the words 'YORK LEVER', 'ANTIMAGNETIC' and 'MADE IN GERMANY'.
Subjects
References
- Website - ebay Link to item for sale that has very similar characteristics of the fob watch. Dates the item around 1960-69
- Website - CIRCULA, German Watchmakers. The history of the anti-magnetic watch. The history of anti-magnetic watches began over 100 years ago. As early as 1915, the first watch of this type was developed. It was a pocket watch. In fact, the development of anti-magnetic watches was necessary at the beginning of the 20th century, because already then mechanical watches were negatively affected by magnetic fields. For example, the electric motors of locomotives or the magnetic deflection coils of radar screens in airplanes interfered with the accuracy of the watches.
- Website - Wakim Antiques Similar York Lever style watch, dated at 1940. Missing words 'Anti-magnetic'
