Taskukellojen

Taskukellojen, commonly known as pocket watches, are timepieces designed to be carried in a pocket, typically attached to a chain. Historically, they were the dominant form of portable personal watch before the advent of wristwatches. The earliest pocket watches emerged in the 16th century in Europe, evolving from larger, often ornate, clockwork mechanisms. Initially, they were large, drum-shaped, and inaccurate, gradually becoming smaller and more precise as technology advanced.

The design of pocket watches often features a hinged case that protects the dial and movement. The most common type is the open-face pocket watch, where the dial is exposed. The hunter-case pocket watch, in contrast, has a metal lid that springs open when a button is pressed, revealing the dial. A half-hunter or demi-hunter case has a smaller window on the lid, allowing the time to be read without fully opening it.

Pocket watches reached their peak popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were a symbol of status and sophistication, particularly for men. The chain, often made of precious metal, was an integral part of the watch's ensemble. While wristwatches largely replaced pocket watches for everyday wear, pocket watches remain popular as collector's items, for formal occasions, and as a nostalgic nod to a bygone era. Their intricate mechanisms and craftsmanship continue to be appreciated by enthusiasts and horologists.