Ever wondered why pocket watches are such collectible items? Railroad pocket watches make for precious heirlooms. Find out why.

Railroad pocket watches mark the height of not just the American watchmaking industry, but of the Industrial Revolution itself. In 1891, just as the rail system was experiencing a rapid expansion, an unfortunate disaster happened. Two trains, a fast mail train and an accommodation train, met their fateful end. The Engineer at the accommodation train unwittingly relied on his watch, which actually lagged for 4 minutes. What happened next was unthinkable. The two trains met at Kipton, Ohio. Eleven people were killed, the two engineers included.

The untoward accident made one thing clear - that accurate timekeeping was vital. To uphold railroad safety, a commission was established. Their primary task was to set standards for timekeeping. And so, together with the General Railroad Timepiece Standards, the legendary Railroad Pocket Watch was born.

The Railroad Pocket Watch proved to be not only an item of precision and accuracy, but a symbol of timeless elegance as well. Pocket watches of these times bore labor-intensive craftsmanship. They’re simply unequaled by any modern watch.

Railroad pocket watches symbolize a period in history, marked by simpler and slower things. But more than that, the railroad pocket watch represents achievement and the beginning of what the 20th century was to become.

Now that you know why railroad pocket watches are so collectible, make sure that you take care of the one that you have (if you are indeed one of the few lucky owners). Not everybody is fortunate to have these precious heirlooms. But it’s always a consolation to know that there are modern pocket watches that are just as elegantly classic and quaint. Engraved pocket watches are especially great for those looking for special and well-appreciated gift items.

Modern pocket watches, though not as historically valuable as the railroad watches, manage to conjure an aura that is just as mystifying. I have my own prized collection of these quartz watches. I can’t afford the genuine railroad pocket watches, but I’m not complaining. I love what I got just fine!

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