Marriage watches; you either love them or you hate them. They are cherished and collected by many, but nicknamed Frankenstein watches by others. So what are these watches and why do people have such strong opinions when it comes to these pieces? Let’s find out!
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Watch and learn
A marriage watch is not, as you would maybe imagine, a gift watch that you receive from your loved ones on your wedding day. A marriage watch is a timepiece that has ‘married’ an older object. Basically it is a pocket watch converted into a wristwatch, combining an original movement with other original parts and/or non-original parts.
Why are these watches so popular right now? One of the reasons might be because of the popularity of large watches at the moment. Since pocket watches have a fairly large size, they fit perfectly into the current watches trends. Another reason could be that IWC has produces many Portugese and Portofino models over the past years that have a clear pocket watch appearance. If you buy a marriage watch instead, which has a very similar look and feel to it, it can save you some money and you will own a unique object.
Hot or not?
What is so great about the marriage watches is that they can be seen as unique artworks. They combine vintage and antique pieces with a modern day look. They can be considered as valuable pieces of horological history. The marriage watches come with a story and have a very high level of traditional craftsmanship. Sometimes modern day craftsmanship is added for an even more refined result, as in this marriage watch that is on auction right now.
You could argue that the marriage watch is not about destroying an old pocket watch, but about giving new life to an object that is rarely used anymore. Who still wears pocket watches? Hardly anyone. So by transforming the pocket watches they are being recycled, updated and turned into something new.
Not everyone agrees with this though. According to others, they are not completely original and some collectors only want a watch in authentic condition. They don’t see the watches as vintage pieces, but as edited and even damaged. This is why they are also called Frankenstein watches. It’s up to you to decide whether they are vintage masterpieces or not.
Different variations
Not all marriages end in divorce. The marriage watch combination could as well be a happily ever after, until death us part piece. If you decide to buy a one, you should take into account that there are different variations when it comes to marriage watches. On Catawiki, only marriage watches with the original movement are sold.
The most pure form is when the pocket watch is still in complete condition and only lugs have been added. The Omega wristwatch 1932 is a fine example. You can see how an original pocket watch has just been given a strap.
The Omega CAL.40.6L.T2.15P, 1930 on the other hand still has the original movement, but a new and modern looking case. Depending on your taste, you can choose which kind of marriage watch looks best on your arm and in your collection.