Since the beginning of the 17th century, a pocket watch with a chain has been considered one of the important accessories of the men's toilet. This attribute emphasized the status of a rich and noble gentleman. The cost of such jewelry was very high, and its body was made of valuable metals.
Name of watch on chain
The popularity of the attribute in the 19th century reached the need for a mandatory watch pocket on men's clothing, which was made either on a vest, or on trousers, or on both items of clothing. In colloquial speech, when mentioning an important accessory, various names were used: watches, chimes, alarm clocks, even “Nuremberg eggs.” But one word was unique to pocket watch movements, it took its roots from the French creator Breguet A.L.. The clock created by this master at the end of the 16th century showed the dates of the month, and its distinguishing characteristic was accuracy.
In subsequent years and even centuries, the name “Breguet” came into everyday use when referring to an expensive attribute of a man’s wardrobe. Among men you can find admirers of pocket watches even today.
Description of the accessory
Several centuries ago, making small watches was especially popular. And it was not only an accessory for a man's wardrobe. Some models were also produced for women.
A characteristic feature of the attribute was that it could fit in the palm of your hand and had a metal body. The glass was covered with a snap-on lid, under which the dial was hidden. Over time, they began to produce various models of bragets, which to this day are divided into:
- classic pocket, with a short chain;
- watches that can be used as wristwatches; such models are equipped with a bracelet and chain;
- pendant watches with a long chain, designed for both men and women, are used more often as decoration.
Reference! Combined bragets, made to be worn on the wrist, were first made with a metal bracelet, which became a decorative part of the case. Over time, only the fastenings for the bracelet were left, and soon they got rid of them.
The value of the Breguet lay not only in the ability to know about the time, but also about the material from which the watch case and chains were made. Even if they were different metals, they were selected the same color so that they would harmonize. Opening the lid was accompanied by a melodic composition that attracted the attention of others. This allowed the owners to emphasize their importance at the right time. Breguet owners loved to decorate the attribute using keychains in the form of their favorite figures, which were attached to a chain.
Historical reference
The first models of pocket watches were equipped with a special key on a separate chain for winding the spring mechanism. This method was practiced in the 17th and 18th centuries. Only at the beginning of the 19th century, when the appearance began to improve and the braces became flat, they began to be wound up using a small wheel located on the end surface of the body.
Some examples of pocket watches, in addition to musical accompaniment when opening, were equipped with an hourly chime of a pleasant melodic tone. Models from the 18th century are already found without lids, but with thickened glass.
Important! In Soviet times, the prestige of the Breguet was emphasized by an engraved personal inscription on the lid. Such engravings were especially often used when presenting pocket watches as a gift to a leader in production or to the commander of a combat unit! Thanks to such inscriptions, archaeologists have repeatedly been able to establish the identities of those killed during the Second World War.
How to wear them correctly?
Depending on the style of clothing and manners that a person adheres to, the breguet is worn in completely different ways.
If a person considers himself to be part of an aristocratic society and his wardrobe is distinguished by sophistication and elegance, then the pretentious style of past centuries is most suitable for him. To do this, the suit must have a vest with a special pocket located on the opposite side of the hand that it controls better. In this case, the end of the chain is attached to the button of the vest, and the bragette is placed in the pocket with the dial facing the body, so that you can take it out and immediately see the time. This style of wearing is called classic.
The absence of a suit or vest in the watch owner’s wardrobe, the use of only shirts and sweaters indicates the man’s commitment to a casual style. In this case, the breguet is worn in the trouser pocket on the convenient side on a long chain, which is attached with a carabiner to the side belt loop of the trousers.
A working man who needs time control uses the front pocket of his overalls to store his brace throughout the working day. For such watches, large chains are usually used so that you can take out the attribute and find out the time without reaching into your pocket..
For a “going out in public” or a special event, take a pocket watch with an original chain or keychain to highlight your significance and the value of the Breguet.
Pocket watches in modern fashion
Modern youth do not use such an accessory due to the abundance of other, more interesting items that are distinguished by their relevance. Despite this, the Breguet remains a symbol of nobility and beauty. When wearing a classic suit, do not forget to emphasize your importance with such an important accessory. This was and will be appropriate when attending any responsible and important events.
If, when going to a party with friends, you take a breget on a thick chain with you and periodically look at the time, pulling it out of the side pocket of your jeans, then the attention of the opposite sex will be focused only on your actions, because girls love everything shiny. Moreover, long-forgotten things have always been considered the most fashionable.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, wristwatches and the mass production of various products that display time have made Breguet less prestigious. However, even today, you can find true connoisseurs of the accessory who daily use a pocket item of men's clothing in order to emphasize the aristocracy of their origin.
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