Time & Tether

[ontick]

So how does one go about choosing the appropriate tether for one's pocket watch? I have one with a Ball 20th Century Safety Bow, showing no wear. I'm concerned that with a chain, the clip that fastens on to the bow might wear through the gold plate. A leather strap doesn't seem to offer the security of preventing the watch from dropping, as one end would typically be unfastened. On a Ball 20th Century Safety Bow, the wide leather straps would not fit well through the hole, (braided might). I have considered the small leather piece that loops around the bow, and allows the chain to be fastened to it, thus protecting the bow from wear, but again, the Safety Bow has a small hole.

The leather straps seem the most protective against wear, and the chains protect against dropping. Where might I find the small short leather piece that a chain attaches to? What choices are most traditionally appropriate for this type of bow.

[ontick]

So how does one go about choosing the appropriate tether for one's pocket watch? I have one with a Ball 20th Century Safety Bow, showing no wear. I'm concerned that with a chain, the clip that fastens on to the bow might wear through the gold plate. A leather strap doesn't seem to offer the security of preventing the watch from dropping, as one end would typically be unfastened. On a Ball 20th Century Safety Bow, the wide leather straps would not fit well through the hole, (braided might). I have considered the small leather piece that loops around the bow, and allows the chain to be fastened to it, thus protecting the bow from wear, but again, the Safety Bow has a small hole.

The leather straps seem the most protective against wear, and the chains protect against dropping. Where might I find the small short leather piece that a chain attaches to? What choices are most traditionally appropriate for this type of bow.

[Steven Mercer]

Ontick

I use the leather watch chains (http://www.slarose.com/store/store.ihtml?pid=072007&step=4&catid=148) from S. Larose. One loop is for the watch bow, and the other loop you put your belt through.

The only problem is these ones are not well made and after so many uses they tend to fall apart. I guess that is why they sell a dozen at a time. :wink:

Steve

[ontick]

I found a braided leather strap, offered in different colors, including black, and tan. It's braided nearly end to end, but for a small loop at each end where a silver colored ring is threaded. The leather is strong. It's made of braided kangaroo leather. The shortest length available may be 12 inches, so it's a bit long, but there may be more than one way to attach to watch and trousers (one or both rings could be cut off). The strap seems like a possible solution, and here's the kicker–it's a high quality choke collar for dog show use. Might start a fad?

[Kent]

Somebody sells short leather pieces designed to go through a pocket watch bow (in your case, the lower stirrup opening) and then hook onto a standard watch chain swivel. Unfortunately, I can't remember the source. Perhaps some of the other posters can help out here.

Kent

[Spike]

You might take a look at these (http://nawcc-***-mb.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=3206049661&f=3006013713&m=116003885).

[ontick]

Spike, those straps look very nice. I can't seem to find a source for the small strap that a chain would attach to. I might consider one of these braided straps. Thanks for the tip.

On the other hand, maybe concerns of wear from a watch chain to the bow are exaggerated. A pocket watch is usually held in hand, or sitting in a pocket, not dangling from the chain, so perhaps the bow receives less wear from friction than sometimes thought.