Gotham Pocket Watch Review: The Perfect Sentimental Gift?

In an age of smartwatches and smartphones, the pocket watch is an anachronism—but a beautiful one. Whether you are looking for the finishing touch to a three-piece suit, a memorable groomsmen gift, or simply a break from the digital world, a pocket watch makes a statement. However, the market is flooded with two extremes: cheap, disposable trinkets for $15 or restored vintage rail-road watches costing $500+.

Gotham Watch Company attempts to bridge this gap. Based in New York, this small business promises decent build quality, classic aesthetics, and something almost unheard of in this price bracket: a lifetime warranty. But can a sub-$100 watch actually last a lifetime? I picked up a Gotham Mechanical Skeleton Pocket Watch to find out.

My Experience With The Gotham Pocket Watch

I purchased the Gotham Silver-Tone Mechanical Skeleton model for a family wedding.

I wanted something that felt substantial in the hand, not like the hollow tin toys you often find at costume shops.

Upon unboxing, the presentation stood out immediately.

It didn’t arrive in a blister pack; it came in a branded gift box with a drawstring pouch and a polishing cloth. It felt like a “real” gift right out of the gate. When I picked up the watch, I was pleasantly surprised by the heft. It is made of solid brass (plated in silver), and that density gives it a feeling of quality.

I opted for the mechanical version because I wanted the tactile experience of winding it. The crown action was crisp, and seeing the gears turn through the skeletonized face was mesmerizing. It ticks with a distinct, rhythmic sound—audible in a quiet room, but not annoying.

For the wedding, I had the back engraved. This is where Gotham shines; the back cover was polished smooth and took the engraving perfectly without chipping the plating. Throughout the event, the watch kept time well enough for the day, though I noticed it gained about 30 seconds by the next morning—standard behavior for a mechanical movement in this price range.

The chain included was a standard curb link. It was functional and matched the watch finish well, though it felt slightly lighter than the watch itself. Overall, it felt like a piece of jewelry that happened to tell time, which is exactly what I was looking for.

Pros Of Gotham Pocket Watches

The Lifetime Warranty:This is Gotham’s “ace in the hole.” Most watches in the $50–$150 range come with a 1-year limited warranty. Gotham offers a lifetime warranty that covers the movement. The company is known for its stellar customer service (often handled by the owner, Dave), creating a level of trust that generic brands cannot match. If the watch stops working 5 years down the road, you can send it in for repair or replacement.
Gift-Ready Presentation:Gotham understands their market: gifts. The packaging is excellent, and the watches are designed with smooth back covers specifically to accommodate engraving. If you are buying for a wedding party, graduation, or retirement, the “unboxing” experience is far superior to competitors like Charles-Hubert or generic Amazon brands.
Variety of Movements:They offer both Mechanical (hand-wind) and Quartz (battery) options for almost every style.
- Choose Quartz if you want accuracy and “set it and forget it” convenience.
- Choose Mechanical if you want the romantic, old-school experience of winding your watch every morning and watching the gears move.
Solid Brass Construction:Unlike cheaper alternatives that use zinc alloy (pot metal), Gotham cases are generally brass. This provides durability and a satisfying weight. The plating (gold, silver, or gunmetal) is applied thickly enough to withstand occasional handling without rubbing off immediately.
Classic “Railroad” Aesthetics:Their dial designs are legible and historically inspired. The “Railroad” models feature large, bold numbers and minute markers that are easy to read, mimicking the functional tools of 19th-century conductors.

Cons Of Gotham Pocket Watches

Acrylic/Mineral Crystals:To keep costs down, Gotham uses mineral glass or acrylic for the watch face cover, rather than scratch-resistant sapphire. If you carry the watch in a pocket with keys or coins, the crystal will scratch over time. You must use the “watch pocket” of your jeans or a vest pocket exclusively.
Mechanical Accuracy:The mechanical movements are typically Chinese-manufactured (similar to Sea-Gull or Hangzhou movements). While reliable, they are not chronometers. Expect a variance of +/- 30 to 60 seconds per day. If you need atomic precision, you must buy the Quartz version.
Not “Heirloom” Quality:While they have a lifetime warranty, these are not Patek Philippes or vintage Hamiltons. They are mass-produced movements in nice cases. They are unlikely to appreciate in value. They are sentimental heirlooms, not financial ones.
Water Resistance:Like almost all traditional pocket watches, Gotham watches have virtually zero water resistance. A splash of rain is fine, but if you drop it in a puddle or the sink, the movement will likely be ruined.

Maintenance Tips For Gotham Pocket Watches

Winding (Mechanical Models):If you have a mechanical model, wind it once a day, preferably at the same time (e.g., every morning). Turn the crown clockwise until you feel resistance. Stop immediately when you feel it get tight. Overwinding can snap the mainspring, a common issue for first-time users.
Battery Care (Quartz Models):If you have a quartz model and you plan to store it for more than a few months (e.g., in a keepsake box), pull the crown out to stop the watch or remove the battery. A leaking battery can destroy the movement from the inside out.
Polishing:The plating is durable but can tarnish or get fingerprinted. Use the included microfiber cloth to wipe it down after handling. Do not use harsh chemical metal polishes (like Brasso), as they can strip the gold or silver plating down to the brass underneath.
Chain Safety:The “bow” (the loop on top of the watch) is the weak point. Check occasionally to ensure it is secure. When attaching the chain to your clothing, ensure the clip is fully closed so the watch doesn’t slip out and hit the concrete.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Tozo S4 Smart Watch

Comparison With Other Brands

Gotham vs. Charles-Hubert Paris:These two brands are the closest rivals. They share very similar designs, price points, and likely even supply chains for parts. However, Gotham generally edges out Charles-Hubert on customer service and warranty terms. Gotham is a smaller US operation that feels more personal, whereas Charles-Hubert is a larger distributor.
Gotham vs. Tissot:Tissot is a Swiss luxury brand. A Tissot mechanical pocket watch will cost $500 to $1,000+. It will feature a Swiss ETA movement and sapphire crystal. Tissot is for the serious horology enthusiast; Gotham is for the casual user or gift-giver who wants the look and feel without the luxury price tag.
Gotham vs. Vintage (Elgin/Waltham/Hamilton):A restored vintage watch from 1920 is a piece of history, but it is high maintenance. It requires expensive servicing ($200+) every few years and is fragile (no shock protection). Gotham is a modern, robust alternative that you don’t have to be afraid to use. If you want a watch to wear, buy Gotham. If you want a watch to collect, buy vintage.
Gotham vs. Cheap Amazon Generics (Vigoroso/Mudder):You will see pocket watches on Amazon for $15. These are toys. They often use plastic lenses, fake metal cases, and movements that fail in a month. Gotham is a significant step up in quality control and materials. Do not confuse the two.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where are Gotham watches made?

Gotham is an American company, but like almost all watches in this price range (including Apple Watches), the components are manufactured in Asia. The watches are designed, inspected, and serviced in the USA.

Is the “Lifetime Warranty” real?

Yes. It generally covers the movement of the watch. If the watch stops keeping time, you can return it to Gotham Watch Co. (usually with a small check to cover return shipping/handling, typically around $10). They will repair or replace it. This is a rare commitment in the fashion watch industry.

Can I wear a pocket watch with jeans?

Absolutely. The small rectangular pocket inside the right front pocket of your jeans is literally called the “watch pocket.” It was designed for this exact purpose. Clip the chain to your belt loop and slide the watch into that small pocket.

Do the mechanical watches need batteries?

No. Mechanical watches are powered by a spring that you wind by hand. There are no electronics inside. This makes them “future-proof” in a way—they will never die because a battery leaked.

Conclusion

To summarize, a Gotham Pocket Watch is the ideal choice for someone who wants the sophistication of a classic timepiece without the headache of maintaining an antique. They strike a perfect balance between affordability and quality, backed by a warranty that ensures the gift will remain functional for years. Whether for a groom, a grandfather, or yourself, it is a charming accessory that brings a bit of 19th-century class to a 21st-century world.