Many of us think of gold pocket watches with fondness. Perhaps our grandfathers had them in their pockets and let us investigate them when we were children. Or, maybe a favorite great-grandmother had one tucked away that was on a brooch, and she let us take it out and play with it every now and then.

Whatever your memories of gold pocket watches, perhaps you're in the market for one because of this special quality they have. And if so, rest assured that your desires are not unique. Gold pocket watches are available in a variety of styles and price ranges -- and all you need to do is man your mouse (so to speak) and have a look at several websites and auction sites like eBay to find yours.

Choosing the type of gold pocket watch you want

The Internet is a great place to find the perfect gold pocket watch for you, because it literally opens up the world to you and let you find exactly what you want with relative ease. Among the best places to look for gold pocket watches are auction sites like eBay, since many sellers have had these things tucked away in attics and are now looking to get rid of them for a few dollars -- with you as the beneficiary.

And if you are a woman (or you're looking for a gift for a woman), don't think you can't buy a gold pocket watch for yourself, either. Gold pocket watches come in so many styles, shapes and finishes that you can find a perfect gold pocket watch no matter who you're buying it for.

Pricing your gold pocket watch

Gold pocket watches come in a number of finishes and styles, and price ranges will reflect this. Even auction sites like eBay will have you paying several thousand dollars, for example, if you're buying an antique gold pocket watch with a brushed pure gold finish. However, more "modern" gold pocket watches may also fill the bill just fine, with a gold toned, inexpensive finish that looks like the real thing but will cost you a fraction of the price you'd normally pay. Therefore, expect to pay anywhere from under $100 to over a thousand (sometimes several thousand) dollars, depending on the type of watch you want.

Check the company's or seller's reputation

Before you buy from anywhere, check out the company or seller that you're going to buy from. If you're buying from an auction site like eBay, the seller's profile and feedback ratings should appear on the product page, usually on the right-hand side. Look for someone who's been reliable and has gotten very good feedback ratings.

If you're buying from another online seller, check out the company's reputation by going to your favorite search engine and typing in the company's name and key words "review" and/or "complaint." This will bring up any complaints customers have about this particular company, so that you know not to buy from it if it does indeed have a less than stellar reputation. And don't settle for less -- the Internet has made competition fierce, too, so you shouldn't have to work very hard to find a good, quality company to buy from.

Another way you can check out a particular company's reputation is to go to the Better Business Bureau's website at BBB.org. Again, if there are any companies with complaints as to customer service and/or product quality, stay away from them and find someone else.

If you're buying from an auction site, be aware that you may have to place a bid and then wait to see if you've "won" that auction. Some sellers will also let you pay a bit more and "buy immediately," which is a way to circumvent the bidding process if you don't really want to do it.

Pricing gold pocket watches through comparison-shopping

When you've narrowed down choices between several sellers or companies, and all of them are good, then it's time to check price for similar products so that you make sure to get the best deal possible. When you determine price, make sure you also factor in extra costs like tax and shipping, so that the price comparison you do is really fair. Then, all that remains to be done is to choose the lowest-priced place with the watch you want, click and buy, and you're done.

It's not difficult to buy gold pocket watches either on auction sites like eBay or from other online sellers, once you know how to do it. You can have a beautiful modern or antique pocket watch in your possession in no time at all.

By Fred R



Fred R runs an online auction site specializing on gold pocket watches. Visit at http://www.goldpocketwatchesonline.com