What is a Watch Fob?

A Watch fob is a medallion or ornament attached by leather strap, short ribbon, or chain to a pocket watch to assist in locating and removing the watch from a pocket in clothing. Some were originally coded or numbered to assist in return to the owner.

 

Watch fobs became popular when men's watches were predominantly carried in the pocket, and are still used today, especially by nurses.

 

Until World War I and the development of the wristwatch, most watches designed for men had to be carried in the pocket. About 1772 the fashion of carrying a watch in each waistcoat fob pocket was introduced (though one watch was usually false); watch fobs consisted of chains supporting seals. By the beginning of the 19th century, the fashion for elaborate masculine jewelry had passed, and all that remained of the watch fob was usually a simple chain.

 

The term is also used to refer to ornaments hung at the end of such a ribbon or chain.