Pocket Watch

In spite of the development of timepieces into certified chronometers and with GPS capabilities, these innovations can never match the elegance, charm, and even romance of a silver pocket watch. These timepieces come from a bygone era when gentlemen tipped their hats when they met ladies, and opened doors as well as moved chairs for them. They were also most useful in the 19th century railroad industry.

Today, the romance continues. An authentic 19th century timepiece can cost a bundle. Some of the more famous brands at the time are Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton, and Ingersoll, the last being the same brand owned by India's Mahatma Gandi.

Fortunately, there are modern counterparts of these refined timepieces that cost a fraction of the originals. They look very much like the antiques, coming either with an open face or protected with a hinged cover. You can also choose one that has Arabic or Roman numerals for its numbers. Their internal mechanism, however, are quartz movements.

These make excellent gifts not just to men but to women as well. And you can always have them engraved with a message that expresses your thoughts and feelings.