Whether you’re a dedicated wrist watch wearer or you just rely on a 21st century pocket watch in the shape of your i-phone, you cannot help but admire the exquisite beauty and elegance of pocket watches. Here are some beauties from the selection currently available online.

The heyday of the pocket watch may long be over, but the sun has never set on these beautifully crafted timepieces. Unlike a watch, a pocket watch allows the artisan a bigger canvas onto which to work his magic and the results can be stunning. Here are some excellent examples from a collection which is going to be significantly enriched in the coming weeks. All of them are comfortably over 100 years old, but they still gleam and sparkle sufficiently to tempt even the most jaded magpie. All the prices are open to sensible offers.

Stauffer 18ct gold & diamond pocket watch – c1895

This wonderful Swiss-made diamond and enamel lapel pocket watch dates from around 1895, during the Art Nouveau era and in as near to mint all-original condition as you will find for a watch dating back over 110 years. The watch comes from a private collection and features a solid 18ct gold case, set with gorgeous purple and cream enamel work and a single diamond. The enamel dial is in mint bright condition – no cracks or chips – and the high quality Swiss crown-wound movement was made by Stauffer, importers for IWC. Price: US$2,363

Art Nouveau 18ct gold & diamond pocket watch – c1895

A simply beautiful Swiss-made Art Nouveau diamond pocket watch, dating from around 1895 and in as near to mint all-original condition as you could hope for with a watch that is 110 years old. The watch comes from a private collection and features a gorgeous solid 18ct gold case, with classic Art Nouveau decoration and set with 8 genuine old cut diamonds. The case has a small ding on the outside back. The enamel dial is in mint bright condition – no cracks or chips – and the high quality Swiss crown-wound movement was made by L. Perrenoud & Co of Chaux de Fords, Switzerland. Price: US$2,690

Lange & Sohne Glashutte 18ct gold pocket watch – c1905

We saved the best till last. This is a very rare, very special watch, that would improve any collection of fine pocket watches – certainly museum standard. A. Lange & Sohne Glashutte pocket watch, dating from 1905 and in exceptional untouched all-original condition. The style of the watch is classic Lange from this era – bold and Germanic. The watch comes from the website owner’s private collection and features a heavy solid 18ct gold unpolished case (104gms), solid 18ct gold dial and a high quality 17 jewel crown-wound movement. The movement has been inspected by one of Europe’s top watchmakers and he declared it has never been worked on – completely untouched with all the screw heads in perfect condition. Price: US$13,778