My advice would be: 1. Do a lot of looking if you want to buy a good quality vintage pocket watch. There is a lot of info on the web re: pocket watches - do a fair amount of research, before shopping so you know what's being presented to you. 2. Take your time (no pun intended.) There is a huge selection, new and old, to choose from, and just about as many sources. 3. Pay attention to size. The range is 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. The face of a 12 is about 1 9/16" in diameter. Average increase from one size to the next is about 1/16". And while on the subject of size, try to find a chain in a similar color and/or material with a scale that suits the style and size of the watch. My opinion is that smaller watches are better for smaller guys, and larger watches for larger guys. Of course this is just my preference. I have a gold watch (c.1888 = needs to be wound) given to me as a gift, which I love because it is smaller and suits my small hands. 4. What ever you get, enjoy it! Here's my baby below...