Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Case & Dial

Bow

The ring or loop at the top of a pocket watch case through which a chain or fob is attached.

Explanation

The bow is the ring at the top of a pocket watch case to which a chain or fob is attached. It sits in the pendant. Bow style can help date a case, and many American railroad-grade cases used bows designed not to pull out easily. Replaced or mismatched bows are common and should be noted rather than assumed original.