Los Angeles-based luxury brand Bucardo offers its Universal Fit Pocket Watch that transforms Apple Watch models into a vintage-inspired timepiece. The accessory, priced between $75-$200 depending on finish, replaces your wristband with a gold or silver metal housing that screams “I time-traveled from 1925 but still need my notifications.”
A quick flip reveals your Apple Watch nestled inside like a digital secret. This isn’t just your grandpa’s pocket watch – it’s what happens when nostalgia crashes into the future.
DESIGN EVOLUTION
The pocket watch case snaps directly into an Apple Watch’s band slots, finally ending the tyranny of wrist-based technology. Its ribbed metal exterior and intricate detailing borrow from Art Deco design, making your Apple Watch look like it belongs in The Great Gatsby. It’s a bold reimagining that turns a modern device into something timeless, and very different from the Best Smartwatches.
According to Bucardo, the Universal Fit accommodates all Apple Watch sizes from the tiny 38mm up to the 45mm Series 9. This compatibility upgrade addresses limitations in previous models, making it accessible to more users.
PREMIUM MATERIALS
Bucardo claims its pocket watch cases are crafted from medical-grade stainless steel with IP plating for different finishes. The gold version sparkles with a champagne hue while the silver offers a more understated, classic look. Both feature the signature ribbed pattern reminiscent of vintage timepieces.
The 15-inch detachable chain appears substantial in quality, with links that reflect traditional pocket watch aesthetics. This attention to detail separates it from cheaper alternatives that might cut corners on materials or finishing touches.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Behind the vintage charm lie some modern trade-offs. While battery life reportedly remains unchanged (the case doesn’t interfere with the watch’s performance), you’ll trade glance convenience for the theatrical pocket watch reveal. The digital crown remains accessible, but touch interactions may require adjusting to one-handed operation when holding the chain.
Notifications likely become less immediate when your device lives in your pocket rather than on your wrist. Haptic alerts would be muffled by the fabric and the metal case. The mechanism provides security, but requires adapting to a different way of checking your device.
STYLE VS SUBSTANCE
With prices ranging from $75-$200, depending on finish, you’re primarily paying for aesthetics rather than enhanced functionality. According to retail listings, similar accessories from competitors cost $30-50 less but may lack Bucardo’s premium materials and detailed craftsmanship.
The pocket watch appears best suited for formal events where standard smartwatches might clash with upscale attire. For everyday use, most reviewers suggest the convenience trade-off makes it less practical. Still, for those seeking a conversation starter or unique accessory, it delivers on its style promise.
VERSATILITY OPTIONS
Beyond pocket placement, Bucardo suggests wearing it as a necklace with longer chains or displaying it as a desk accessory. The case design accommodates charging without removing the watch, adding convenience. Some user feedback suggests the gold finish may be more prone to scratches than the silver model, though this varies by usage.
The one-button release mechanism provides smooth operation, though it has a different feel compared to traditional pocket watches. This accessory transforms a common tech item into something distinctive, balancing style with practicality depending on your specific needs and occasions.
