Caroline
These days, we have a multitude of gadgets in our pockets and on our wrists that can tell us the time without a second thought.
Not too long ago, however, the best way to keep track of the time would be to have your own pocket watch hanging from a chain in your pocket.
They also served as a stylish statement, and they came in many different forms. While not used much anymore these days, learning how to draw a pocket watch can still be a lot of fun!
They can be harder to draw than one may suspect, however, but this guide will make it much easier.
Our step-by-step guide on how to draw a pocket watch will make designing your own stylish timepiece easy and fun!
How to Draw A Pocket Watch – Let’s get Started!
Step 1
To get started with this guide on how to draw a pocket watch, we will first draw a pencil line to guide us. Using a tool like a drawing compass, carefully use a light pencil to draw a circle.
Once that is drawn, you can then get out your pen or a darker pencil as we draw the hands and numbers of the watch.
We used Roman numerals for the numbers, but you could go for a simpler style or simplify them a bit if it is too tricky. It may be tempting to put the 12 at the top, but the X for 10 will be on top due to the angle of the watch.
You can then finish off this step by using some curved and straight lines for the fancy hands of the watch.
Step 2 – Next, draw the face of the watch
Now that you have the numbers and hands of the watch drawn, you can next add the face of your pocket watch drawing.
Using your pen, carefully go over that pencil outline you drew in step 1. Then draw some irregular lines forming an outline around the face. You can also draw some circular lines forming a rough circle near the center of the watch.
Once you have replicated the lines as they appear in our example, we can proceed!
Step 3 – Now, draw the outline for the watch
Using the outline of the watch face that you drew in the previous step of this guide on how to draw a pocket watch, we will finish off the outline now.
Draw another circular outline around the face of the watch to begin. Then, we will be drawing a row of small rounded shapes forming another outline for some ornate detailing.
The reference image will show you how this should look if this sounds confusing at all!
Step 4 – Next, draw the lid of the pocket watch
Pocket watches would usually have a flippable lid protecting them from damage, and this one is no different.
You can use some rounded lines for the thin outline of the lid, and try to keep the angle the lid is at in mind as you draw.
Then, we will add a lot of shading detail inside of this outline to make the lid look a bit more realistic.
This is another step where you may want to closely copy the reference picture and take it slowly.
Step 5 – Now, draw the pendant of the pocket watch
For this part of our guide on how to draw a pocket watch, we will be drawing the rounded pendant of the watch. This part goes on the opposite edge to the hinge that the lid is connected to.
It has a rounded shape to it with a small screw mechanism where it is attached to the watch. You can also draw a metallic clip looped around it, as this is where the chain will be connected soon.
Step 6 – Next, draw the start of the chain
The next two parts of your pocket watch drawing will require a bit of patience, but it will be worth it! Pocket watches were usually attached to a metal chain that you could secure inside the pocket.
To draw this chain, we will be drawing each link individually using some rounded lines.
The connection will start with that clip you drew in the previous step, and for now we will only be drawing a portion of the chain.
Be sure to take your time with this part and you should be able to easily do it!
Step 7 – Finish off the rest of the chain
We will be finishing off the chain that you started in the previous step of this guide on how to draw a pocket watch.
To do this, simply keep drawing more of those links that you’ve been working on. At the end of this, there will be a rounded clip that would secure inside of the pocket.
Once that is drawn, you will be ready for the final step! It could be fun to draw a background or some extra details before you do, though.
Maybe you could show what else would be in the pocket with this watch for one idea.
Step 8 – Now finish it off with some color
You can now finish off your pocket watch drawing with some great colors in this final step! In our reference image, we used some yellows for the metallic parts of the watch to give it a bronze look.
Then, we used a nice and subtle blue for the glass of the watch face. Will you use these same colors, or will you go for a unique color scheme for your own drawing?
3 More tips to make your pocket watch drawing easy!
You won’t need much time to make this easy to draw pocket watch even easier with these tips!
The piece that we created for this pocket watch drawing is beautifully and intricately detailed. From the face to the numbers and even the chain, the details are a sight to behold!
They can also be quite challenging to draw, and it can get overwhelming. Luckily, you can actually simplify a lot of these details without compromising the design.
When it comes to changing details to make them more suited to yourself, you should try to focus on retaining the spirit of the design. That being said, many elements could have line and shape details reduced while still looking great,
There are also certain ways that you can prepare for this pocket watch sketch. One would be by having the correct tools on hand to make it as simple as possible.
These tools could be as simple as some pencils to prepare the drawing. Then, you can use tools like a drawing compass to help with areas like the face of the watch.
With all of these tools ready, you can prepare the drawing as much as you like before you add the final pen lines. The more you prepare, the more confident you will be as you start the final drawing!
A pocket watch can come in many different brands and forms, and if all else fails you could change the look of this drawing of a pocket watch.
If you or someone you know has a pocket watch or two, then you could use them for some inspiration. Otherwise, you could look at some pictures online or even look at some online stores.
This way, you can find types of pocket watches that you may prefer to draw instead of this one. A simpler design could also make drawing it so much easier.
If you can get a physical pocket watch in hand to use as a model then you will find it so much easier to do!
Your Pocket Watch Drawing is Complete!
Real-life pocket watches are often intricate examples of fine craftsmanship with lots of great details.
This drawing was no different, but we hope that this guide made it so that despite the many details that it was fun and easy to work on!
After you have finished the guide and added your own details and elements, you can head over to our website for more drawing guides! We upload new ones often, so be sure to keep checking in.
Please also be sure to share your completed pocket watch drawing on our Facebook and Pinterest pages for us to enjoy.
