A watch chain in the old days was a decorative chain attached to a pocket watch that served both functional and ornamental purposes. Before wristwatches became popular, pocket watches were the primary timekeeping devices, and watch chains played a crucial role in securing and adorning them.
The functional aspect of watch chains was to prevent the pocket watch from being dropped or lost. The chain would be attached to a belt loop or buttonhole on the wearer’s clothing, ensuring that the watch remained safely in place. Additionally, watch chains allowed the watch to be easily accessed and withdrawn from the pocket for use.