Introducing The 36 mm Pocket Watch Conversion Case

At Frett and Co Clockworks, every case we design starts with the same principle: the vintage pocket watch comes first. Our cases exist to showcase the history of American watchmaking, not the other way around. With the introduction of our new 36 mm case, we are expanding that philosophy in its most refined and wearable form yet.

Sized at 36 mm in diameter, just 10 mm high, and with a 44 mm lug to lug, this is our most compact and versatile profile to date. It is built specifically around 0-size pocket watch movements, some of the smallest American pocket watch movements ever produced, and represents a new step forward in what a pocket watch conversion can be on the wrist.

Made for Smaller American Movements: True Vintage Proportions

Smaller American movements have always stood apart. Originally used in more compact pocket watches, they have often been overlooked by collectors in favor of larger formats. As a result, most conversions have historically leaned toward a larger wrist presence.

The benefit of these smaller movements is clear: they allow for one of the most wearable conversions possible. At the same time, they often feature exceptional dials and finely executed movements that can now be appreciated on the wrist.

The dimensions of our 36 mm case place it firmly in line with classic wristwatch sizing, creating a piece that wears naturally without sacrificing presence. The 44 mm lug to lug keeps the watch balanced, while the slim 10 mm thickness allows it to sit close to the wrist—comfortable under a cuff, in any setting.

This is not a reduced version of a larger case. It is the right case for the movement it holds.

Shown above, the 36 mm, 40 mm, and 44 mm cases on the wrist.

Shared Design Language, Refined Execution

While the 36 mm case is an entirely new profile, it carries the same design language as our 40 mm and 44 mm cases. A coined edge and clean, intentional lines define the overall look. The result is a case that feels cohesive with the rest of our lineup while standing on its own.

Across all three sizes, the philosophy remains the same, but the execution shifts with scale. The 44 mm case (47 mm lug to lug, 13 mm high) has the most presence, designed to frame larger movements while still wearing comfortably due to its articulated lug design. The 40 mm case (48 mm lug to lug, 13 mm high) strikes a balance between presence and everyday wearability, making it the most versatile in the lineup. The 36 mm case (44 mm lug to lug, 10 mm high) distills that same approach further, prioritizing restraint and proportion for a more compact and elegant feel on the wrist.

316L Stainless Steel and Sapphire Throughout

The case is machined from 316L stainless steel, chosen for its durability and corrosion resistance. Both the front and back feature sapphire crystals, providing clarity and long term performance.

The front crystal is gently domed, echoing the profile of vintage mineral glass while improving scratch resistance and optical quality. The caseback uses a flat sapphire crystal, offering a clear and uninterrupted view of the movement.

Together, they frame the movement without distraction.

The 36 mm is coming soon

At Frett & Co. Clockworks, we believe the soul of a watch is the movement, and every case we produce is designed to honor that belief.

With the introduction of our new 36 mm case, we’re continuing that philosophy in its most refined form yet. As our smallest, thinnest case to-date, this represents a shift toward proportion, balance, and wearability—while maintaining the same level of engineering precision and historical respect found in our larger case sizes.

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