Tommy Shelby carries a silver-toned open face pocket watch on a heavy Albert chain, worn across his waistcoat throughout the BBC series Peaky Blinders. The show is set in Birmingham between 1919 and the 1930s, a period when the pocket watch was still the everyday timepiece of the working man. This guide explains what pocket watch Tommy Shelby has, why it suits the era, and how to find a similar one today.
What pocket watch does Tommy Shelby have?
Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, wears a classic silver-toned pocket watch with a plain white enamel-style dial and black numerals. It is an open face design, meaning there is no hinged cover over the dial, so he can check the time at a glance. It is attached to a chain that runs through a buttonhole of his waistcoat.
The watch is never presented as a single named brand in the story. Fans often discuss makes such as Waltham, but the series itself does not make a brand the point. What matters on screen is the overall character of the piece: sober, sturdy and practical, rather than flashy.
That restraint suits Tommy. He is a former soldier turned businessman, and his watch reflects a man who values punctuality, control and quiet authority. The chain is just as important as the watch. Its weight and its line across the waistcoat form part of the silhouette, alongside the flat cap, the tailored overcoat and the sharp haircut.
In short, if you want the watch Tommy Shelby has, look for an open face, silver-toned, mechanical-style pocket watch with a clean white dial, Arabic numerals, and a sturdy chain with a T-bar.
Is Tommy Shelby's pocket watch a real antique brand?
Productions of this kind usually rely on period-appropriate watches or accurate replicas, and the show does not tell viewers a specific maker. Online discussions name several possibilities, but none can be confirmed from the screen alone, so it is wiser not to treat any single brand as fact.
What can be said is that the style is true to the period. Open face pocket watches with white dials were common in Britain in the early twentieth century, and many were made for railway workers, clerks and tradesmen who needed a reliable timekeeper. For the history of the pocket watch itself, the Wikipedia entry on pocket watches gives a useful overview.
Some viewers also mention a demi-hunter style, where a small window in the cover shows the hour. That design did exist in Britain around the same era, but the open face look is the easiest to recognise and the simplest to copy.
If you are hoping to buy a genuine antique, ask a watchmaker or a specialist dealer to examine it. Condition, movement and materials all affect value, and only an expert can give a reliable opinion.
How did men wear pocket watches in the 1920s?
In the 1920s, most men carried their pocket watch in a waistcoat pocket, with a chain secured to a buttonhole by a T-bar. The other end of the chain, often with a small fob or medal, sat in the opposite pocket. This kept the watch safe and easy to reach.
Wristwatches were growing in popularity after the First World War, particularly among soldiers, but the pocket watch remained a mark of respectability. A man who owned a good one was seen as dependable and well turned out.
Tommy Shelby follows this convention closely. His chain drapes in a gentle curve across his waistcoat, and he often takes the watch out in tense moments, which gives the gesture a dramatic effect. It is a small habit that shows he is thinking, waiting or in command of the room.
Today the same method works with a modern waistcoat. Choose a waistcoat with a buttonhole at the centre, and keep the chain length neat so it does not hang too low.
How to get the Peaky Blinders look in 5 steps
You do not need a costume to enjoy the style. A few considered choices will give a subtle nod to Tommy Shelby without looking like fancy dress.
- Choose an open face watch. A silver-toned case and a white dial with clear black numerals come closest to the on-screen piece.
- Pick a sturdy chain. An Albert-style chain with a T-bar looks right and secures the watch properly.
- Wear a fitted waistcoat. Dark wool or tweed works well, and the buttonhole must be able to hold the T-bar.
- Keep the rest simple. A collarless or plain shirt, tailored trousers and a flat cap complete the period feel.
- Look after the movement. Wind a mechanical watch gently each day and have it serviced by a watchmaker when it starts to lose time.
Follow these five steps and the watch will look natural rather than staged. The key is balance: let the watch and chain be the detail that people notice second, not first.
A pocket watch inspired by Tommy Shelby from Univers Gousset
At Univers Gousset, we love the way Peaky Blinders brought the pocket watch back into conversation. If you like the idea of Tommy's piece, a classic open face design is the place to start, and our vintage open face pocket watch captures that period character with a clean, readable dial and a timeless shape.
We ship to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia and the United States, so wherever you are, you can wear a piece of the 1920s with your own waistcoat. Each watch can be worn on a chain at the waistcoat or kept as a keepsake for a special occasion.
If you would like to compare styles before choosing, take a look at our full collection of pocket watches. You will find simple open face designs as well as more decorative pieces, so you can match the watch to your own taste and the clothes you plan to wear it with.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tommy Shelby's pocket watch gold or silver?
On screen it appears silver-toned, with a white dial. Some fans describe it differently, and lighting can change how metal looks, so it is safest to say silver-toned. For a similar look, choose a polished silver-coloured case.
Does Tommy Shelby wear a wristwatch too?
Tommy is mainly associated with his pocket watch and waistcoat chain. That fits the period, when pocket watches were still very common among men. The pocket watch is the accessory most viewers remember him for.
Can I wear a pocket watch without a waistcoat?
Yes. You can attach the chain to a belt loop and place the watch in a trouser pocket. Some people also wear a pocket watch as a pendant. The waistcoat simply gives the most authentic period appearance.
Do I need to wind a mechanical pocket watch every day?
Most mechanical pocket watches are wound by hand, and a gentle daily winding at the same time keeps them running steadily. Stop when you feel resistance and never force the crown. Ask a watchmaker for advice on your particular model.
Conclusion
The pocket watch Tommy Shelby has is a silver-toned open face watch with a white dial, worn on a heavy chain across his waistcoat. The series does not name a brand, so the style matters more than the maker. To wear something similar, browse our pocket watches collection and choose the design that suits you.