The Mystery of the Tiny Pocket on Jeans: 90% of Wearers Don’t Know Its Original Purpose

What Is the Tiny Pocket Called?

Officially, it has several names:

• Watch pocket
• Coin pocket
• Fifth pocket
• Ticket pocket

But the original and historically accurate name is the watch pocket.

And that name reveals everything.

The Original Purpose: A Pocket Watch Holder

In the late 1800s, wristwatches didn’t exist.

Men carried pocket watches, often attached to a chain called a fob. These watches were valuable, delicate, and essential for workers, especially those who relied on precise timing.

That tiny pocket was designed to:

• Secure a pocket watch
• Prevent it from bouncing around
• Protect it from damage
• Keep it easily accessible

The size was intentional—just big enough to hold a watch snugly.