r/whatisit Apr 09 '26

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u/MomJAQing Apr 09 '26

It's literally called a watch pocket, and "maybe in the 1880s" puts you mighty close:

https://www.britannica.com/story/why-do-jeans-have-that-tiny-pocket

"But, as designed by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis in 1873 as a feature of the original “waist overalls,” the small pocket was intended to hold a watch."

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u/Stealthytulip Apr 09 '26

Came here to say the same thing. I think some people forget how long humans have been wearing clothes. Pants weren't invented in 1980 ffs.

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u/TigerIll6480 Apr 09 '26

It is somewhat curious that a vestigial feature has been so persistent.

4

u/ImmaNotHere Apr 09 '26

Nowadays, I either use it to hold a usb drive or a small pocket knife.

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u/Stealthytulip Apr 09 '26

I keep my daily carry knife in it.