![Watch Chain with Both Spring Ring and Swivel Hook. Watch Chain with Both Spring Ring and Swivel Hook.](https://www.langantiques.com/university/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/rose-and-white-gold-watch-chain_2_100-1-10032-q88jywifil6b9yno4ou7zstzrcoet8rluz8kbb5z7s.jpg)
The swivel catch is a widely used jewelry safety catch that takes the form of an oval which is tapered on one end and can rotate around a lateral axis. Part of the catch can be pressed inwards through a spring mechanism but not outwards, thus an accessory may be quickly locked in place but cannot easily escape. (Mountain climbers use this kind of quick catch to secure themselves on a rope.) Most pocket watches were commonly suspended on a chain with a swivel catch. Other benefits include the provision of a relatively safe catch when the spring mechanism loses strength. In addition, the suspended item can rotate freely without twisting the rope or chain.