In Fullmetal Alchemist, what does a State Alchemist's pocket watch do?


In Fullmetal Alchemist, it is stated a number of times that a state
alchemist's pocket watch increases their power, but there doesn't seem to be a
clear mechanism for that. How does that work, and what does increasing the
power of an alchemist mean?




As stated in [this wiki](http://fma.wikia.com/wiki/State_Alchemist),

> ...each State Alchemist is given a silver pocketwatch to hold as
> identification. This watch is engraved with the symbol of the State
> Alchemist program - the Amestrian Dragon circumscribed in a hexagram (though
> both anime series alter the hexagram to a nondescript polygram, presumably
> so as not to invoke Judaism). Although **the manga does not describe the
> pocketwatch as anything more than official proof that the carrier is a State
> Alchemist** , **the 2003 anime suggests that each pocketwatch is an
> alchemical amplifier**. The 2003 anime also depicts the watch's silver chain
> as extendable, as in the instance when the Strong Arm Alchemist, Major Alex
> Louis Armstrong uses it to tie up a target.

So, according to the 2003 anime, the watch amplifies the alchemist's powers.
However, both manga and _FMA:Brotherhood_ shows that the watch is simply a
form of identification, much like a police badge.

Also note that in the anime the watch is the indicator which people use to
recognize Edward as a State Alchemist. I believe that unless the State
Alchemist himself tells you who he is, the presence of the watch is the only
other way to know it (they also get a certificate, but I doubt they carry it
around).




As stated in [this wiki](http://fma.wikia.com/wiki/State_Alchemist),

> ...each State Alchemist is given a silver pocketwatch to hold as
> identification. This watch is engraved with the symbol of the State
> Alchemist program - the Amestrian Dragon circumscribed in a hexagram (though
> both anime series alter the hexagram to a nondescript polygram, presumably
> so as not to invoke Judaism). Although **the manga does not describe the
> pocketwatch as anything more than official proof that the carrier is a State
> Alchemist** , **the 2003 anime suggests that each pocketwatch is an
> alchemical amplifier**. The 2003 anime also depicts the watch's silver chain
> as extendable, as in the instance when the Strong Arm Alchemist, Major Alex
> Louis Armstrong uses it to tie up a target.

So, according to the 2003 anime, the watch amplifies the alchemist's powers.
However, both manga and _FMA:Brotherhood_ shows that the watch is simply a
form of identification, much like a police badge.

Also note that in the anime the watch is the indicator which people use to
recognize Edward as a State Alchemist. I believe that unless the State
Alchemist himself tells you who he is, the presence of the watch is the only
other way to know it (they also get a certificate, but I doubt they carry it
around).

