How to Set a Railroad Watch

In 1887, the American Railway Association met to determine standard time requirements for railway employees, because different watches operated at different speeds, which could make a crucial difference to those running railroads in America. In 1893, the General Railroad Timepiece Standards Commission presented new guidelines for railroad watches, which were subsequently used by watch companies manufacturing railroad watches. Setting a railroad watch follows specific steps to properly establish the time on these classic timepieces.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Unscrew the bezel in a counterclockwise direction and locate the lever above the 1 or 2 o'clock position.

   • 2

     Slide the lever out of the watch by pushing on it with your thumb or fingernail. Do not pull up on the lever.

   • 3

     Turn the crown in a clockwise direction to the correct time once the lever is sticking out of the bezel.

   • 4

     Gently push the lever back in to the watch and screw the bezel back on in a clockwise motion.