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Relic Pocket Watch Instructions

Relic pocket watches had been in widespread use beginning in the mid-19th century. The pocket watch is a sturdy, durable timepiece. A 100-year-old watch will keep excellent time if properly serviced. Relic pocket watches are less expensive than vintage wrist watches and are immensely popular among collectors for their availability and because they provides a window into 19th century technology. The history, models and how movements work are well-documented by collectors and watchmakers.

Inspection
- Relic pocket watches should be examined carefully with a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe for scratches, nicks, dents, notches, improperly working hinges, raised cover lips and tampering with the movement. Note the watches serial number, usually found on the movement, and match it against the manufacturer's published list that can be obtained from a watchmaker, according to the Watch Guy.
Setting a Pocket Watch
- Setting the time in most pocket watches is identical to the wrist watch. Simply pull the crown at the top of the watch and turn the crown until the hands reach the correct time. To wind it, push the crown down and rotate the crown until it stops. A pocket watch can't be over-wound. A fully wound pocket watch gives a minimum of one day of operation.
Other Types of Winding
- Older relic pocket watches may use a key for winding. A key may be inserted in the front of the watch or at the rear. Some pocket watches have two keys, one for winding and one for setting the time. A pin-set pocket watch can be set by pushing a button or pin found near the crown that allows the crown to be turned to move the hands. A lever-set pocket watch may have a lever found on the right side of the watch. Identifying a lever set watch can be made if the crown does not pull up to change the time. To access the lever, use a thin, blunt blade to unhinge the crystal and locate the level at the end of the porcelain dial. If the crystal is not hinged, it should twist off by placing the thumb, forefinger and index finger at 9, 1 and 4 o'clock respectively and twisted counter-clockwise. Pull the lever out about a half-inch. The crown now can be rotated to set the time.
Case Backs
- Pocket watches may feature snap-back cases, which are common and can be removed with the flick of a blade. Screw-back cases can be unscrewed. There are also hinge-back and bezel cases, hunting cases in which the front and back are covered, swing out cases that allow access to the movement through the bezel, and a dust cover, which is an additional cover under the case back.

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