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How to Remove a Pocket Watch Case

Removing a pocket watch case is a straightforward chore that requires moderate skill at handling precision tools. The job requires using watchmaker̵7;s precision screwdrivers, which can be difficult to use due to their small size. However, simply removing a watch case can be performed by beginners as long as they don̵7;t tackle the much tougher task of disassembling the movement, the spring mechanism that powers and regulates the watch. Budding watchmakers should use an old watch they are willing to damage to practice case removal before working on the real thing.

Things You'll Need

Clean flat table
Watchmaker̵7;s sticky ball
Case blade
Watchmaker̵7;s screwdriver set
Parts tray
Lint-free, absorbent paper towel
Toothbrush
Brasso
Silver cleaner
Jeweler̵7;s loupe

Instructions

- 1
  Use the palm of your hand to remove the screw-down case back of a vintage pocket watch by placing the watch face down in your hand and using your palm to rotate the case back counterclockwise. If the case back is stubborn, use a watchmaker̵7;s sticky ball by placing it on the case back and rotate counterclockwise. Pry open a snap-down case back by inserting a case blade or your fingernail under the lip at 6 or 12 o̵7;clock and lift.
- 2
  Unwind the pocket watch by releasing the mainspring, the tightly coiled strip of steel inside the mainspring barrel. Twist the crown (located at 6 or 12 o̵7;clock) a couple of notches to identify the stopper that passes over the mainspring gear. Use a precision screwdriver while holding the crown to release the stopper from the gear. Pushing the stopper aside will unwind the watch, according to Oldandsold.com.
- 3
  With a screwdriver, remove the two screws that attach the movement to the case. Separate the screws in the individual compartments of the parts tray.
- 4
  Place your fingers around the edges of the bezel that secures the crystal on the front of the case and rotate it counterclockwise until it̵7;s free from the case. Your pocket watch is now in four parts: case back, movement with dial still attached, empty case, and bezel with crystal.
- 5
  Use a toothbrush dipped in warm water and dish soap to clean the empty case. Scrub gently. Use a lint-free, absorbent paper towel to dry the case. Use Brasso to polish the case. Brasso is a mild abrasive and works on most metals. If a vintage pocket watch case is made of sterling silver, use silver polish.
- 6
  Repeat Step 5 for the case back. Do not clean the movement or dial. This requires extensive disassembly.
- 7
  Reassemble the pocket watch in the reverse order that it was disassembled.

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