How to Set a Hamilton Railroad Pocket Watch

Setting a Hamilton Pocket Watch

• 1

  Determine whether your Hamilton pocket watch is set with the crown to be rotated or with the combination of crown and lever set. A lever set pocket watch can be identified by pulling the crown upward. If it doesn̵7;t move, it means that a lever must be pulled out from the right side of the watch to release the crown for setting the time.

• 2

  If there is no lever set on the side of the Hamilton, pull the crown up as far as it will go. The crown is found at the top of the watch at 12 o̵7;clock. Rotate the crown either clockwise or counter clockwise to the desired time. Push the crown down. To wind the pocket watch, rotate the crown clockwise until it stops. Although you should be gentle when rotating the crown, Hamilton pocket watches are sturdy timepieces and do not break easily.

• 3

  If the your Hamilton pocket watch is a lever-set model (often found on the early models and Railroad Grade watches), access the lever. Use a thin blade to pry open the hinged crystal and locate the lever at the edge of the porcelain dial. If the crystal is not hinged, it can be opened by placing the thumb, forefinger and index finger at 9, 1 and 4 o̵7;clock, respectively. Unscrew the crystal gently by rotating it counter clockwise.

• 4

  Once the crystal is removed, pull the lever out as far as it will go, which is about one-half inch. With the lever pulled out, pull the crown up and rotate it to set the time. Push the crown in when the pocket watch is set and wind it to keep it running.