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How to Take Apart a Pocket Watch

There are generally two ways to take apart a pocket watch. Most likely your pocket watch has screws in the back. Sometimes, pocket watches just snap together, but it is uncommon. Whether you are taking your watch apart for fun or to repair a problem, always work methodically to make sure that you can rebuild it when the time comes.

Things You'll Need

Mini screwdriver Craft tweezers

Instructions

- 1
  Make sure the pocket watch is closed. It should be snapped shut so that it does not pop open when you flip it over to the backside and find the screws that hold it together.
- 2
  Unscrew the screws while keeping your grip tight on the watch. If you let go of the watch, it may fall into pieces. This can damage the interior workings and prevent them from going back together later.
- 3
  Remove the back of the watch very carefully. Do it slowly because you do not want to lose any of the pieces that are inside. The inner workings of the watch will now be exposed. If you are trying to repair your watch, you should now look for parts that are jammed or bent. If you are taking the watch apart for fun, then you now have the option of removing cogs and gears. However, remember that taking these pieces out may break your watch if you do not have a lot of experience with this.
- 4
  Use the craft tweezers to gently lift out the pieces. Place them on a flat surface so that you do not lose any of them.Remove and replace a single piece at a time, at first, so that you are more comfortable when the time comes for reassembly.

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