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How to Open an Elgin Pocket Watch Back Cover

The Elgin Pocketwatch Company was founded in 1864 as the National Watch Company, but changed its name to Elgin in 1874. The company produced timepieces from its start until the 1960s. Elgin pocket watches remain highly collectible antiques. Removing the back of an Elgin pocket watch may become necessary to check for a serial number or to make repairs. The method of removal depends on what type of back is on the watch. The pocket watch might have hinges or a raised lip, which will tell you quickly what kind of back it has.

Things You'll Need

Rounded case knife

Instructions

- 1
  Check the back of the pocket watch for a small lip that would allow for prying, which means the watch has a snap back. Place a rounded case knife under the lip and apply pressure to pry off the back. Note that the back will come completely off the bezel (front). Replace the back by lining up the pin on one piece of the watch with the hole in the other and pressing to snap them back together.
- 2
  Check for hinges near the bottom of the watch, near where six o'clock shows on the face. Place the case knife between the hinges and apply gentle pressure until the two sides click apart. Note that they will remain attached at the tops. Press the hinges back together to close.
- 3
  Twist the back gently in a counterclockwise motion while holding the bezel tight. Note that if the back comes off with this twist, the watch has a screw back. Return the back by simply screwing it back into place, using a clockwise motion.

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