How Do You Open An Antique Pocket Watch?
Opening an antique pocket watch is a simple task requiring few or no tools. Antique pocket watches, because of their large size compared to antique wristwatches and their simple mechanics, are also easy to service and maintain. Opening an antique pocket watch, however, requires care to ensure the mechanical movement that operates the watch is not damaged. Open an antique pocket watch in a clean environment to protect the inside of the case from dust and dirt. Inspect an unfamiliar pocket watch by noting lips, hinges, notches and other features that indicate where to pry open the case back from the case. Locate the seam between the case back and case. Note whether the antique pocket watch features a snap-back case or screw-down case. Locate the lip on a snap-back watch and use a blunt blade or fingernail to pry open the case back. Some pocket watches may have a hinge and the case back will lift up. Other case backs are not hinged and simply pop off. Examine the interior of the case once
