Setting and Winding Pocket Watches

[@jacccccccck1475]

This was incredible!! I was gifted my great grandfathers pocket watch for Christmas and was told "its broken, you can't set the time" well... guess who just set the correct time on the watch in probably 50 years!!! Thank you so much

[@tiktokbetter6665]

Same

[@prislaem3838]

My seven year old nephew is obsessed with picket watches, ever since he saw Hercules Poirot with his. I just got him a cheap one from Amazon, a lever set, and he absolutely loves it. When he is older, and can care things better, I will get him an authentic one. This video was very helpful, thank you so very much!

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Excellent - your nephew and I share two interests - Agatha Christie heroes and watches. Thanks for your comment!

[@fvazquez64]

Yes, I strongly recommend you do so... I'm 60 now and when I was in elementary my grandfather gave me one silver pocket watch and I lost it.. I regretet it now but back the I was too young to care about those things, that's why I recommend you wait until your nephew is old enough to care about important things... Regards!!

[@markbailey7369]

I had never really looked at pocket watches, just wrist watches really, but I just inherited my great grandfathers pocket watch he used while working on the railroad as a brakeman. I ended up with a Hamilton 950, not a B, 23 jewel pre war movement so I quickly realized that is something pretty special and beautiful.

[@jrios662]

From all the videos I seen on this pocket time pieces this has been the most informative one... Everything I wanted to know I learned on this video.... Thanks

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

I'm very glad it was helpful for you.

[@jskelton11]

We've had an old pocket watch for years and I never could figure out how to set it until I watched this video. Thank you so much!

[@shootersinsighttv]

i just got my first ever pocket watch and its a 1923 Illinois 17j, first time i held it was 15 min ago and let me tell you it felt awesome, like hystory from back then is in my hand, super crazy feeling. love the video!

[@Gatsby1923]

I just got an 1894 Elgin and this was beyond helpful!

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Thanks, and congrats on your watch!

[@TruthLivesNow]

I have an 1893 Elgin Lever Set, 18S, 7 J. Great working watch!

[@brettsoames919]

Thank you. I was able to set and operate my new gifted from my wife, hamilton railway pocket watch. Very informative.

[@EmeraldFox11]

Super informative and articulated, seeing watch winding/setting with such a variety of examples in real-time was super neat!! thank you for such a helpful and detailed video! :D

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful.

[@bharathba4762]

Hi Brother, Myself BHARATH a Commerce Student from India. I am having a WESTEND WATCH Co., AFTAB Pocket watch, for 24 hours it is running 2-3Minutes slow. How to regulate it properly and scientifically. Please guide me Brother.

[@EmeraldFox11]

@@bharathba4762 I dont know much but this video covers regulating pocket watches! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p360lYt3j9JjapY&ab_channel=FranBlanche

[@flyingfox7854]

Hi from Cheshire (England UK) just wanted to let you know that I found your video very informative and extremely helpful … I’ve just added a key wind H.Samuel (Manchester) pocket watch to my (admittedly small) collection and although I searched the internet for information about it and how to set the hour & minute hand’s your video was the only one I found that gave such great details about the different types of pocket watches and their winding and setting operations …. Thanks Dude ….

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Thanks Flying Fox; glad it was helpful and glad you have a new piece for your collection! I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

[@quenemoend]

Nice response until the DUDE stuff. 😝

[@catganley2579]

Thank you so much for your clear and easy explanation. We’ve just gone through my faux pa’s (step dad’s) watches, and came across two pocket watches from his grandfather. We were able to get them ticking, but could not figure out how to set the hour and minutes. As it turns out both watches are lever style, and both are pleasantly ticking away.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Very glad it was helpful and you got your watches running!

[@prislaem3838]

🤣🤣"Faux pa" ...that's so cute and very punny!

[@k2r5j]

Thanks to you now I know how to set the time on my antique pocket watch. Thank you!

[@joeypokawatyotin5847]

I was lightly tugging on my recently aquirred pin set, your video saved the day, cheers.

[@LuckyLadybug66]

Thank you so much! I was worried I'd just bought a cheap piece of junk watch at a festival, but now it's going!

[@keithwilliams2766]

Very helpful video. I just got my first pocket watch as a Christmas present. There is so much to learn about horology. Mine is an Elgin 19 jewel, lever set railroad watch made in 1911.

[@McElhinney65]

Thank you from England, I have just bought a French pocket watch built in the 18th century, I have just used the key to adjust that hands!

[@jerrycarrillo6004]

I just set a Waltham that I inherited, with the help of this video. Thanks for making it.

[@kel3170]

Thank you for this! I was able to set my 100+ yr old pocketwatch that belonged to my great great grandma

[@michaelsilvey6811]

Thank you I just purchased a collection of pocket watches and now I can set the correct time.

[@Chris-oo7lr]

Thank you very much for this video. It was very thorough and informative and I got the information I was looking for (How to open, set and wind a pocket watch with two key holes)! I also got a lot of information on other pocket watches, thank you!

[@duvdevan15]

Many thanks for your help….😎🙏🏼

[@johnpapadopoulos9057]

Great overview. Educational. Thanks.

[@Murls]

Thank you for this video, i have my great grandfathers Waltham martyn sq size 14 pocket watch which still works and i didn't know how to change the time, now i know from your video that it is the key on the hands to change it , thanks again

[@des9655]

I just dug out a pocket watch from my grandfather's estate, interesting how to wind it up, thanks for the information!! I does need a restoration, I might do it!

[@gailpettee7906]

Thank you so much now I can wind and set my watch

[@michaelmika2995]

WELL PRESENTED! THANK YOU...

[@litamtondy]

Thank you! Very useful and clear!

[@johnwang9914]

Great and now I also know how to stop cross threading my jars and nuts and bolts.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

It's always a good day when skills turn out to be transferrable to other areas of life.

[@edisonthomas7549]

Thanks for the informational video 👍💯🙏👏

[@machazychaz]

going along with your video i just tried janking on the crown and it worked :'D im still a little scared of overwinding but thank you for the video :)

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Please check out my latest video on overwinding. You may be encourged. :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ7dZmeAaselbLs

[@alternateunreleasedshellac505]

This video was very helpful, thank you.

[@InnerCityX]

Me trying hard to twist mine open when you mention the pry open style 👀 now i gotta go find how to not mess that up haha

[@nigellacey559]

Very well explained

[@NickRanger]

I was so confused with how to set mine. I watched the whole video but nothing worked for me. Then i decided to try working the part up and down. After a full day of gentle persuasion it all of a sudden clicked up and now i don't have to let it sync by letting it die and winding it at the time it was at.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Yes- if your watch needs service or adjustment, it can be difficult to operate. Glad you got it working!

[@bradd3840]

I have an 1873 Elgin G.H. Wheeler pocket watch that was my Great, Great Grandfather's. I've disassembled it but don't have the key. It looks like it has a lever set but from this video, it seems like it should be a front set. It looks like the lever coming out of the side at 4:00 is missing the lip to pull it out. The hands do not have a square fitting so I'm fairly certain that it is a lever set but want to be sure. Any help would be great.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

If you know the manufacturer and serial number, head over to pocketwatchdatabase.com and type it in. You will get a detailed description that should include winding type. Cases were swapped around. I have several watches where there is a slot in the case where a lever might be, but the watch is actually pendant-set. It's also possible your watch is damaged. If it is a keywind watch, then it will almost certainly be a key set watch. If there is no nut on the hand, the hand may have been replaced with an incorrect one. Pocket Watch Database should give you a conclusive answer.

[@marilyn2159]

I just got a watch from my deceased father-in-laws things. You helped me first to identify that it’s a lever set. I wound it and set the time. Thanks so much for the video! How do I identify the year it was made?

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Check out my video on identifying your American pocket watch to see how to get some more information. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjYgGdorNWAbtU

[@kryscall4544]

thank you this was very helpful and informative. however, i can't figure out how to open the face on a keystone hunter watch from 1800's. the front of the case comes up when you push down the crown, and the crystal has a hinge, but there seems to be no place to pry it open with. but your video really helped me with an older, nonhunter key wind watch. Thanks!

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

It's hard to tell without pictures what you are seeing. If it has a crown to wind, that means it is either lever set (most likely), pendant set (less likely), or pin set (highly unlikely for an American watch). On hunter movements, usually the setting lever between the 4 and the 5 on the dial. If you see a slot for a lever but can't feel a lever, it's possible your watch is damaged.

[@kryscall4544]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches Thanks. i finally saw a little slot between the case and the frame of the crystal and levered it up with my fingernail. your comment that you can tell if it is set with a key by seeing if the center has a square top made me persevere in trying to find a way to open the crystal. then i key set it. it was not easy to get the crystal to close after that, but gentle pressure on opposite sides worked. it is one of those watches that has been set in the hunter case sideways, so perhaps was not originally a hunter. i really appreciate you replying to me so fast. your video covered a lot in a way that was easy to understand. thanks again!

[@michael4382]

Hi. With the lever set railroad watch are you able to sync the second hand with the minute hand?. Thanks

[@user-lr3qg1lf1u]

Got the Hamilton 992E 👍

[@sunnybuttercups3272]

Great video, thanks. I have the oldest style key wind watch. It was a recent anniversary gift. I'm concerned about over winding it. Can you recommend how to wind it up?

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

"Overwinding" is a word used by dodgy dealers trying to shift the blame for a watch that doesn't run onto the user. :) Watches are meant to be wound until they stop. As long as you are careful, you are within the original intent of the watchmaker. That said, mainsprings do break due to metal fatigue. It is possible that if you wind your watch up the spring may break on you, but that isn't due to "overwinding", but normal wear and tear. It does seem sometimes that springs can break on watches that have sat untouched for a long time. If the watch is fully wound and not running, that means the movement is dirty or broken. That has nothing to do with its winding state; watches need periodic service, and if your watch hasn't been serviced in several years (or decades or centuries), maintenance is likely needed.

[@avy_v00]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches hi, how often should a pocket watch be wound? :)

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Every day.

[@vons3277]

Thank You, this was very helpful 👍👍👍

[@noahwilson9952]

Very helpful

[@JackJazzm]

Great Info sir👍🏾 Thanks for sharing

[@robert_sovitsky]

Thanks so much I had a tough time figuring out how to wind it ? Mine was a lever set ! I also can't find out when it was made? I bought a Gruen " 56 model" 17 Jewel in silver-case . I think it's from the 1920's?

[@robert_sovitsky]

I also wonder where my Gruen pocket watch was manufactured? Switzerland or USA? Not sure where to look?

[@TheDude1776]

I have an old Arnex 17 jewel pocket watch. I cant figure out how to set the day/date on it. The time sets fine.

[@user-bo7ob1ek2x]

Thank you so much for this video! I thought my watch was broken, but turns out I'm just dumb and don't know how to set it!

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

I'm very glad this was helpful!

[@nuttapongsaimor8163]

Thank you for you useful video. I very impressed with the Hours and Minutes Hands in Alpina Brand, but I don’t know what we call this kind of the hand, can you tell me please? Where I can buy the pocket watch with Alpina Hand style like yours in present day?

[@Foxrock321]

Don’t forget the early key wind watches had hinges and all the covers opened like a clam..

[@jaynolan7526]

Thank you for the info👍

[@sf100800]

my question is for a Hamilton 974 nickel snap open case. The crown or stem works great but seems to have a additional feature. when its wound, hands set and back in its normal position you can press the crown and it comes back up on its own again. I s this some sort of adjustment tool or does it have a function

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

This is related to the swing out case mechanism - this extends or retracts the winding stem so the movement can swing out.

[@mrreeves6811]

Well said jrios662.

[@looseunit1615]

They put a lot of time and effort into making these pocket watches. Beautiful work. Unfortunately I cross threaded grandpa's Omega pocket watch. I would like to know how to get the back off and fix it.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

I'm sorry to hear that. Don't try to pry it off. You may be able to get some more leverage using a rubber jar opener and trying to twist it off. Alteratively, watch supply houses sell a rubber ball case remover that may work.

[@looseunit1615]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches Thank you for your reply. I will try this rubber ball method

[@mir8215]

Thanks for the video. I have the older key wind type, but no key. You said a key can be ordered. I can ask my jeweller, but was wondering if you had any advice either, preferably in Europe.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

In the U.S. keys are easily obtained from retailers like timesavers.com. I presume there are suppliers in Europe - I believe there is a clock material supplier called Cousins. Sorry to not have more specific direction.

[@mir8215]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches Thank you! I will check both of them out 😊

[@MasterYoist]

My 93 year old Elgin is set like the Hamilton - level set. I made a video for my nephew (I plan to give it to him soon) so that he knows how to set it and how to adjust the tempo/speed.

[@R3troZone]

I have my grandfather watch and it's an Elgin. It has a winding crown at the top but no recesses for setting and no spots for a setting key. It seems like the only way to set the watch is to open the face and move the hands with your fingers but that seems awfully risky to me.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

If there are no recesses and you don't see a square nut, it is probably a pendant-set. Sometimes they can take a bit of force. I agree with you - moving the hands directly is not a good idea. If you look up your serial number on pocketwatchdatabase.com, you should get confirmation on the type of movement you have.

[@Alon-Filler]

Hey! Would love to learn where might one purchase such time piece. :D Cheers on the video

[@xenoxols2527]

I have a lever set movement in a hunter case, and you don't need to take the bezel off to access it. I'm not sure how common that was.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Yes - that's easier to set as the lever is visible without disassembling anything. Hunter case watches are common, but probably in the minority compared to open face watches.

[@WellbredNfedKembleTV]

I would have liked to hear less about the styles & more about the correct ways to wind & set. Some people say with a crown winder (or similar on a wrist watch) NEVER wind with a back & forth motion. Some say it doesn't matter. When setting a watch (or clock) I've been told ONLY advance the time. NEVER set the time by running the hands counterclockwise. Any input? I went to pocket watches in 2004 unless using a vintage wristwatch as jewellery. LoL TIME & I are not on a 1st name basis but on those rare occasions when I must consult a device sadly, I confess it is almost always my phone. In homage to the beauty of timepieces of yesteryear I have a dynamic image of a gold pocket watch as the lock screen/always on display. XoXo

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Thanks for your feedback. When winding, going back and forth with the crown isn't a big deal; you are just exercising a ratchet mechanism that's there as a convenience. It doesn't cause any more wear on the watch than when you wind it forward as a very similar ratchet mechanism is what allows you to store energy in the spring. Whether it is OK to set a watch backwards depends on the watch. The vast majority of pocket watches are time only, and there is no problem moving the hands in either direction. Watches that have complications such as calendar mechanisms, moon phases or chiming mechanisms should usually only be set forward.

[@WellbredNfedKembleTV]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches that's great. Thanks. I just got my great uncle's Waltham. He worked on the railroad & was present at The Last Spike. CheerZ XoXo

[@jameshallman3260]

I've got an old watch that has to have a key to set the time. What size do you need. That middle square piece is really small and the key that winds the watch doesn't fit it.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Watch keys come in many sizes. You'll either have to measure them or do some trial and error. Timesavers.com sells a set as well as individual keys. As you have mentioned, it is not uncommon to need two different size keys for winding and setting. timesavers.com/i-8948011-pocket-watch-key-14-pieceassortment.html

[@foodforthought4546]

How do I set the time on an old Westclox pocket Ben? No lever on it, and when I pull out the crown, that doesn't do it. Thanks.

[@conorfromireland]

Those movements are pin pallet escarpments like old Smith's or Ingersol watches, you may need to push the crown towards the case to set the time

[@AnimaleFacts]

Hello frend pls help me i have rolex gold 9kt i dont not price market

[@lardjass4146]

When I tried setting the time on mine the button you press to open it broke 😭

[@superlink235]

How do you know when its fully wound? Will it stop turning? Is it possible to overwind it?

[@awalker1829]

No. It is not physically possible to overwind a watch. Once the mainspring is fully wound, it will stop you from continuing to wind the watch. 11:40

[@superlink235]

@@awalker1829 appreciate your comment! I have figured it out haha. Tbh it just felt like at first the winding would never end and I was getting nervous abou breaking my antique watch haha. Thank you!

[@TruthLivesNow]

A great video. I did buy a Pin Set Swiss Pocket watch. The movement was complete junk, yet the Case is .825 percent Silver and the price I paid was lower than the silver spot price meltdown value. Of course, I am not going to melt it down, it is just I am having a difficult time finding a Pin Set Movement for it. Do you have any videos explaining watch sizes to help me out? There certainly is a lot of sizes.

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

I actually wrote an article on my website explaining watch sizing. I hope it's helpful for you. minnesotawatches.com/watch-sizes/

[@RenaissanceEarCandy]

How do you set the second hand?

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

The second hand on most pocket watches can't be "set" like on a wrist watch; there's no mechanism to stop the balance allowing the watch to be set to the second. There are a few watches that work this way - Hamilton 4992B, and some "doctor's watches", but most watches don't.

[@PirateAdmiral-bx6sx]

what happens if you adust the time set on wind up pocket watch while in motion cause I did that and it not wind up

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Most pocket watches don't have a hacking feature that stops the balance wheel during setting, so the presumption was that most of the time the watch would be set when it was running. There should be no problem doing this. If your watch isn't running, it probably needs service.

[@PirateAdmiral-bx6sx]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches thank you

[@andreanicolas9363]

Man I'd love to have an antique pocket watch like these ones, where can I purchase a good one in full working order ?

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Check out northernpartners.com for reasonably priced watches that include a warranty. Not all they sell are railroad-grade, but many are.

[@andreanicolas9363]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches thank you very much!

[@youdhveeranand5940]

I. Have a P. Watchin. Runing condetion Glass is broken p help

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

Watch crystals can be replaced by a watchmaker or some jewelers. I would contact someone in your area for more specific help.

[@cornondanob6722]

Hello, what Hamilton is that, with the Arabic numbers?

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

That is a Hamilton 992B from 1947.

[@cornondanob6722]

Thx

[@grimmusreaperthe1st]

i need help ive got a watch without a battery that hasnt got one of those holes when you open up the back so im not sure how to set the time

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

It's hard to know what you have going on without pictures. If it's a pocket watch, you may have a lever set watch which requires removing the bezel, which I cover in this video. A local jeweler may be a good starting point.

[@grimmusreaperthe1st]

@@MinnesotaClocksandWatches I figured it out, I had to pull the top bit up to then turn it to change the time. It's dated at around 1910 I think. I've accidentally pulled the top bit out so it comes apart and i can't push it back in so now i'm just trying to fix that. Thanks anyways

[@tonci2725]

How to set seconds?

[@MinnesotaClocksandWatches]

There are a few pocket watches where the seconds can be set - the so-called "Doctor's watches" and a few specific watches like Hamilton 4992B military watches, but the fast majority of pocket watches do not provide a way to temporarily stop the balance so you can set the seconds.

[@barefoofDr]

I like the key wound watches but the keys ware out in no time and you have to buy a Whole ring of keys to get the one you need.

[@mr.lonelfarrior-info8589]

I Want to Buy One Please Tell me the Price of It

[@mr.lonelfarrior-info8589]

How Much Does It Costs ?

[@normaberry1927]

Pocket watches

[@mr.lonelfarrior-info8589]

I Beg You My Friend Please Tell me the Price 🙏🏽 My Grand pa Wants it

[@timothysmith160]

Nice toys those American watches, Ain't got nothing on an English Benson though. (just kidding)