Pocket Watch Cases and How to Open

[@fredschroyer584]

You helped me open 3 grandparents' watches. Nice clear closeups. Thank you!!

[@dudestyle01]

Good video, I've just bought a really nice 19th century English silver watch, I couldn't work out how to open the face part until watching this, the back is a top push button and I wouldn't have thought to push down the button when closing either, so thanks for that 👍

[@Networked2death]

You helped me open my Grandfather's watch! Thank you!

[@777dingo]

Thanks for the info, I have a RR Watch like the last one you showed and wasn't sure how to set the time, but I followed your directions, removed the front of the case with my rubber ball, pulled out the lever and was able to set the time with the crown, thanks again.

[@crisdaniels4984]

Thanks so much for this tutorial; it made opening the inner case of an English pocket watch so much easier for me!

[@martasams9664]

Thank you. This was an amazing informative video. And your voice is relaxing

[@gwenroch515]

I have an Astoria pocket watch very similar to the first one you showed, the different being mine has two seams, i cant seem to get it open and i was wondering if you had any ideas

[@Glitch_productions-m6k]

Thank you I thought my watch was broken but then I pulled the stem and I could adjust the hands thank you!

[@joeralphs9157]

Very well done and informative video with lots of detail a lot better than one of those silent videos where it's all visual. Also I would make this tip even though I'm not the expert here I would recommend using thin piece of plastic or something in between your blade and your watch casing being gold silver or just some metal you'll have less chance of scratching it. I took a valuable watch to a jeweler and watched him try to open it to change the battery and bent the case right in front of my eyes. I was pissed. If you take your wants to a jeweler always inspect it closely in front of him or her when you hand it off ....but this is a great video

[@Tstarr600]

Thank you so much. "How do I open this watch?" is a question I always have to ask, and I ask this question to get my cool watches from older more impressive generations than 13 year olds with no money... But for young people who are dealing with this mostly deal with antiques. The majority of people are dealing with anime watches that they have bought that really need this kind of video to teach them what's in this video that they'll learn. But there are many One Piece/FullMetal Alchemist/My Hero Academia watches out there now... This works a lot, unless yet ANOTHER new cases that can come along, but I mostly serve those who Just Now started so late that it's 2020 already. You guys are screwed for now... I fully expect a bunch of deranged insults from people turning 18 in 2-5 years. Bring it, kiddos

[@itzhaccroitoru4082]

Very good for beginners.Thanks

[@texasofficemachines7793]

HI there and thanks for this video! I just sent in two Elgin watches for repairs, but one of them (they tell me) is unrepairable, due to parts. The other one would have been about $500 to repair, which I thought was completely unrealistic. Any ideas?

[@ilenunez6616]

extremely helpful and succint. thank you heaps.

[@JosephBenRobert]

Good video very informative.

[@paulb.9282]

Great video. Thank you. The first watch you showed, the Elgin that opens from the front. I have one exactly like that BUT I can't get it open. Any suggestions as to how to loosen it up?

[@jordan9536]

Did you ever figure it out? Stuck here as well.

[@paulb.9282]

@@jordan9536 not yet, it's still sitting on my desk here at the house.

[@jordan9536]

@@paulb.9282 I figured mine out. For me, it was just rotating the back the opposite direction. Felt pretty stupid it took that long to figure out. If it's the same style of Elgin as mine, just twist the back off like you would the front.

[@joezuru3753]

I found an old pocket watch case in the attic, it's empty tho, you think it could be used still for a new one ?

[@thoth1977]

Depends on the case. If it is a standard size like the American system of movement sizes then yes.

[@philipbrailey]

This is great, just what I needed. Thanks for posting!

[@f.scott.fitzbeagle]

These watches all have different times.

[@EricBishard]

They are all from different timezones.

[@milk7315]

The batteries might have died at different times

[@mojavegold-]

The man with only one watch always knows exactly what time it is. The man with more than one is never sure.

[@Bootymuncher42069]

That's why he's fixing them

[@samuelhorowitz5029PLUMBCRAZY]

I have a Bulova pocket watch 17 jewel adjusted 14 k gold filled 17AE Bulova New York company. It does not wind or run. I can still wind the hands around. I also have a Waltham railroad watch that works perfectly. I think it is an older one, maybe 1920s - 1940s. I wish I could send you pictures on here, but we can not. I have tried everything. I would like to know as much as I could about them.

[@samanthawilliams7893]

Thank you! This was very helpful for a swing out case watch we have in our collections!

[@SARMedic307]

I have a watch similar to the middle watch. My father said the balance spring needs to be replaced but he was unable to find one. How would I find out what type of watch I have?

[@Marshal77]

Got a 16s waltham movement, on one side it has protruding short "antenna" just 1 or 2mm long. Does it mean case has to have hole for this or is it something else?

[@Chungustav]

I tried to remove mine since it had a notch on the front like you mentioned and all the hands flew off and are now lost

[@TheNinjaPicker]

Thanks for the video!

[@TheRoxzilla]

awesome video thanks!

[@twooharmony2000]

How do I open this, is a good generalization category.-Ernie Moore Jr.

[@45coopaloop]

Very useful, thanks soooo much!

[@ryleelikesracecars]

Mine looks like the second one but it won't screw off. I've tried prying it also.

[@niksx4454]

Great video! Thank you!

[@SyedNadeem-ei8ep]

Price

[@freebird7284]

my 1894 Waltham has a hinged pry open back and a hinged pry open inner cover, front is hinged also

[@EileenTheCr0w]

Thanks, I found an old Elgin wind up pocket watch that I wasn't sure how to open without damaging

[@Matie_]

I bough a pocket watch on vacation yesterday but i opened the cover with my nails not knowing it had a button to open it. Does this damage it?

[@thoth1977]

If it's not done repeatedly any damage should be minimal and it depends on the material of the watch case. Gold will be softer than silver. If the cover closes fine and opens fine you should be ok.

[@Matie_]

@@thoth1977 thx for the info, i have another question tho: apparantly you can wind and "clutch" a pocket watch but i cant find anywere what "clutching" it means, do you know what this means?

[@thoth1977]

@@Matie_ that is not a phrase I am familiar with. But there is a clutch in the winding portion of the watch. This allows the crown be turned backwards and slip without risking any damage to the crown wheel and other parts. I think what they mean is the process where some people wind a watch by turning the crown back and forth repeatedly. If you do a search for pocket watch winding parts you should get a diagram of the various parts and their names.

[@Matie_]

Thank you, this really helped 👍

[@welsh_Witch]

question how do they run? do you have to wind it up or is it a battery

[@thoth1977]

They wind up. Some wind by the crown and others are wound by a key. None in the video use a battery.

[@lostinthesoup8562]

The first watch is it a Elgin? Well that was one question.. My main questions is how could I get a twist off the front or back to turn if it's too tight?

[@thoth1977]

I have seen a few methods. One involves using hot glue and something like a jar lid to.the back of a case. Then that gives a better grip. There are rubber ball case openers. I have even seen someone use balled up duct tape.

[@Suncast45]

Hell Sir! I have an enameled ball pendant watch from my Grandmother. I can find no information on how to open the case. Any Idea? It is silver and has turquoise blue enamel with a sterling chain! I've googled every way possible and nothing shows up. Thank you

[@mogret7451]

Thanks a lot, have one with a button you press to set the time. Thought the crown was broken! =D

[@alternateunreleasedshellac505]

What is that small circle in the bottom of the watch?

[@deniscassiere]

thank you, very helpful video.

[@mauromondin]

Hi. Could you explain how to open a Hanhart Amigo Tristop Stopwatch?

[@thoth1977]

Based on pictures I have seen I would believe there are only 2 options. Either the front bezel with crystal comes off or it is a open through the crystal design. With the nylon\fiberglass\plastic one piece case the only option is through the front. The exact method is most likely that it is pressed on not screw on. But I cannot guarantee that.

[@JackJazzm]

Much respect sir Very helpful

[@diehardfan173]

You’re a diamond in the rough anymore!

[@lolichan4784]

I have one is like number2 but i still can't open it.. do you have any suggestion...?

[@thoth1977]

If the case back is stuck there are a few methods to try and open it. There a few options that are found on here but I would suggest a watchmaker if it is very firmly on. The least risky method though is the case opening rubber balls that you can find for sale on ebay and amazon. They will not damage the case and my do the trick.

[@r3d4pple17]

Hello, when I turn the back cover, it does not fit, the screw mouth part is not working. How can fix it?

[@melodytube6574]

How to evaluate the price of the pocket watches?

[@Dootium]

How do I open a railroad that's been crossthreaded or has otherwise been damaged shut?

[@thoth1977]

I have seen a few tricks. Using hot glue and gluing a small jar lid to the back. This will give you leverage. Then as you turn and see one edge staying down you can slide a case opener into the gap and slide it to that point. That will pop it past the cross thread. The threads will need to be repaired by a watchmaker or a new case should be sourced. If this does not seem to work please send it to a watchmaker. I suggest Paul Davis. You will find him on Facebook. He is reputable and honest with fair pricing.

[@stevenmerritt7156]

No help for me. I have a pocket watch that cannot be opened from the back. Trying to find out the maker as the makers mark on the outside case is worn. Looks like LLJ or ILJ. Made in London in 1907. The only way to get the main body out is from the top but can't figure out how. I've tried prising it gently but don't want to put too much pressure because I'm worried I'll break it.

[@daveweiss3839]

Mahalo for this great video

[@gamingwithkenneth6908]

Can u help tell me how to unlpck a ebtek watch

[@stephaniegrubesic4942]

I have one that has been in the family for a while... it's a Roamer 17 jewel pocket watch. I can't get it opened :( it looks welded shut. There is an engraving on the back though that says" Sr.St Paul de Rome 1956" I think I'll have to take it in somewhere to help me

[@thoth1977]

If you shoot me a few pics at [e-mail] I may be able to help.

[@YTViewer1776]

I have a Citizen pocket watch 17J Parashock Phynox. I still can't open it. 😅

[@L4S3R0]

I have the problem where on my pocket watch the but opens a cover to the front of the watch where the clock is.

[@hughbrown9244]

can you say how to open a 1900 rolex?

[@thoth1977]

Unless it is a Borgel case it should be the same as these. Wristwatches are different

[@kevin2125]

beautiful

[@taskeerali3483]

Hello sir...I have same watch please price mention...

[@pocketwatches8414]

100-400$ each I think

[@brianbelchuk9612]

Good to know

[@backup9631]

How can i buy one of these ??

[@pocketwatches8414]

Go onto eBay.com!

[@cdub4693]

Man I have a Waltham I can’t get open. I can unscrew the crystal but that’s as far as I get.

[@32fordcoupegirl]

what about a Hamilton Masterpiece, it looks like the front and back would unscrew, but cant get her to budge and dont wanta force anything,

[@thoth1977]

No hinges at the bottom? The old 922 MP would be in a hinged case. But if it is a more modern 1960s-80s it is a snap on back.

[@PKamargo]

Ok, I am trying to find out how to open a Longines pocket watch and it is none of these types.

[@wayneellingson5032]

thank you!

[@beverlynathan2422]

I have a Laidlaw pocket watch need to replace the battery

[@thoth1977]

Majority of watches that have a battery will have a snap case. Some are accessed through the front if there is only one seam.

[@bob-hacking6027]

Why can’t I find anything on how to open and arnex 17 jewel incabloc?

[@thoth1977]

I have found that most arnex have a snap on back. Look around the edge of the case back for the small gap.

[@The1951skylark]

Excellent!

[@EricBishard]

I almost tried to pry mine open from the back 😂

[@veritate8955]

yep, railroad watch it is grandpa, i´ll try that one

[@poepoe2828]

I really cant belive there is no video for this stupid pocket 2atch that I have. I about to just yank the stem off so I can finally open this dam thing. It's been 4 months and I still cant gfing out how to take the crown off nor take the movment out and I about had it. My watch does not have a bazell it only opens from the back I took the 2 screws out but I have no clue if I yank the stem out or what I have to do to make this movment come out?

[@thoth1977]

Send me a few pictures and I will see what I can figure out... [e-mail]

[@_Lior7321x]

I have a pocket watch from a company named shouxing the logo is a leaf I think

[@thoth1977]

Based on a few pictures I have seen of a few of these they are a pop off back type.

[@_Lior7321x]

Wait are you sure you and I are thinking of the same company? If you do send me a link to the company

[@TwistedFoxblade]

Mine Doesn't really look like any of these.

[@eleazarcatingan9819]

I have all spare parts of Clinton watch

[@eleazarcatingan9819]

If you buy Clinton spare parts?

[@rabebjlassi9879]

I own an 18 carat pocket watch, model 1900, that I want to sell

[@Maxedmm2]

mine didnt open

[@happylittletrees6685]

Mine is none 😐

[@thoth1977]

Depending on the age and design it could be one that opens through the crystal via a tool for removing crystals. More info would be needed though to get an idea.

[@happylittletrees6685]

It's a George brand eagle watch

[@thoth1977]

I suspect it is a snap on type case back. These sometimes don't appear to have the little gap. They don't have a hinged back either. A watchmaker can open it but you could try with a very fine knife edge. That said, knowing where the seam is will be the important part.

[@happylittletrees6685]

@@thoth1977 ok thanks

[@thekeeperoftime1977]

Don't open it unless you know what you doing.

[@jackstraw5527]

What if you just want to find a serial number?

[@itsaperson8403]

excuse me as i cry,,, none of these helped w the watch i just found 😭 F in the chat for me

[@thoth1977]

What watch did you find?

[@cpl.michaeltalamantes7337]

@@thoth1977 my loppers are

[@garykee9117]

The watch at 6:29 do you know the crystal size ?

[@KareemKoya-i8w]

Oxus.prlma.1.pc..mebaillb.or.roskopf.1896..1.pc.roskopf.patent.1.pc.aarilway.regultor.1pc..totl.rip.4.pc.rom.sall

[@bigwu100]

Very helpful.thank you.

[@equaliser2265]

Very helpful thanks.

[@anne8511]

Thank you!

[@akbunny5221]

Very useful, thank you.

[@pauliewalnuts1024]

Thank you!