Category: Patek Philippe

It’s been a very long time but we thought it would be a good idea to restart our blog that we’ve neglected for such a long time. One of the questions we get emailed about very frequently is how to open a pocket watch to view the movement.  There are so many different types of watches that we decided to do a detailed guide with lots of images to help out

Pair cased verge watches similar to this one  will usually open  from the front.

First depress the thumbpiece and open the outer case.

Remove the watch from the outer case. Then using your nail open the front of the case. The glass and bezel will swing back to reveal the dial.

Using your thumbnail depress the lever situated at the 6 O’clock position and the movement will swing back on its hinge so you can view the escapement.   

Hunting Cased Watches

Opening a hunting cased pocket watch is a little easier although it does require a watch knife or a penknife if the case is very tight and stiff. Turn the watch over so that you’re looking at the back of the case.  Using your knife or fingernails gently prize open the case to reveal the movement or inner cuvette.

If there is a cuvette apply do the same again to reveal the movement.