How to open a pocket watch back

How to open a pocket watch is a basic knowledge every pocket watch collector should know.

This is essential when you want to learn more about you pocketwatch by looking up its pocket watch serial number or you want to attempt to repair your watch.

When you open a pocket watch, you can see its movement at work. As you see how the wheels turn, you would appreciate every single ticking sound even more.

Different pocket watch makes have different ways of opening them. We teach you how to open your pocket watch back safely with these easy steps.

Ideally, opening a pocket watch is not recommended but as long as you are careful, you can not damage the pocket watch's precision movement. If you are not too sure of your skills, better bring your pocket watch to a horologist.
Pocket watch casing & movement

The pocket watch case and the pocket watch movement

The pocketwatch casing and its watch mechanism (or movement), are two separate parts. They can even be purchased separately.

Sometimes, low pocket watch movement grades are housed inside expensive pocket watch cases. For this reason, information about the pocket watch movement is stamped on its mechanism and not on its case.
Pocket watch movement