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mythdude
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« on: November 28, 2008, 08:09:42 am » |
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Recently, I was attempting to take apart a pocket watch I have, and must say i was rather stumped how you actually get the back off and what not...I tried prying with a small screwdriver, but as i felt nothing give i decided it would be better to find a different method than to break either the watch or the tool...help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
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Just as no one can be forced into belief, so no one can be forced into unbelief.
Sigmund Freud
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Gaspard de Coligny
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« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2008, 10:00:57 am » |
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Recently, I was attempting to take apart a pocket watch I have, and must say i was rather stumped how you actually get the back off and what not...I tried prying with a small screwdriver, but as i felt nothing give i decided it would be better to find a different method than to break either the watch or the tool...help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Beware... our beloved watch taliban might be around... |
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lilibat
Rogue Ætherlord
 United States
gamer geek goth girl
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« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2008, 10:16:01 am » |
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Some backs pry off, some screw off. I'm not telling you to screw off, but the watch might be.
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Sir Nikolas of Vendigroth
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« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2008, 02:24:46 pm » |
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Is there a nail nick that you can get a fingernail into, so that you can prise it off?
Pictures would help in deciding what sort it is.
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HAC
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« Reply #4 on: November 29, 2008, 02:59:56 am » |
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Depends on the watch.. If its new and Chinese or quartz , its probably a snap-on - look for a nail nick in the seam. If its vintage and American, most likely its a screw on back, and should unscrew.. I refer you to: http://brassgoggles.co.uk/brassgoggles/200805/the-horological-steampunk-episode-i Cheers Harold |
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« Last Edit: November 29, 2008, 03:01:42 am by HAC »
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You never know what lonesome is , 'til you get to herdin' cows.
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mythdude
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« Reply #5 on: November 30, 2008, 12:02:19 am » |
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I had no idea that it could be a screw on back...that would be why i couldn't figure it out.
Thanks
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HAC
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« Reply #6 on: November 30, 2008, 12:42:24 am » |
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No problem... (and I didn't even ask why you were taking it apart  ) I should really get my act together and finish the rest of those BG aryciles on pocket watches... Cheers Harold |
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Kor Greenfield
Gunner
United States
The Clockwork Alchemist
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« Reply #7 on: December 01, 2008, 03:26:58 pm » |
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Mine has neither a nail nick, nor does it screw off. It just snaps on and off, but the whole thing is bloody difficult to get apart. Do some of them require a blade of some kind to remove?
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Normal is something we've invented to keep out the demons and Gods and magic and monsters that live just on the other side of the "normal' world we've built for ourselves.
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HAC
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« Reply #8 on: December 01, 2008, 10:57:22 pm » |
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Mine has neither a nail nick, nor does it screw off. It just snaps on and off, but the whole thing is bloody difficult to get apart. Do some of them require a blade of some kind to remove?
A case knife is your friend - rounded thin bqlde, not sharp, insert into the seam and twist GENTLY.. Cheers Harold |
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mythdude
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« Reply #9 on: December 02, 2008, 06:44:33 am » |
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so my problem now is when i try to unscrew it, i get the faceplate (i dunno if thats the correct term...the part with the glass and such), but not the back....suggestions?
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Zwack
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« Reply #10 on: December 02, 2008, 03:22:05 pm » |
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so my problem now is when i try to unscrew it, i get the faceplate (i dunno if thats the correct term...the part with the glass and such), but not the back....suggestions?
A photograph would definitely help... Of my two pocket watches one has a front and back that are hinged, and the other has a bezel holding the crystal that screws on. Once the bezel is removed the movement is hinged and will swing forward when the crown is pulled out. Is it possible that yours does the same? Is there a line on the case showing that the back should unscrew? Z. |
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"At least those oddballs are interesting" - My Wife.
I'm British but living in America. This might explain my spelling.
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mythdude
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« Reply #11 on: December 04, 2008, 07:45:53 am » |
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sorry for no picture, I'll try to get ahold of a camera...there is a line which makes it seem like the back should unscrew, after unscrewing the faceplate (bezel?) i tried to move the movement, and it did not move, although i did not use much force.
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Sir Nikolas of Vendigroth
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« Reply #12 on: December 04, 2008, 10:40:18 am » |
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Movements, in my experience, are held down by a pair of screws inside the back of the case.
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Zwack
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« Reply #13 on: December 04, 2008, 03:36:48 pm » |
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I guess I should have been clearer. One of my pocket watches has a removable front bezel. Once that is removed there is a visible nail nick in the case under the bezel. The crown is pulled out (as is done for setting) and then the movement can swing forward on a hinged section of case. The movement is screwed into the case, but in a hinged section. Some movements are held in with a single screw and a pin, but they are all held into the case.
Z.
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rogue_designer
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« Reply #14 on: December 04, 2008, 03:43:11 pm » |
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mythdude - I suspect that the back is also a screw on - but is just a bit stuck.
Try using a bit of leather, or rubber padding to try and get more purchase. I usually hold a pocketwatch whose back I want to open (with the crystal still on it) face down in my palm and stem between my thumb and forefinger - then I can prevent the face from opening, and only work on the back.
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Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.
(Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes. But deserve a nice glass of absinthe. I have some Montemarte in the cabinet, if you wish.)
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Prof. Friedrich VonHart, PhD
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« Reply #15 on: December 04, 2008, 03:44:54 pm » |
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Harold recommends wearing rubber kitchen gloves for better gripping while pressing. There's a special too for it too, but I dont see why rubber dish gloves wouldn't doo just as good.
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"If all else fails, immortality can always be assured by spectacular error." — John Kenneth Galbraith
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"Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company, and reflection must finish him."
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HAC
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« Reply #16 on: December 04, 2008, 06:46:37 pm » |
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The rubber gloves trick works well, gives just enough grip for most cases. If its really stuck, or cross threaded, then you might need some of the more specialized tools. One that my wathcmaker has is a set of suction dies for his Horotec case opeinng tool. the Horotec base system is about $1000.00 and the suction dies are another $300.00 or si, but that setup willl open any screwback case, without marring or other damage to the watch. Bergeron, makes a $4.00 pocket watch case operne that looks a bit like a hockey puck with a concave fase. Its flexible soft rubber and uses a combination of friction anc suction to open cases. Its a very good gadget.
Cheers
Harold
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