How To Set A Pocket Watch

The pocket watch used to be the most common in the 16th century until the wristwatch came. Some people who own a pocket watch in the past tend to pass it along to generations, and it has become a beautiful heirloom. It is a classic piece. In this article, let's learn how to set a pocket watch.

Set Your Pocket Watch 

How to set a pocket watch would depend on the type of watch itself. Here are the steps to set up the pocket watch based on manufacturers' different setting methods.

The Key Set Setting

Early pocket watch movements are being set using a small metal key that fits into the mainspring barrel.

How to know if the watch is key set: Key-set watches usually have a square peg in the center of the dial known as the arbor.

Here's how to set a key-wind pocket watch.

1. Hold the dial-up of the pocket watch.
2. Look for an indentation around the edge of the bezel.
3. Move the bezel and crystal toward you using that indentation slowly to expose the dial and hands. You may use your fingernails when doing this. If the cover is a bit tight, you need to use a tool. Many old key-set pocket watch was hinged, making the bezel swing away from the dial.
4. Slip the key opening over the center arbor.
5. Rotate the key until you set the hands to the correct time.
6. Remove the key and gently snap the cover back into place using force at the edge and not on the crystal.

The Lever Set Setting

Lever-set watches are also known as railroad watches. They are now considered antique watches but may also appear in some modern watches.

How to know if the watch is lever set: The watch has a rotating crown, but it will not set the mechanism. You will find a lever at the edge of the dial as soon as you remove the bezel to set the time.

1. Here's how to set a lever set pocket watch.
2. Hold the dial-up of the pocket watch.
3. If the watch is held within a hunting case, the lever might already be accessible. If the watch is held within an open-face case, carefully remove the bezel and crystal.
4. Locate the edge of the dial for a small metal lever and swing it away from the dial to control the setting mechanism/
5. Try to rotate the crown until the hands indicate the correct time.
6. Shift the lever back to the dial.
7. Replace the bezel very carefully.

The Pendant/Stem Set Setting

Pendant-set watches don't need to remove its bezel. Therefore, its time can easily be set.

How to know if the watch is pendant set: Pendant set watch contains a rotating crown. By pulling up on the crown give you control in setting the mechanism. There is not a lever at the edge of the dial once the bezel is removed.

Here's how to set a pendant or stem-set pocket watch.

1. Hold the dial-up of the pocket watch.
2. Hold the crown and pull it away from the watch until it pops. Be careful not to put too much force so you won't break the watch.
3. Pivot the crown until the hands show the correct time.
4. Push back the crown, and you're all set.

Conclusion

Learning how to set a pocket watch correctly is important to know how to properly use and care to make it last and pass on to the next generation.