How to Open the Caseback of a Pocket Watch?

For anyone new to using, collecting and enjoying pocket watches one of the first and foremost skill to learn is how to open the caseback and dustcover for an antique pocket watch.  Developing the correct skill to open pocket watch cases will enable one to examine the movement type, quality, and condition without damaging the case.  The following is the concise step-by-step instruction:

Step 1. Have the correct tool on hand, buy a pocket watch opening knife with a smooth and obtuse edge specialized for this purpose.  Make sure the knife is short and stout and the edge is not sharp enough for cutting or slicing.

Step 2. Locate the caseback lip/ledge for opening.  Usually this is located at the 1-2 o’clock position on the edge of the caseback layer.  This lip will help in locating where to insert the watch knife.

Step 3. From the caseback lip, search vertically to find the seam between caseback and case body (band).  Insert the knife straight into the seam by applying light pressure a bit at a time until resistance is felt and the knife can be pushed in no further.

Step 4. With the knife fully pushed in, secure it in its vertical position without having it slide out while applying rotational force counter-clockwise (horizontally) to twist the caseback open.  Correct opening should result in a ‘pop’ sound with the whole caseback opened simultaneously.  If the caseback is overly tight that results in snagging in certain areas, run the watch knife rotationally up and down the inserted seam until those tight areas can be forced open.

Tip #1. Always be careful not to apply too much power or force to the knife and always maintain a firm and steady grip.  Trying to open the case the wrong way almost always results in irreparable scratches to the case, and sometimes even damage to the movement.

Tip #2. Use the right tool, buy a dedicated watch case opening knife.  With enough experience fingernails or razor blade can be used to open pocket watch cases but they almost always results in hand injury sooner or later.

Tip #3. When there is adequate experience in opening pocket watch casebacks, the same mechanism can be applied to opening the dustcover and the front bezel.  Be very careful removing bezels housing thin glass crystals as the twisting force can result in glass breakage.