How To Open An Elgin Pocket Watch

Do you need to know how to open an Elgin pocket watch? Elgin pocket watches were made starting in 1864, and over time, more than 64 million Elgin watches have been produced. You'll be able to clean the watch and possibly make minor repairs yourself.  The serial number is inside the watch behind the case on the workings of the pocket watch. To get to the serial numbers, you have to remove the back of the pocket watch.

To open an Elgin pocket watch, you will need:

• Towel or piece of felt
• Small object like a toothpick

1. Set the towel or felt on a table. This should be used to set the Elgin pocket watch on to open it and work on it. The cloth will protect the watch crystal and catch any small parts that you might find when taking the pocket watch back off.
2. Hold the pocket watch over the cloth. Hold the watch in both hands and gently twist the front of the pocket watch with the glass crystal from the back metal case. Unscrew it to loosen the two pieces.
3. Find the pocket watch hinge on top. There is a hinge directly above the number twelve on the watch. Pull up on the knob to release the pocket watch pin so the watch can be taken apart. Be sure to use a non-metal tool like a toothpick or your fingernail to open the Elgin pocket watch. Metal can scratch the pocket watch case and damage it.
4. Find the bottom slot. With the top part of the pocket watch open, slide your fingernail or a small toothpick into the opening at the bottom directly under the number six. Gently move your fingernail or the toothpick in until it makes contact with the groove inside. Turn your fingernail or the toothpick until the front of the pocket watch front releases.
5. Slide the face off. A hinge inside holds the Elgin pocket watch face in place. Slide the face off by gently moving the crystal up toward the knob to release the hinge.