How to get the back open to see the timepiece mechanism

Check to see if your watch or one closely resembling it, is for sale on Ebay. This generally gives an idea of value, at least in terms of resale and value. Watches, other than Rolex and very high end types, don't have very good resale value. Of course, all of the value may be in the diamonds or 14K cases, no matter who is the maker.

Visit an authorized Cartier watch dealer at a high-end jewelry store. Use a jeweler's loupe to inspect the Cartier logo, the dial, the hour, minute and second hands, color, case back and the movement, which is the small electronic or mechanical device that runs the watch. Also examine the bracelet or strap for future comparisons of Cartiers at other dealers. Obtain a copy of the Cartier sales brochure or catalog and read it.

Inspect the movement by asking the seller to remove the case back to view it. It will be engraved with the Cartier name. If the seller balks at the request, don't buy the watch. The seller may have something to hide, according to Spotcounterfeits.co.uk.

Consider the heft of the Cartier if you are considering purchasing a watch from an independent seller. Knockoff Cartiers are considerably lighter than the genuine article because they are made with cheap materials. Examine the Cartier logo to see if it's spelled correctly. Knockoffs usually originate from non-English speaking countries where English is not the primary language and workmanship is poor.

Drop a tiny bit of water on the crystal. Cartiers feature a sapphire glass crystal, in which the water beads on contact. If the water smears, the crystal is a cheap imitation.

Examine the Cartier trademark polished cabochon gemstone on the crown. The stone should be set firmly in the crown but not glued on. Use a jeweler's loupe to look for traces of glue.

Examine the Cartier logo of twin Cs on the case back, dial and strap buckle. The logos should be gracefully produced with no rough stamping.

Although Gevril has been making fine Swiss watches for 265 years, you may have only heard of them in the recent past. Gevril was acquired in 2001 by Samuel Friedmann in his desire to fulfill a dream. Friedmann envisioned the renaissance of an established, high quality watch brand through a careful balance of strong tradition with the most modern technology.

The rich Swiss history of Gevril attracted Friedmann to the company. The original founder of this watch brand, Jacques Gevril, was born in 1721. Jacques was the first in a family line of watchmakers.

As would be expected of a watchmaker of his caliber, Jacques Gevril clocked in many firsts amongst the community of timepiece makers. Two of his most notable firsts were his invention of the repetition dial, and his becoming the first exporter of Swiss timepieces when he hand delivered a specially crafted watch to King Ferdinand VI in 1758. The king was so impressed with the craftsmanship that he personally appointed Gevril 'Watchmaker to the Crown of Spain'.

Try going to "http://www.antique-pocket-watch.com/".

This site seems to be a good point in the search for information on antique watches.

It has a few links to other sites.

You might be able to pop it open with a pocket knife ... don't stab yourself though.

The back screws off.
Turn it Counter clockwise.

The numbers you need is the actual serial number off of the movement not the case.

We then can provide you the production information on your particular run of antique pocket watch.

Hope this tip helps.

r/
David

If you go to the web site "www.antique-pocket-watch.com/waltham-pocket-watch.html", you will find information about Waltham watches and if you read the serial number off the movement (open the back and read it off the back plate), you may be able to find out the year of manufacture.

If your watches case does not have a hinge then pulling the crown out won't do anything but allow you to set the time if it is a stem set watch. If it is a lever set watch then the lever which is under the bezel will need to be pulled out before you can set the time.

On a pocket watch without a hinge the case back and or bezel will unscrew from the case.

Hope this helps,
Ken
Yellowstone Watch Inc.
www.yellowstonewatch.com

Ebay often has these for sale; one I also inherited in an 18K gold 'hunters case' (closes from and back) even though perfectly working after a retired jeweler brought it back to life, turned out to be more valuable for its case than anything else. I've seen similar at swap meets/flea markets in plated cases for as little as $70 and still ticking.

Pull the wind knob out...it takes a firm pull on mine. You will hear it click, then you have room to pull the movement out towards the hinge. Then close when done, and push the wind handle back in.

At one oclock the lever is pulled out about 1/4" then you can set the time, when finished, push the lever back in.

Hope this helps...george