Russell Thomas & Son Tempus Frugit Liverpool UK pocket watch serial number 45534 with .Illinois Elgin USA watch case. What year as it made.

Arturs Kalnins

• 2338 Answers
• Posted on Jan 05, 2009

SOURCE: opening an elgin pocket watch

The best tool to do it is watchmakers knife, but any proper knife with hardened steel blade can do the job. Make sure the blade is NOT flexible.
Check carefully the sides of your watch and you will notice the groove. Place knife blade into that groove and press it in. At the same time try to make a scooping turn to lift the caseback. Usually there must be underlayed caseback as well and it opens exactly in the same manner.
Make sure you do all this carefully and do not let the blade to slip or your watch will end up with nasty scratches or even damaged movement.
That job isn't a big deal, but requires some skill, so, BE CAREFULL.
Don't forget to rate, please.

SOURCE: illinois pocket watch stem removal.

First you must say what type as there are differences depending on the mfg and model.Be the following basics apply.
1- Put the stem in the setting position (usually pulled out if stem set).
2 Them open cover to expose the movement. ( Screw off or snap open).
3- Remove the movement (Usually held in place with 2 screws at the outer edge.
4-Then if there is a screw in the part that holds the stem loosen that.
5- The stem can be held with a pair of pliers on the flat and the crown unscrewed. Be careful not to damage the square (FLATS), with the pliers. A rag or other safety measure should be taken.
6- then inside the stem hole, looking from the ouside the is an annular area around the stem that has a ferrule screwed into the case this has to be unscrewed and will bring out the stem and the ferrule.
This siounds complicated but the steps are more involved to write than they are to perform.
There are many variations to this process, and each type should be understood before proceeding.
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SOURCE: Can I find out from the serial number on an

All the pocket watches that I have seen are designed so that the back hinges open (using your finger nails to open it).

All the watch information is usually inscribed on the mechanism.

SOURCE: have a waltham pocket watch in an illinois case

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.

Testimonial: "thank you, your information helped me identify the year and information needed"

SOURCE: how do you open the back of an antique Elgin pocket watch

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