Hi all, how does one unscrew the bezel on an open face watch to access the lever? I am quite new to pocket watches so I am in somewhat of a learning curve.

Is it like opening a jar of jam? that easy? I admit my hands are not the strongest so I was planning on asking a neighbour for help opening this watch.

Many thanks, m (aka Ladyslipper)

Mary,

That would be correct. Lefty loosey, righty tighty. Make sure when you screw it back on it turns easily, if it starts to get tight, stop and back up a half turn and start over. The threads are easy to cross thread but you be fine if you go gently.

Steve

Hi Mary,

If its an open-face watch, you have top take the bezel all the way off. If its a screw case, turn the bezel counter clockwise. A rubber suction cup device you can buy on eBay will help you do this if you don't have strong hands.

If the case is hinged, pop it open at the tab with a pocket knife.

Once you have the bezel off, you find the lever. It will have a little tab sticking up at the edge of the dial. Gently pull on this tab with your fingernail in a radially outward direction, which will extend the set lever (see picture).

Then you can set the watch by turning the winding crown.


Lever Set Watch with Lever Extended . . .

Brilliant! thanks for the info guys, I will give it a go, should be easy now I know what to expect. By the by, does anyone know where I could learn the parts of a pocket watch? is there a Pocket Watch 101 anywhere you know of? thanks again, m

Hey Mary,
A pair of rubber gloves will give you a much better grip to turn the bezel if it is tight. Lots of books out there,and even courses on disk,on watch collecting and repair. Check Ebay for pocket watch books. Welcome,and good luck.