10 Easy Steps to Open a Fob Watch

Open Fob Watch

Fob watches, also known as pocket watches, are timeless pieces that exude elegance and practicality. While they may appear intricate, opening a fob watch is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal tools and effort. Whether you’re an avid collector or simply curious about the inner workings of this classic timepiece, understanding the mechanism behind opening a fob watch is essential. Let’s delve into the process step-by-step, ensuring the safety and preservation of your precious watch.

Before attempting to open the fob watch, gather a few essential tools: a small, flathead screwdriver or watchmaker’s knife, and a soft cloth or microfiber pad. Ensure the watch is placed on a stable surface to prevent accidental damage. Identify the small notch or groove located on the side of the watch case, usually near the hinge or crown. Carefully insert the screwdriver or knife into the notch and gently pry open the back cover. Some fob watches may feature a snap-on case, which requires you to apply gentle pressure around the edges to release the cover. Handle the watch with utmost care to avoid scratching or damaging the delicate components.

Once the back cover is removed, you’ll gain access to the watch’s inner workings. The movement, which houses the intricate gear system that powers the watch, is visible through the transparent crystal. Take a moment to admire the intricate craftsmanship and precision engineering that goes into every fob watch. If the watch has stopped running or requires adjustment, you can access the regulating mechanism and other components to make the necessary repairs or adjustments. However, if you’re not confident in your watchmaking skills, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance to ensure the watch operates optimally.

Identifying the Components of a Fob Watch

Fob watches, also known as pocket watches, are elegant timepieces with a rich history. They consist of several key components that work together to accurately measure time. To properly open and maintain a fob watch, it is important to be familiar with these components:

Case

The case is the outer enclosure that houses and protects the watch’s internal mechanisms. It is typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or brass, and can be adorned with intricate engravings or designs. The case has a hinged lid or bezel that opens to reveal the watch face.

Dial

The dial is the front facing component of the watch that displays the time. It typically has markings for hour, minute, and second hands, as well as numerals or other indicators to mark the time. The dial may also include decorative accents or a company logo.

Movement

The movement is the intricate mechanism that drives the watch. It consists of a series of gears, springs, and other components that work together to power the hands and keep accurate time. The movement is often visible through a small opening on the back of the case.

Hands

The hands are thin, pointed indicators that move across the dial to show the time. The most common hand configuration includes an hour hand, a minute hand, and a second hand. Some watches may also have additional hands to display other functions, such as a chronograph or stopwatch.

Crystal

The crystal is the transparent covering that protects the dial and hands. It is typically made of glass, plastic, or sapphire crystal. The crystal allows the wearer to view the time while keeping the watch’s internal components clean and protected.

Crown

The crown is a small, knob-like device located on the side of the case. It is used to manually wind the watch’s movement and set the time and date. The crown may also have additional functions, such as controlling a chronograph or stopwatch.

Preparing the Watch for Opening

1. Gather Necessary Tools:

Before attempting to open a fob watch, ensure you have the appropriate tools on hand. A set of watchmaker’s screwdrivers is essential, as well as a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Additionally, you may need a magnifying glass for intricate work.

2. Secure the Watch in a Holder:

To prevent damage to the watch or injury to yourself, it is crucial to secure the watch firmly while working on it. A watch holder can be used to grip the watch safely, allowing you to apply the necessary force for opening it.

Table: Watch Holder Types

Type	Features
Bench-mounted	Sturdy, adjustable, suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Hand-held	Portable, ideal for field repairs, less precise
Universal	Compatible with most watch sizes, adjustable

3. Clean the Case and Crystal:

Before attempting to open the watch, clean the exterior thoroughly. This will prevent dirt and debris from entering the watch during disassembly. Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution to wipe down the case and crystal. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.

Opening the Outer Case

Fob watches are small, antique timepieces that are usually powered by a mechanical movement. They are typically worn on a chain or ribbon and are often used as collectible items. To open the outer case of a fob watch, you will need a small screwdriver or a pocket knife.

Using a Screwdriver

If you are using a screwdriver, insert the tip of the screwdriver into the notch on the back of the outer case. Gently pry the case open, being careful not to damage the watch. Once the case is open, you will be able to access the movement and the dial of the watch.

Using a Pocket Knife

If you are using a pocket knife, insert the blade of the knife into the notch on the back of the outer case. Gently pry the case open, being careful not to damage the watch. Once the case is open, you will be able to access the movement and the dial of the watch.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for opening the outer case of a fob watch:

Be patient and take your time.
Use a small amount of force.
If the case is stuck, you can try using a lubricant such as WD-40.
Once the case is open, be careful not to touch the movement or the dial.

Tool	Instructions
Screwdriver	Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the notch on the back of the outer case and gently pry the case open.
Pocket Knife	Insert the blade of the knife into the notch on the back of the outer case and gently pry the case open.

Removing the Movement Ring

The movement ring is a thin metal ring that holds the watch movement in place. To remove the movement ring, you will need a small screwdriver or a pair of tweezers.

1. Locate the movement ring. The movement ring is located around the edge of the watch movement. It is usually held in place by two or three screws.

2. Loosen the screws. Carefully turn the screws counterclockwise to loosen them. Do not try to remove them completely at this point.

3. Pry the movement ring off. Once the screws are loose, carefully pry the movement ring off of the watch movement. You can do this with a small screwdriver or a pair of tweezers.

4. Be careful not to damage the movement. When prying the movement ring off, be careful not to damage the watch movement. The watch movement is a delicate mechanism, and it can be easily damaged if it is not handled carefully.

5. Remove the movement. Once the movement ring is removed, you can remove the watch movement from the case.

Step	Description
1	Locate the movement ring.
2	Loosen the screws.
3	Pry the movement ring off.
4	Be careful not to damage the movement.
5	Remove the movement.

Lifting the Movement

Once the case back is removed, you can lift the movement out of the case. To do this, gently grip the movement by the sides with your thumb and forefinger. Be careful not to touch the balance wheel or other delicate parts.

Lift the movement straight up and out of the case. If the movement is stuck, you can gently pry it loose with a small screwdriver or knife.

Once the movement is out of the case, you can inspect it for any damage. If you see any broken or damaged parts, you will need to take the movement to a watch repair shop for repair.

Removing the Dial

Once the movement is out of the case, you can remove the dial. To do this, gently pry the dial loose with a small screwdriver or knife. Be careful not to damage the dial or the hands.

Once the dial is removed, you can inspect it for any damage. If you see any broken or damaged parts, you will need to take the movement to a watch repair shop for repair.

Removing the Hands

Once the dial is removed, you can remove the hands. To do this, gently pry the hands loose with a small screwdriver or knife. Be careful not to damage the hands or the movement.

Once the hands are removed, you can inspect them for any damage. If you see any broken or damaged parts, you will need to take the movement to a watch repair shop for repair.

Removing the Balance Wheel

Once the hands are removed, you can remove the balance wheel. To do this, gently pry the balance wheel loose with a small screwdriver or knife. Be careful not to damage the balance wheel or the movement.

Once the balance wheel is removed, you can inspect it for any damage. If you see any broken or damaged parts, you will need to take the movement to a watch repair shop for repair.

Repairing the Movement

If you see any broken or damaged parts, you will need to take the movement to a watch repair shop for repair. A watch repair shop can replace or repair any broken or damaged parts, and they can also clean and lubricate the movement.


Parts That Can Be Repaired
* Balance wheel * Hands * Dial * Movement

Identifying the Release Mechanism

The release mechanism for opening a fob watch depends on its design. Here’s how to identify the most common types:

1. Button Release

This is a small button located on the side of the watch. Press it to release the catch that holds the front cover.

2. Slide Release

A slider located on the side of the watch. Slide it in the designated direction to release the catch.

3. Crown Release

The crown (knob) located on the side of the watch. Pull it out slightly and twist it to release the catch.

4. Hinged Back

The watch back is hinged at one end. Gently pry the other end up with your fingernail or a small tool.

5. Screw-Down Back

The watch back is screwed down. Use a small screwdriver to unscrew it counterclockwise.

6. Lift Off Bezel

The bezel (ring around the crystal) is not fixed and can be lifted off. Carefully pry it up with your fingernail or a thin blade. Note that some bezels have a small notch or tab that must be aligned to lift it off correctly.

Use the following table to help you identify the release mechanism on your fob watch:

Release Mechanism	Description
Button Release	Small button located on the side of the watch.
Slide Release	Slider located on the side of the watch.
Crown Release	Crown (knob) located on the side of the watch.
Hinged Back	Watch back is hinged at one end.
Screw-Down Back	Watch back is screwed down.
Lift Off Bezel	Bezel around the crystal can be lifted off.

Opening the Inner Case

The inner case of a fob watch is typically held in place by a series of screws. To open the inner case, you will need a small screwdriver. Gently insert the screwdriver into one of the screws and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this could damage the watch. Once all of the screws have been loosened, you can gently pry the inner case open with your fingers.

Inside the inner case, you will find the watch’s movement. The movement is a complex mechanism that keeps the watch running. Be careful not to touch the movement, as this could damage it. If you need to clean the movement, you can use a soft brush or a cotton swab dampened with a watch cleaning solution.

Once you have cleaned the movement, you can reassemble the watch by following the steps in reverse. Be sure to tighten the screws securely, but do not overtighten them. If you are not comfortable opening the inner case of your watch, you can take it to a jeweler or watch repair shop for service.

Removing the Dial and Hands

To remove the dial and hands of a fob watch, you will need the following tools:

A small screwdriver
A pair of tweezers
A soft cloth

Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps:

1. Remove the crystal

Gently pry the crystal off of the watch case using a small screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the crystal or the watch case.

2. Remove the dial

Once the crystal is removed, you will be able to see the dial. Gently lift the dial off of the movement using a pair of tweezers. Be careful not to damage the dial or the movement.

3. Remove the hands

Once the dial is removed, you will be able to see the hands. Gently pull the hands off of the movement using a pair of tweezers. Be careful not to damage the hands or the movement.

4. Inspect the movement

Once the dial and hands are removed, you will be able to inspect the movement. Look for any signs of damage or wear. If you see any damage, you should take the watch to a qualified watch repairer.

5. Reassemble the watch

Once you have inspected the movement, you can reassemble the watch. To do this, simply follow the steps in reverse order.

Inspecting and Cleaning the Movement

Once the case is open, you can inspect and clean the movement. Here are detailed steps:

1. Remove the Hands

Gently pry the hands away from the movement using a watchmaker’s tweezers. Avoid touching the dial or the hands themselves.

2. Remove the Dial

Use a dial hand remover or a pair of thin, flat-head tweezers to lift the dial off the movement.

3. Check the Jewels

Examine the jewels for wear or damage. If any jewels are cracked, chipped, or missing, they should be replaced.

4. Clean the Balance Wheel

Use a soft brush or a cotton swab dipped in watch cleaning solution to gently remove any dust or debris from the balance wheel.

5. Lubricate the Movement

Apply a small amount of watch oil to the contact points of the movement, such as the gears, pinions, and pivots. Use a watchmaker’s oiler or a toothpick to precisely place the oil.

6. Check the Mainspring

Inspect the mainspring for any damage or wear. If it is broken or worn, it should be replaced.

7. Reassemble the Movement

Reinsert the mainspring, dial, and hands onto the movement, following the reverse order of disassembly.

8. Adjust the Timekeeping

Use a watch timing machine or a timegrapher to adjust the timekeeping of the movement. Regulate the watch to run accurately.

9. Case Up the Movement

Carefully place the movement back into the case. Ensure it is correctly positioned and aligned.

10. Seal the Case

Apply a thin layer of gasket glue or sealant around the case opening. Press the case back into place and tighten the screws or bezel to seal it securely.

How to Open a Fob Watch

A fob watch is a small, pocket-sized watch that is typically attached to the end of a chain or ribbon and worn on the belt loop or waistcoat. They are often considered to be collectible items due to their intricate designs and historical significance.

If you have a fob watch that you need to open, there are a few simple steps that you can follow. First, you need to locate the small, round button or lever on the back of the watch. This button or lever is usually located near the top or bottom of the watch, and it is used to release the back cover.

Once you have located the release button or lever, you need to press or slide it in the direction that is indicated by the arrow or marking on the button or lever. This will cause the back cover of the watch to pop open, giving you access to the watch’s interior.