Antique pocket watches are best understood from the inside out. Dial signatures can be retailer names, cases may have been changed, and identical-looking watches can contain movements of very different quality.
1. Do not run a dirty watch continuously
Do not run a dirty watch continuously should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
2. Do not spray lubricant
Do not spray lubricant should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
3. Expect complete disassembly for proper service
Expect complete disassembly for proper service should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
4. Separate movement work from case polishing
Separate movement work from case polishing should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
5. Preserve original surfaces
Preserve original surfaces should be evaluated alongside the movement maker, exact grade, serial number, size, case material, originality and service status. Record what is visible, separate confirmed facts from seller claims, and avoid winding or opening a watch when the mechanism or case access is uncertain.
Related resources
Affiliate disclosure: qualifying purchases through some merchant links may generate a commission. Recommendations remain editorially independent.