Pocket watch owners guide to winding

Winding

Manually wound pocket watches are either stem-wind or key-wind .

.....................................

Stem wind ...........................................Key wind

(note the knurled knob)..............( note the smooth knob)

To wind stem-wind watches, turn the knurled knob (winder) to the left. All are fitted with ratchets so that, if you prefer, you can turn the winder backwards and forwards and this will still wind the watch on the forward turns.

To wind key-wind watches, the key has to be inserted in the winding hole (in the back of most watches but in the dial of some) and turn the key. If you are not sure of the direction in which to turn it, try each direction gently. If the key turns easily, then that is the direction in which to wind it. Do not force the key or you will cause expensive, or perhaps irreparable, damage. When winding is complete, a marked increase in resistance to winding will be felt. To access the winding hole in the back of the watch, you may have to open the back cover, often by pressing the pusher on the top of the knob

Inserting the key into a key-wind watch

Always ensure that you use a well-fitting key.