AboutMelvin Mills Expertise I can answer questions regarding the repair of quartz watches and antique American pocket watches. I cannot give appraisals. My expertise is in watches, not clocks.
Experience I am trained to repair quartz and mechanical watches, both modern and antique. My business focus is on quartz watches and antique pocket watches. I have been in this field for almost 4 years.
Organizations I belong to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC).
Education/Credentials I am a Certified Master Horologist from the National Institute of Horology.
Question QUESTION: melvin,i have a pocket watch that i got in about 1976, its a caravelle, abiut the size of a silver doller,i would like to know how to get the back off this, i connot find a notch to pry it off, i have tried to screw it off nothing seems to work can you help me out here? thanks chuck brackenbury, riverton wy.
ANSWER: Chuck,
Is it possible to send me a picture?
Kind regards,
Melvin
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QUESTION: thanks mel. i finaly saw how to get it off, but there seems to be missing some parts, i had a watch repair person look at it about 4 yrs. ago said it wasn,t worth fixing, so i took it apart thinking i couldn,t hurt it, but it seems like the lever is broke in to,there is nothing to reach the balance wheel,and the entrance pallet stone is missing. i have it completly dismantled, don,t know if i,ll ever get it back togather,is there any place i might find a picture of this movement? the # on the movement are,caravelle watch seven 7 jewels unajusted n5 balance cock stamped japan. melvin if you can help me out i,d appreciate it. thanks chuckwrs
Answer Chuck,
Since it does not have a serial number, you are going to have to look at movements until you see one that is similar. Also, you probably don't need to find the exact same movement. Most basic mechanical watches operate in a manner that is close enough for you to be able to figure out what is wrong with yours.
You might be able to find a book in the library with enough pictures to get you going in the right direction. If not, find a basic repair book on amazon.com or the like.
