Expert: William J Perkins - 9/5/2009

Question
I have a 1900 elgin pocket watch that winds and works , how do I change the time?

Answer
Most likely your watch is lever set.  Look carefully around the bezel that retains the watches crystal.  Often times you will note a tiny cut-out along the edge, protrucing from that notch will be a tiny lever.  Using your thumbnail, pull the lever outward.  This will engage the setting mechenism.  You then set the watch in the conventional manner using the winding stem.  When you have set the watch, push the lever back to its original position.  If your watch has a screw-on bezel, you will have to screw the bezel off to gain access to the lever.  This is a safeguard that prevents accidental setting of time.  At one time lever setting was required on all railroad approved watches.  Regards WJP