open face
This vintage pocket watch has an open face case
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Open face pocket watch cases are self explanatory. Aside from the transparent crystal, there is nothing covering the face of the pocket watch, allowing the time to be read without opening any covers. Crystals and case backs were either hinged, threaded, or would snap into place. |
hunter
The hunter case has a hinged front cover
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Hunter cases have a hinged cover, protecting the watch crystal and either a snap case back or a threaded, screw-down case back. |
Demi hunter
Yellow gold and enamel demi hunter pocket watch
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The demi hunter, or half hunter case, is similar to a full hunter, but has an opening in the case that acts as a window, allowing the time to be read without having to open the case. |
double hunter
American-Made double hunter pocket watch case, by Elgin
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Double hunter cases are generally the most desirable, and most costly, pocket watch case type. They have a hinged crystal cover as well as a hinged case back, often with an additional hinged dust cover beneath. |
Swing-Out
Open face swing-out pocket watch case
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Swing-out pocket watches are a variation of an open face case. The crystal has a hinged opening, as does the dial and movement, allowing it to "swing-out". |
Pair Case
Georgian Era pair case pocket watch
Profile view of a Georgian Era, repoussé silver pair case pocket watch
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Pair-cased pocket watches were common throughout the 1700s. An inner case holds the watch movement, with an additional outer case that encloses and protects the inner case. The outer case would provide protection from dirt and dust, since the inner cases of key-wound watches lacked such coverage. |