Different types of pocket watches

Current advancements in the field of pocket watch design have allowed the production of two types of pocket watches. These are the open-face pocket watch and the hunter-case pocket watch.

The open faced pocket watch is one where the case lacks the case comes without a metal cover that is supposed to protect the metal crystal. Typically for this type of watch, the pendant is located at the 12:00, while a sub-second dial is located at the 6:00 spot. In certain occasions, a motion meant for a hunting case, where the winding stem is at 3:00 and the sub-second dial is at 6:00, must have an open-faced case. This watch is referred to as a sidewinder. Still, this design may be fitted with what is known as a conversion dial. The dial is responsible for relocating the winding stem back to 12:00 and the sub second dial back to 3:00. Open faced pocket watches were very popular in the railway transport industry and this was after a requirement for them to be cased under an open faced case with the winding stem at 12:00.

The Hunter case watch is the second type of pocket watch where a spring hinged metal lid is used to cover the crystal and watch-dial. This helps to protect them against scratches, shock from other objects and debris, and dust. Many watches under this design come with the lid hinges positioned at the 7:00 position. Also, the crown, stem and bow of the watch are positioned at the 3:00 position of the watch. Majority of the Hunter-case watches are vintage and antique types. However, a number of modern Hunter case designs have come up, and are fitted with hinges that operate the lid and are positioned at the 6:00 mark, while the crown, stem and bow are positioned at the 12:00, which is the same case with open faced watches. In both designs of watch cases, the sub-second dial has always been at the 6:00 position.

Apart from the two types listed above, there is also different type of pocket watch normally categorized as an intermediate and in commonly referred to as the half-hunter. In this case, the outer lid comes with a glass panel at the center that gives a clear view of the hands as they move. The hour markings are normally made using blue enamel and on the outer lid. This means that the user can read time without necessarily opening the lid.