When a hunter-case movement and dial are mounted in an open-face case, it is called a 'side-winder' because the winding stem will now be at the 3:00 position instead of the 'normal' 12:00 position. The primary difference between a hunter-case movement and an open-face movement is the relative positioning of the winding arbor and the seconds bit, and the positions of the dial-feet. Movements were made either for a hunter-case or for an open-face case. Note that in the photos above, the winding stem is at the 3:00 position on the hunter-cased and demi-hunter-cased watches, and in the 12:00 position on the open-face watch. Cases could be made of a wide variety of metals: gold, sterling silver, coin silver (made from melted US coinage), nickel, and plated brass. American pocket watches used a system of (relatively) standard watch sizes, so it was possible for a customer to select the watch movement they wished to purchase, and then select a case to hold it. There were watch manufacturers and there were case manufacturers.

What's important to know about antique American watches is that cases and movements were usually made by different companies. The case also includes (or accommodates) the winding stem and crown. The watch case is the outer protective cover, including the crystal that covers the dial. the actual time-keeping mechanism of the watch.

There are two distinct major 'components' to most pocket watches: The watch case and the watch movement. We've tried to provide answers to some of the more common questions about the proper care and handling of a vintage watch, in order to help you learn more about this fascinating area of American history. While we can't make you into an antique watch expert with just a few web pages, we hope we can share a little of our knowledge in order to help you learn more about your vintage or antique watch. Pocketwatch 101 ℠ – Learn about Vintage and Antique Pocket Watches Identifying Pocket Watches and Pocket Watch Case Types

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