I am trying to find some information on this pocketwatch and the tag attached to the chain. My maternal grandfather was a conductor on the Delaware & Lackwanna Railroad. He retired shortly after I was born, when he died, he gave the watch to my father, my father has since passed, and the watch was passed down to me. I plan on passing it to my son as well, however, I don't have very much information about it.
Thanks
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That said - the name of the manufacturer is likely plainly visible. That and a rough estimate as to the dates your grandfather worked would be most useful. You may be able to remove the back, which could reveal more information.
Since having the watches calibrated was a regular event, removal of the back shouldn't be a problem.
A source that may be very helpful would be the Key, Lock, and Lantern group (http://www.klnl.org/), as they deal with such railroad items all the time.
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Very likely this will be a lever-set watch in a screw-bezel case. The information inside the back, both on the case and on the movement, will be important.
If I can see images of the watch, I can advise you on how to open it. If it is a true railroad watch, pulling up on the winding crown will not set the hands -- you have to open the front of the case, find a little metal tab a few degrees either side of 12:00, and pull it out with a fingernail to set the time. That is what is meant by 'lever set'.
Just briefly, a railroad watch will be lever-set as Overmod described, however you must unscrew the crystal assembly over the face of the watch to see it. It should take very little force to do so but go slowly, you don't want to break the crystal. They're durable, but not unbreakable. Turn it counter-clockwise.
Next thing, the maker of the watch should be visible on the dial, Elgin, Waltham, Howard, Hamilton, are a few examples.
The rear cover of the watch case is also removed by unscrewing it, it should go counter-clockwise like the crystal. Removing the rear cover will expose the movement, look for a serial number, that will help us date it. How many jewels in the movement will probably be noted as well.
If removal of the crystal and rear cover thwart your efforts don't force it, see if there's a watch repair place in your area or a jeweler that does watch repairs and let them handle it. Better safe than sorry!
One last thing, if the pocket watch has a cover over the dial that you push a button on the stem to open (It's called a "Hunting Case") chances are it's not a railroad watch. Railroad watches were supposed to be open-faced.
There's other things to look for but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
And, aboard!
What can be involved in pocket watch restoration.
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https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/
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