Modern Cases

The Materials

The case frames and bezels are milled from 6061 aluminum or 360 brass flat stock, cut with a water jet using garnet as the abrasive.

Aluminum is an ideal choice for watch cases because it's a non-ferrous metal, so it can't be magnetized; it's lightweight, strong, and is easily machined. The best part is that it can be anodized, hardening the surface and allowing it be dyed in multiple colors.

Precision Threads

No cheap snap-on covers here that will loosen over time.

Both front and rear bezels thread easily onto the frame. All internal and external threads are cut at 32 TPI, using carbide tooling with a standard 60° bevel to a tolerance of within 0.004 inches.

Invisible Seams

The mating faces are milled so perfectly flat that the seams become invisible when the threaded covers are tightened completely.

Bezel Cuts

All front bezels come with eight relief cuts radially milled into them to give your fingers something to grip when unscrewing to set the hands on lever-set watches; our version of knurling from back in the day.

Lanyards and Carabiners

To help prevent drops, all new cases come with a black 11-inch Type I paracord lanyard and color-matched 2-inch aluminum carabiner that easily clips onto your belt loop.

Clear Coat with Brass

These cases are for those collectors who prefer simple brushed aluminum to allow the movement pattern do all the talking.

A brass bezel can be added for an additional $40.

Case only. Does not include movement restoration.

Gold Tone with Nickel

Have your vintage pocket watch movement installed in a case with a vintage feel, using a specific dye reminiscent of classic gold.

Case only. Does not include movement restoration.

Air Force Blue with Nickel

These striking cases are an ideal match for nickel movements with either steel or blued hardware.

Case only. Does not include movement restoration.

Hunter Green with Brass

Meant for two-tone or flashed-gilt movements because the brass hardware of the case compliments the finish and pattern.

A brass bezel can be added for an additional $40.

Case only. Does not include movement restoration.

Jet Black with Nickel

The perfect case for any collector who uses their watch for everyday carry or formal occasions, including those who love to ride.

Case only. Does not include movement restoration.

Jet Black with Brass

Finally - a case for gilded movements. The combination of a black case with brass hardware and gilt movement plates can't be beat.

Case only. Does not include movement restoration.

Brick Red with Brass

Designed with fire chiefs, police, and first responders in mind. These are a great choice for nickel movements with gilt hardware.

A brass bezel can be added for an additional $40.

Case only. Does not include movement restoration.

Getting Started

Getting Started

How To Have Your Watch Recased

These cases are not for outright sale.

Your pocket watch movement must first be fully restored and then carefully fitted.

Not all movements are a good candidate, so check the FAQ section for more info.

To get started, send us large and clear photographs of your dial and movement.

American Timekeeper

PO Box #1 - Darien Center, NY 14040

americantimekeeper@gmail.com

The FAQs

What sizes and watch brands do you accept?

We are currently accepting 18-size lever-set movements for re-casing, with standard 16-size coming soon and the odd sizes and styles coming later, such as the Waltham M72, the Illinois Sangamo, the Columbus M1, and detent stem designs like the Waltham M88.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept personal and cashier's checks, money orders, and cash in US dollars only for this combination of watch restoration and new custom-fitted replacement cases.

Can you tell me more about my watch?

The Histories page is an excellent place to start, but if you need more information then you'll need to research it from different sources. There is no reliable website for general knowledge that is not thoroughly plagiarized and choked with embarrassing errors.

What is your turnaround time?

Usually six to eight weeks from the time it gets on the bench, unless we're seriously backed up.

Do you offer engraving services?

This may be offered at some point if there is enough interest. The engraving would be text only on the rear bezel, perhaps up to 40 characters.

What does recasing my watch do for its accuracy?

Pocket watches were designed to be carried next to the trunk of your body, either in a hip or vest pocket, not swinging wildly at the end of your arm in a conversion case, so your watch will perform normally, assuming that it's been serviced properly.

The Warranty

The only ways to damage these cases are to drop them or to cross-thread the bezels, neither of which has anything to do with the design or quality of materials, so there is no warranty.

Take care of them and they will give you decades of dependable service.

That being said, anodized aluminum can be scratched if you try hard enough, just like their gold predecessors. If you carry these cases in the same pocket as your keys and your spare change they will get scratched up, as will the glass crystals.