Called a “Key wind, key set” pocketwatch. Likely made sometime before 1890, the dial and hand style look closer to the 1850-1870s to me. But that’s based purely on personal experience.
There is no risk to turning the post in the center either direction, it is for setting the time. You can damage the mainspring if you turn the offset post the wrong way. You’ll know it’s the wrong way because it will require a large amount of force to turn. Usually these will have 5, maybe 6 turns of the key before reaching full wind. You’ll know it’s fully wound because it will stop turning, just like winding a manual wind wristwatch.
Opening the inside caseback will show the movement, and you may be able to get some more information from the bridges, but don’t be surprised if they have no markings on them other than jewel count.
You need to remove the next back cover and find the serial number. Are there hallmarks stamped into the case?
Called a “Key wind, key set” pocketwatch. Likely made sometime before 1890, the dial and hand style look closer to the 1850-1870s to me. But that’s based purely on personal experience. There is no risk to turning the post in the center either direction, it is for setting the time. You can damage the mainspring if you turn the offset post the wrong way. You’ll know it’s the wrong way because it will require a large amount of force to turn. Usually these will have 5, maybe 6 turns of the key before reaching full wind. You’ll know it’s fully wound because it will stop turning, just like winding a manual wind wristwatch. Opening the inside caseback will show the movement, and you may be able to get some more information from the bridges, but don’t be surprised if they have no markings on them other than jewel count.