Those who have a copy of the new book "Alan Shaxon - The Sophisticated Sorcerer" and wish to add his "Hour of Destiny" routine to their repertoire might be interested in considering this watch.
One of my goals for the current Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (Feb. 2015) was to find a pocket watch suitable for this effect. One of the usual vendors in watches had just what I needed. I bought two. With the pictures supplied here, others interested in this effect should be able to find the watch on the internet. I did not want to modify an antique.
Note: I am not and will not be supplying this watch. This information is supplied as a service only. Please do not ask me for a watch nor "how much".
Needed for the effect is a hunter style pocket watch. This is a pocket watch with a case which closes over the crystal to protect it.
The watch I selected is shown here both closed and open.
This watch comes with the chain.
You will notice that the watch is a "skeleton" style with the works partially visible.
Most people like to see the works and moving balance wheel.
The back of the watch case has a window for additional viewing of the works.
This all adds to the apparent innocence of the watch.
With care, this watch should last through years of performances even though it is a rather inexpensive watch.
Here is a view of the front of the opened watch.
This particular watch model allows the crown (winder) to be pulled up for setting the hands (it locks in the up position) while still allowing the latch release (button on the top of the crown) to be depressed to open the watch cover.
Most pocket watches do not allow both of these functions to be available at the same time.
It is this feature which makes this watch very nice for the desired magical effect
The inside cover can be engraved, an engraved metal disc inserted, or a folded note can be stuck to the surface.
Here is a close up of the crown, release latch button, and the latch.
Note, the plating is not flaking off. Those brass color areas are reflections of something in the room where it was photographed.
The workings of the effect can be found beginning on page 105 in the above mentioned book.
Good luck in your quest for a way to fit this effect into your close up work. If you can use it, it can be a powerful effect.