What is the difference between an open-face case and a hunting case?

Pocket watches come in a variety of cases, characterized by one of two classifications - open-face or hunting.

Open-face cases allow the face of the watch to be exposed at all times and the stem will be located at the 12:00 position.

Hunting cases contain a metal cover that snaps on top of the face when it is not being observed and the stem will be located at the 3:00 position. These cases usually have a "pop-open" mechanism that is engaged whenever the stem is pressed.

Occasionally, you will find a movement with a hunting configuration that has been mounted in an open-face case. These are commonly referred to as "sidewinders." You can determine the movement configuration by looking at the position of the stem. Openface movements will have the stem at the 12:00 position while hunting movements will have the stem located at the 3:00 position.