Quote Originally Posted by Ted Crocker View Post

I was told to always push the release button down to close the lid, so the lid doesn't snap over the latch. That's a habbit now, but don't know if it really makes a difference.
Good advice. The catch on a hunter (a pocket watch with a cover over the dial) is usually made from mild steel. Usually the cover is either gold, silver, or brass, all of which are softer than the steel catch. After a time the softer metal will become "worn down" from snapping the case closed, and the catch will no longer hold the cover over the dial.

It will take FAR LESS than 285,000 "snaps" to wear out the case.