While in essence they were still a form of thumbscrew there were variants of great sophistication called Thumbikins and Pilniewinkies.

The rack and the thumbscrew

On the back of the watch you can stick your fingernail (or a very small screwdriver) under the little thumbscrew and push it up. Then you can set the watch by turning the thumbscrew. When finished, push the thumbscrew back down. You can also check the site: www.relicbrand.com but for most pocketwatches you have to pull out the turning mechanism that is right next to the button that opens the watch so you can see the time. Just pull it out all the way and change the time, Half way to change the date.

It was a torture device. Basically like a vice, your thumbs were placed inside and crushed. Sometimes slowly if they were trying to get a confession.