What to know
- You must first obtain the Mechanical Key from the safehouse vending machine.
- Then use that key to unlock a truck (tanker) on the map called Ground Zero.
- Inside the truck or pile of cars east of the sewer exit, you’ll find the Bronze Pocket Watch.
- Hand the watch to Xavier to complete the quest and receive your reward.
The “Bronze Pocket Watch” quest in Escape From Duckov is an early-game task that helps you learn key mechanics like item retrieval, map navigation, and extraction. The quest requires both a specific key and precise location knowledge, so this guide breaks down every step clearly.
Bronze Pocket Watch quest details
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Quest Name | Bronze Pocket Watch |
| Given By | Xavier |
| Map | Ground Zero |
| Required Items | 1× Mechanical Key, 1× Bronze Pocket Watch |
| Main Objective | Retrieve the Bronze Pocket Watch and hand it to Xavier |
| Rewards | +2,500 XP +450 currency |
How to obtain the Mechanical Key
Step #1
Head to your safehouse on the Ground Zero map.

Step #2
Locate the vending machine inside the safehouse. This machine sells the Mechanical Key, which is needed for the quest.

Buy or interact with the vending machine to acquire the Mechanical Key. Once obtained, ensure the key appears in your quest inventory.
Tip: The vending machine may not be active until certain tasks are completed. If unavailable, try finishing earlier intro missions first.
How to find and extract the Bronze Pocket Watch
Step 1: reach sewer exit point on Ground Zero
Load into the Ground Zero map. This is where the quest objective lies. Move toward the sewer exit on the map. The area you’re looking for is east of that sewer exit.

Step 2: Examine vehicles
Look for a tanker truck or a pile of cars nearby. The watch is inside or beside that truck.

Step 3: Get pocket watch and escape
Use your Mechanical Key to unlock the truck. Loot the Bronze Pocket Watch then escape to your Duck Base.

Step 4: hand over the watch
Return to Xavier at the Duck Base once you’ve successfully extracted and hand him the watch to complete the quest.

Note:
Many players mention the truck with the Bronze Pocket Watch is parked next to the manhole entry/extract point on Ground Zero. If the item doesn’t spawn, reload or retry the map.
Caveats in Bronze Pocket Watch quest
- Make sure the Mechanical Key stays in your inventory until the truck is unlocked.
- The Bronze Pocket Watch may sometimes appear inconsistently due to random map variations; retry if it’s missing.
- Always extract safely — dying resets quest progress and may require you to reacquire the item.
- Stay alert; the Ground Zero area near the sewer exit often has AI enemies nearby.
Why this quest is worth completing
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Good XP and Currency | Completing the quest rewards +2,500 XP and +450 currency, providing an early boost to your progression. |
| Introduces Key Mechanics | Teaches you how to use special keys, retrieve quest items, and extract successfully — essential skills for later missions. |
| Unlocks Follow-up Quest | Finishing this task unlocks the “Cargo List” quest, which continues your storyline with Xavier. |
| Low Risk, High Reward | The Ground Zero area is an early map with manageable difficulty, making it a great starter mission for new players. |
| Improves Map Familiarity | Forces you to navigate key locations like the sewer exit and truck area, helping you learn map routes and spawn points. |
Mission complete — pocket watch retrieved
The Bronze Pocket Watch quest in Escape From Duckov is a straightforward but vital early mission. With just one key and a clear route to the truck east of the sewer exit, you’ll have everything you need to complete it quickly and efficiently. Keep your gear safe, extract cleanly, and enjoy your reward from Xavier — one more step toward mastering Duckov’s chaos.
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