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vintage military watch caseback stuck


seaw300

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Hi all.

 

I have a couple of old cwc g10 early models but I cannot get the backs off. see pics attached of the tools i have tried. 

There is only a very small gap to lever off but due age they seem totally stuck.

Can anyone suggest how to get them off.

any help greatly appreciated

A303D3F7-F943-435E-A0B7-A4B26D010062.jpeg

DD248CA8-0CA3-43B1-93D9-61F50765F1E9.jpeg

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15 minutes ago, Geo said:

Have a look at this thread, it may help you.

 

thank you for the link however this is a quartz G10 which has a press on back but its stuck. 

Im aware the 70’s models had a one piece case but mine is def an 80’s

thanks

bob

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Thanks 

Yes i did see your black caseback opening tool

the pics i posted shows the same tool but grey and red, the problem is there is no way the blade will fit as there is no gap, only a tiny indent at one point near the lugs so no chance of using this tool, infact i damaged the blade trying to force a gap but it just wouldnt budge. 

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On some snap backs there's no solution except resorting to a hammer. It's fiddly, you want the case in your hand, get knife in place holding with same hand (sometimes you have to start with a box cutter), and tap it in. Once the gap starts it gets much easier. Scary if working on a non shock protected mechanical but I've yet to kill a staff this way, quartz no problem.

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Aha! so it justs needs a bit more force. 

I bought the heaviest looking case knife and a prising tool and nothing touches it. 

 

Will try a hammer and see if i can get it to move. The gap provided is very small so impossible to use any force trying to prise it. 

thanks all for the info. 

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Needs a cease opening knife and a watchmakers hammer. It WILL open. Put the watch in a small vice. Wrap it in a cloth to prevent scratching. Leave a small gap so the watch isn’t too tight. Insert the knife in the gap. Give it a firm tap. Increase tap pressure until it loosens. It will come off!!


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