Case bezel opening question

[sidneylopsides]

Hi, so I'm new here, I've posted in the intro forum, and as mentioned I found this forum while looking for a solution to opening a case. 

I've built a couple of watches using parts from e ay and aliexpress, after watching the videos by Mark. 

One case came in 3 parts, the crystal is in a bezel and is push fit, the dial with movement attached goes in through the top of the case and the bezel pushes in last, after setting the hands etc. The issue I have is that the second hand slightly rubs against the inside of the crystal and causes jerky movement. 

I can't figure out how to get the bezel back off so I can take the movement off and fit a slightly thicker spacer. 

 

There's no obvious recess to use to pry it, and the fit is so good I can't get a blade in apart from very slightly on one side, but not enough to actually get any force in there to pry it. I'm thinking maybe I need one of those pry tools that's like a vise? 

Here's a photo of the case. 

[yankeedog]

no question it has to be pried off...razor blade maybe ?lots of patience. also this might be horological heresy, but you might be able to clip a mm or two off the end of that shaft so the second hand sits lower.

[chrisdt]

 Possibly not as drastic as shortening the shaft just reseating the second hand onto the shaft....Perhaps you bent it up slightly on assembly. Please be careful using razor blades or pen knives to open case backs. One slip can cause a lot of pain......I know from experience!!!

Edited November 19, 2018 by chrisdt
safety

[sidneylopsides]

Yeah it's either not quite on right or the spacer is too thin so it sits too high. Just need to open it! 

[oldhippy]

A case knife should do the trick. On many cases you can see a little channel that looks as if a case knife might fit in. Be very careful and see if the hand can be pushed on a little more, make sure you do not bend or break the pivot. A tiny bit of watch grease on the tip might help when pushing on. If you try shorten the shaft of the hand you will more likely close the hole over. If you have the correct size watch reamer you could open it out, But you might also loosen the pipe from the hand.

[vinn3]

Quote

 

  the most importent thing when removing a tight bezel with a sharp knife is a fixture to hold the watch case verticle and crown down. i just carve a  wood block.   there a vise probably made just for this.  good luck.  vin

[sidneylopsides]

Update, I've opened it. 

 

I designed and 3D printed a tool, using a small blade from a mini box cutter. It made it easy to pry the case slightly then I could get a case knife in and it came off nicely.