Where to find a case back opener for Rolex

[Cliff]

I recently purchased set of Hedapai case back openers, but the none or the sizes fit a vintage Rolex Date. The closest one is a no. 5 (22.50mm), but it slips, so I don't want to use it. 

Does anyone know where I can puchase one that fits a Rolex Date? Also what size case back dprovket should I be looking for? 

Thanks.

[jdm]

Are you using a bench opener? If not, that's the reason why it slips on a tight caseback.

With a bench opener you could use a soft plastic die. They come in a set of sizes and are not expensive. 

BTW, we have a section here where it's considered polite for new members to introduce themselves. 

Edited December 28, 2019 by jdm

[clockboy]

They only work on some non tight Rolexes. I purchased the Horotec case opener which accommodates dies for many calibers. Expensive but works every time. Previously I had purchased a Chinese Rolex opener set and the dam thing kept slipping, hence the Horotec purchase. 

[jdm]

The precision of the die is surely important but even before that comes using a bench opener not the handheld, and, of course, using the correct die. OP mentioned that No. 5 - 22.5mm  isn't correct, but actually No. 5 is 29.5mm, No. 2 and 22.5mm. So, what size is this caseback?

Check this for sizes not included in a 6 dies set.  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32882400939.html

[Cliff]

4 hours ago, clockboy said:

They only work on some non tight Rolexes. I purchased the Horotec case opener which accommodates dies for many calibers. Expensive but works every time. Previously I had purchased a Chinese Rolex opener set and the dam thing kept slipping, hence the Horotec purchase. 

Looks like we both had the same problem with the budget Chinese die set. I'm going to look into the Horotec. Esslinger also has a L--G case back holder with dies for $99 designed for Rolex oyster cases. It fits right into an existing vise, so that may be the least expensive option for me.

[Cliff]

2 hours ago, jdm said:

So, what size is this caseback?

 

It appears to be a No. 5 (29.5mm), as tmy original 22.5mm designation was incorrect. 

[jdm]

29 minutes ago, Cliff said:

It appears to be a No. 5 (29.5mm), as tmy original 22.5mm designation was incorrect. 

Is it possible that is actually 30.5mm, as you mentioned that none fits?

[Cliff]

On 12/28/2019 at 7:30 AM, jdm said:

Is it possible that is actually 30.5mm, as you mentioned that none fits?

 

[Cliff]

jdm - I made the mistake of purchasing a cheap Chinese case back die set, in relation to which, the no.5 (29.5mm) slips when opening the back of a Rolex Date. A "30.5mm" would likewise be even looser, ostensibly resulting in even more slippage. 

[jdm]

4 hours ago, Cliff said:

jdm - I made the mistake of purchasing a cheap Chinese case back die set, in relation to which, the no.5 (29.5mm) slips when opening the back of a Rolex Date.

I understand that. But you have not clarified if that is using a bench opener or the handle. The first is always necessary with tight case backs of any design.

[Cliff]

I've opened difficult case backs with both methods and it makes no difference as long as the case is firmly secured in a holder.  I place my holder in a jeweler's vice and it works great. The problem arises when a dye is not manufactured to tight specs, you are going to get slippage, which is exactly what happened here.

I didn't have a die for this specific Rolex model, so i hastily made the mistake of purchasing this crappy Hedapai Chinese set of case back openers. Learned my lesson the hard way.

 

 

[jdm]

8 minutes ago, Cliff said:

I've opened difficult case backs with both methods and it makes no difference as long as the case is firmly secured in a holder.  

From my direct experience I don't agree. 

A bench opener is a must when dealing with a tight caseback. It allows placing axial force precisely.

[Cliff]

jdm - when I worked for a jeweler one summer, we used different approaches. I had a few case backs where the old gaskets acted like a glue and were stuck, similar to when a rusted bolt is seized. I ended up using a wing bar case back opener and attached two steel sleeves that fit over each wing, thus providing more torque in order to open it.  Improvising and overcoming is more important than adhering to one method.

 

 

[jdm]

I stand my case. You can only apply torque after axial force has made the tool securely grab into piece. My bench opener is among my unreplaceable tools and best money spent, it's China made BTW. This is my last post in this topic, good luck. 

[Cliff]

You can pretty much open any case utilizing downward arm pressure with an opener and die that is correctly sized. Because your particular method and Chinese tool works for you, doesn't equate with the only method. In any event, I purchased the L-G case back opener and dies, which will arrive this week. I will post my comments about it.

In my view, tools manufactured in China, be it for watch repair, home improvement or auto repair are sub-standard, as is the steel and tempering process they utilize in making those tools. Because steel is the very foundation and ingredient of a well made tool, any compromise in that area will result in sub-standard tools. 

Needless to say, sub-standard case back openers like the Hedapai always end up costing more in the long run.

 

 

[clockboy]

Unfortunately with Rolex backs force is not the answer. You must have the correct die or it will slip. I speak from experience. 

[Delgetti]

Agree. As I only need the 29.5 size for me a single Bergeon 5523-5 was the answer.

[Ajohnw]

I bought one with a single die, ebay so chinese that stated for Rolex. Going on that one diameter isn't what matters only the fit of the "knurling". I only use it to change the battery on an oysterquartz and my recollection is that it's a little smaller in diameter than the case back. It's ok to use providing that enough downforce is applied but it fits well.

John

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[Cliff]

I received the L-G case back opener and dies today, and it totally rocks. Good steel and quality throughout. Perfect alignment with cases and fits nicely into any workshop vice. Best $99 I spent!

Unfortunately, I didn't have a 29.5mm die which is the reason why I bought the Hedapai set. In the long run, I ended up spending more by working with a sub-standard tool; hence, a valuable lesson learned.

[Cliff]

On 1/5/2020 at 1:48 AM, clockboy said:

Unfortunately with Rolex backs force is not the answer. You must have the correct die or it will slip. I speak from experience. 

Agreed, the Hedapai 29.5mm is larger than the L-G 29.5mm die I just purchased. In short, it is out of spec to a Rolex case, which is why it slipped.