How to open Helbros (France) case

[gaseff]

There is no lip on the back case, don't think it pries off.  Note the watch back stands proud of the case by 1/8 of inch or so.

I pulled the crystal, and have put quite a bit of pressure on the stem - don't think it is split stem.  But, the dial is way to big too go out the back.

I bought a bezel removal tool, it does not move the face bezel at all.  

Any ideas?   Thanks!

 

 

Edited March 3, 2020 by gaseff
typo

[jdm]

13 hours ago, gaseff said:

There is no lip on the back case, don't think it pries off.

It does. Just go around it with a japanese type caseback tool, its tip may need to be sharpened a little. There are also lever type tools but doesn't look like it's needed for this.

[watchweasol]

Hi   Iam with jdm on this one the case back will come off but you need to get under it with a sharp toolto lever it off then remove the stem and the movement will pop out the front       cheers

[Nucejoe]

Furthure to the above, Insert a safety razor blade in the seam, work all the way around the seam, then go to thicker blades to widen the gap enough to get the tool in to lever it off.

[jdm]

I recommend againat using razor blades, very unsafe and no way to exert and control force without making some of handle. If a caseback knife is not available an x-type knife can work as well. 

Edited March 4, 2020 by jdm

[gaseff]

OK - thanks.  Will give it a shot this afternoon/evening.

[gaseff]

Dang -- you guys are so smart.   Thanks.  Used my zippo razor knife.  Took a bt but it came out!   Thanks so much!!

[Nucejoe]

1 hour ago, jdm said:

I recommend againat using razor blades, very unsafe and no way to exert and control force without making some of handle. If a caseback knife is not available an x-type knife can work as well. 

Thanks for advice Jdm, that explains why I only got one finger left.