Nicked Watch Case

[DouglasSkinner]

I have an Omega watch with a snap-on back.  I tried to pry it and put a couple of nicks on the case and the back plate.  Is there any easy way--without expensive tools--to at least "soften" the nicks, if not eliminate them entirely?  The back is very stubborn and I haven't been able to remove it yet for fear of causing further damage.  I've tried a Bergeron case back opener and no dice.  Any recommendations for opening a stubborn case back?

 

Attached is a picture of the watch.  I bought it about 40 years ago in NYC after a long search for the last, reasonably priced, mechanical watch in the city; which was being flooded with quartz watches at the time (late '70s).  It's not a Seamaster but some other line once produced by Omega (I hope!).  Can anyone identify it?

[Geo]

Your watch looks like an Omega Geneve with a 1022 movement. What I can't understand is why Geneve is not printed on the dial.

Could you post a picture showing the damage to the case back?

[MrBeat]

Sometimes these snap back cases can be a real pain can't they !! :(

 

Anyway there is another ( inexpensive ) way to remove the back, although it may not always work. If you have one already then try a glass grabber tool ( doesn't have to be a Bergeon one ), if you don't have one then you can buy a cheaper one from your nearest horological supplier. Open the glass grabber wide enough to fit over the case back ( im presuming it is raised case back ) and slowly tighten it to grip the outer rim of the back. With a mild twisting and/or lifting motion try to prise it this way, may take some practice but it has worked for me in the past with  tough little case backs. Just please do not excessively tighten the grabber so as not to warp the case back.

 

To remove the nicks, try high grade wet paper (1000 grit or higher ) , smooth out with the paper and use some general metal polish ( autosol ) to restore the shine, though id advise you do this after you successfully remove the back.

 

Hope this helps, im sure other folks here will have some tips for you :)

[DouglasSkinner]

Geo, Here's a picture of the edge of the watch.  It's barely noticeable but I wasn't able to get better resolution.  They are only visible edge-on but I notice them because I'm the culprit!  Thanks for your help.  Doug

[anilv]

Hi Douglas..

 

Is this stainless steel? you can use fine grade sand paper followed with a metal polish  like Autosol. Stay away from the edges of the case so that they dont lose their sharpness as this will decrease the value of the watch.

 

Snap on caseback.. instead of twisting the tool, you need to force the edge of the tool into the gap..think of it as a wedge.

 

Also consider this... if you do manage to get the caseback off..bear in mind getting it back on will be similarly challenging unless you have the proper tools... with the possibility of breaking the crystal high !

 

Anil

[Geo]

Hi Doug. I'm definitely with the other guys on this.

If it's stainless, I would use 1200 grit wet or dry paper first and back it up with a stick and use it like a file and follow the contour carefully. Then use the stick with a touch of metal polish on it and polish using a fair bit of pressure, I personally use Solvol Autosol polish. Finish off with a specialist cloth for polishing silver, this is inpregnated with a very fine abrasive and will give your watch a lovely lustre.

Please heed Anil's advice regarding opening and closing the back!