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Posted

Hi,

I left one of my favourite watches at a friend's house some years ago and have finally got it back. I need to change the battery, but I can't get the back off. I don't see a specific spot for getting the knife tool in, and I can't get any leverage. Having added many scratches trying, I thought I'd ask here if anyone knows what to do.

I took the strap off for easy access (that bit went just fine!).

 

festina back.jpg

Posted

Try using a hobby knife or stanley knife but wear gloves or a glove, The idea being to open enough gap for the case knife to get a purchase. sometimes they can be a bit tight.   The tool attached is use ful for the tight ones  but you will need a back press to get it on again

s-l1600.jpg

  • Like 1
Posted
2 hours ago, GuyW said:

 I'll get out the stanley and try not to cut myself 🙂

Have a look to the thread below, it shows good case holders and the Japanese type caseback knives. Not expensive and a must have to do this work in total safety.

 

 

  • Like 1
Posted
7 hours ago, jdm said:

Have a look to the thread below, it shows good case holders and the Japanese type caseback knives. Not expensive and a must have to do this work in total safety.

 

 

Thanks! some things for the birthday present list... I have a woodworking background, so improvised with a wooden vice and a chisel. not elegant, but effective!

Posted
12 hours ago, watchweasol said:

So You managed it, can you post some pictures of the watch for reference. and how you did it.  Might help others in the same predicament.     cheers

I really wouldn't recommend my method- it involved a fine-ground paring chisel that I was ok re-grinding, a woodworking bench with sacrificial wooden jaws in the vice, and a short sharp shock with a mallet. 30 years of woodworking experience meant I could get away with it, just about. The scratches on the back actually come from failed attempts with various back-opening knives.

But here's the watch opened up. The crystal was already damaged, so I decided to make this my first crystal replacement as well.

IMG_3848.jpeg

  • Like 1
Posted

Hi  Some of those snap case backs can be wicked to open, I eventually purchased a tool to do the job  even then they can be a problem. a tool can cost around £30 but worth it in the end , saves your sanity. The one attaced from Cousins uk comes in at under £30 and is similar to the one I use.

case tool 2.jpg

Posted

The bezel remover/caseback opener that watchweasol recommends above is a really useful tool for such watches. It opens them without marring the finish. 

I also like the Seiko style openers that jdm recommends. I use them for the majority of the watches I open.

But there isn't a one-tool-fits-all caseback opener. Dats why all of us have a drawer full of them. 😂

Posted
4 minutes ago, watchweasol said:

Hi  Some of those snap case backs can be wicked to open, I eventually purchased a tool to do the job  even then they can be a problem. a tool can cost around £30 but worth it in the end , saves your sanity. The one attaced from Cousins uk comes in at under £30 and is similar to the one I use.

case tool 2.jpg

The newer models can even push out bracelet pins.

If it can push out pendant tubes too, I'll be tempted to add another contraption to my shelf.

Posted

thanks for the recommendations. I'm at the stage in this hobby where every job requires a new tool and a wait while it arrives! That back opener is on my list...

Posted

New crystal in, watch working again! Getting the face oriented correctly was quite tricky, but the actual crystal replacement was a snap. 

 

festina done.jpg

Posted
On 2/4/2022 at 10:05 AM, watchweasol said:

Hi  Some of those snap case backs can be wicked to open, I eventually purchased a tool to do the job  even then they can be a problem. a tool can cost around £30 but worth it in the end , saves your sanity. The one attaced from Cousins uk comes in at under £30 and is similar to the one I use.

case tool 2.jpg

I was thinking of upgrading from the chisel... sadly that tool is 125 quid. It's the set of bits that's 30.
Not this month- maybe next!

Posted
16 hours ago, watchweasol said:

There is a chinese version to be had on ebay or from Aliexpress that comes in around 30

good to know, thanks!

 

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