Trying to remove really tight snap off caseback

[TadasJ]

Hello everyone I’ve just got into the hobby of watchmaking and I’ve been struggling all day trying to open this watch it’s seriously been a task and yet with no success it’s a Orient KY PFAJ-C0 CS it’s a somewhat vintage diver watch (50m) automatic
It’s really annoying me I’ve tried using a case back removal tool no luck it broke pieces off the tool I’ve tried carefully with a Swiss knife no luck stopped because I didn’t want to cause scratches that weren’t already on there. So here I am trying to know if you guys have got something I could try or improve on thank.

Down below I’ve added the watch and the tool I used 

[mikepilk]

It can be difficult with those hand tools - and easy to cause damage. You could try working a razor blade all the way round to get it started. 

I got fed up causing damage to cases/movements/me, so bought one of these cheapish devices.  It works really well

[nickelsilver]

Sometimes you have to give the tool a smack with a hammer (small hammer). Case in one hand, holding knife/tool in place, hammer in other.

 

I've only needed to resort to that a few times, and never damaged anything even though it's rather violent. But a friend of mine did it on an Omega Ranchero and the shock knocked the paint out of the original hands...

 

Mike's tool is probably the best bet.

[LittleWatchShop]

14 minutes ago, mikepilk said:

You could try working a razor blade all the way round to get it started. 

This has worked for me so far.  I might look into getting the tool @mikepilksuggests

Oh my...I saw this image and then went to the video.  Hmm...looks like a screw back before he pops it off.  Is it really a snap back?  Interesting.

[mikepilk]

22 minutes ago, nickelsilver said:

Sometimes you have to give the tool a smack with a hammer (small hammer). Case in one hand, holding knife/tool in place, hammer in other.

 I don't like the sight of blood - especially my own !

[Shane]

32 minutes ago, LittleWatchShop said:

Hmm...looks like a screw back before he pops it off.  Is it really a snap back?  Interesting

With enough force and leverage they all snap off.

The tool looks interesting and I added one to my cart.

Thanks.

Shane 

[Bauertime]

A retractable box opener razer blade.

[Kalanag]

+1 for nickelsilver‘s advice!
 

Source:

Edited August 25, 2022 by Kalanag

[HectorLooi]

Just to keep you prepared. If the caseback is so difficult to open, it will be equally hard to close. You'll most probably need a crystal press to snap the caseback back in.

[mikepilk]

For the really tricky ones : 

With the above method you will probably only scratch the case, but I scratched a dial whilst removing a bezel. Which is why I bought the case opener tool. There's no chance of the blade following through and damaging anything.