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Wittnauer back removal

canwdarose
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canwdarose Member

canwdarose

Posted
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Good afternoon,

I'm looking ahead to my next project and this is my fathers watch he got from his parents when he graduated from high school back in about 1951.  It runs, and my Dad was particular about his stuff, so I'm sure he had it serviced periodically.  It hasn't been worn for at least 10 years, but it started right up just picking it up out of the drawer.  Anyone recognize it?  I've never seen one like it on Ebay, etc.

the back is a 10 sided wrench affair, and I'm not sure my aftermarket Jaxa style opener is up to this.  It calipers 27.0mm across the flats, so I envisioned trying (in order): the back traction ball, my Jaxa wrench with the flat pins, or having the machinist at work make me a bespoke 2 sided wrench with very crisp shoulders.  I know there are specialist wrenches produced, but...   

id be grateful for other advise from the WRT community, however.

thanks

 

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ro63rto Distinguished Member

ro63rto

Posted
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Google Panerai caseback tool.

They are the same style but a lot bigger at 44mm and up.

Do NOT use a Jaxa on this or any homebrew two sided affair.

Get some cling film and cover the watch sealing it well.

Then get some of that metal putty. Mix a large lump and squash it over the clingfilm covered back making sure it only covers the back and not the sides if the case.

Leave finger grips molded into it.

Once set, give it a twist.

This worked for me on an old non valuable watch that wasn't age sealed shut.

Try at your own risk [emoji16] [emoji6]

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JimInOz WRT Addict

JimInOz

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I agree with Roberto. Don't try to use a Jaxa or anything else unless you can score a vintage opener somewhere. Roberto suggested the robbers key approach, you may also use the superglue/nut solution which has worked well in the past and is reversible with superglue removal. Your caseback is an ideal candidate for this method and will only require you to get a nice flat surface on the nut (wet and dry paper).

 

I'll see if I can find an example (I'm sure I've seen it here, @Geo ?)

 

Doh!

 

Just use the search for "caseback nut"

Edited by JimInOz
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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

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Posted

The OP hasn't tried yet a friction ball or similar tool?

Beside, if the watch is not to be used , and is working, It may not need to be opened except for the curiosity.. From the picture all it needs is a strap.

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