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How to remove case back on vintage Mido

mmarks9156
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anilv Distinguished Member

anilv

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There are openers which fit the flats on the back..  It unscrews off. Google "mido caseback opener".

If you have a small adjustable wrench that can work but you may need to file the ends flat. 

Anilv

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Chopin Super WRT Addict

Chopin

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Try a rubber ball used for case backs or anilv's suggestion but be careful not to scratch the case.

Another solution is gluing something onto the case back such as a screw driver and then rotating the case back out. The glue can be easily cleaned afterwards. Just don't use too much so that it'll drip around.

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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It is a screw back. This is the type of tool you need. It is universal, unscrews many types and comes with fittings for what you need.

https://www.esslinger.com/universal-watch-back-opener-waterproof-watch-wrench-with-pins-jaxa-style/

There are many cheap made in china ones about that are poor, I would avoid those.  

This is the type I had. Two handed type. I don't think they make this type anymore

 

image.jpeg.638251bd6cc366b8ae7c74bc471183fa.jpeg

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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

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2 hours ago, oldhippy said:

There are many cheap made in china ones about that are poor, I would avoid those.
This is the type I had. Two handed type. I don't think they make this type anymore

 

Yes they do https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/double-handed-up-to-060mm?code=C35303

BTW the Chinese single handle one are normally fine. The reason why sometime one can't open a tight caseback with it is because the watch is not hold firmly, and/or not enough vertical pressure from the top.

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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

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3 hours ago, Chopin said:

Another solution is gluing something onto the case back such as a screw driver and then rotating the case back out.

I recommend against that, which can be expeditious in extreme situations, but it's not a best practice. There are case opener tools for any budget, just invest in one of these.

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rodabod Distinguished Member

rodabod

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It's important that Jaxa-type openers have minimal play. I've owned Indian/Chinese ones which were crap. Eventually got a Swiss two handle version which is very good.

For extremely seized case backs, I use either a large nut glued on with superglue, or if it's more extreme, I use a brass bar (to form a handle) which I adhere with two-part epoxy.

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jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

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1 hour ago, rodabod said:

For extremely seized case backs, I use either a large nut glued on with superglue, or if it's more extreme, I use a brass bar (to form a handle) which I adhere with two-part epoxy.

I use instead a classic type bench opener and it hasn't ever failed me. Nothing messy to deal with and nothing to clean after. Changing attachment it can also open Rolex, Breitling and other proprietary case backs. Related thread:

 

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mmarks9156 Member

mmarks9156

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I use instead a classic type bench opener and it hasn't ever failed me. Nothing messy to deal with and nothing to clean after. Changing attachment it can also open Rolex, Breitling and other proprietary case backs. Related thread:
 
Thank you I'll give this a try

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mmarks9156 Member

mmarks9156

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Yes they do https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/double-handed-up-to-060mm?code=C35303
BTW the Chinese single handle one are normally fine. The reason why sometime one can't open a tight caseback with it is because the watch is not hold firmly, and/or not enough vertical pressure from the top.
I have the single handle one I'll give that a shot

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

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rodabod Distinguished Member

rodabod

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I also have access to a bench top type, but you can in some instances end up with a case back that is so seized that the key slots start to crack due to the force applied. It's a particular problem with Dennison-made Smiths cases from the late 60's as the keys are shallow, and the steel is not especially strong.

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