{"id":14909,"date":"2016-04-23T09:16:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-23T13:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/?p=14909"},"modified":"2016-04-23T09:16:19","modified_gmt":"2016-04-23T13:16:19","slug":"watch-case-openers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/watch-case-openers\/","title":{"rendered":"WATCH CASE OPENERS"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Watch<\/div>\n

I’ve been opening watches for almost 28 years<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

I’m become quite a pro at it.<\/h2>\n

\nBut I cheat<\/strong>. It’s only because I have all the proper tools<\/a> at hand!<\/p>\n

\nFor with specially crafted tools<\/strong>, changing batteries<\/strong> and opening watch cases<\/strong> is a cinch<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Well, most of the time!<\/h2>\n

\nWhen we’re talking about watches, there are 4 main styles of watch backs<\/strong> that you should become familiar with. For the type that you have will determine the watch tool needed<\/strong> to open it up. For different styles need different tools<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

These are the different watch case backs:<\/h2>\n

\n<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Snap Off Case Backs<\/li>\n
  2. Notched Case Backs<\/li>\n
  3. Screw Off Case Backs<\/li>\n
  4. Watch Case with Screws<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    <\/strong><\/p>\n

    \nLet’s take a closer look…<\/strong><\/p>\n

    1) Snap Off Case Backs<\/h2>\n

    \nThey make so many different types and styles of watches, from cheap to expensive<\/strong>, with snap on case backs. They all do just about the same thing… The back of the watch snaps off. <\/p>\n

    \nIt’s really the most common type of watch<\/strong> on the market. It’s a standard back<\/strong> that snaps on and covers the movement.<\/p>\n

    \nTo open it, simply push a sharp edge<\/strong>, like a knife or a case opener<\/a>, up against the lip of the case back<\/strong> (see image below), and with a flipping motion up, snap the cover off<\/strong> with a good heave. Usually this works like a charm<\/strong>. You will find that some are stubborn <\/strong>and sealed tight. For those, you’ll need a more durable tool<\/a>, like the styles shown below. Ones that clamp the watch down<\/strong> and use pressure to snap the cover off. <\/p>\n

    \nMost of these styles are easy to use <\/strong>(as long as the edge of the opener is sharp enough<\/strong>, for when it’s dull, it’s much harder to use). Jewelers usually carry multitudes of these<\/strong>, and sometimes you’ll have to rotate through all the tools to find the one that works the best for that particular watch<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

    \nDo note that some snap backs don’t have an actual lip<\/strong> to grasp and pry up…<\/p>\n

    These are trickier beasts…<\/h2>\n

    \nFor you’ll have to maneuver a sharp edge between the case and the back<\/strong>, and then hammer (rubber mallet<\/a>) the edge into the crack to snap them apart<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    That’s fun to do! :)<\/h2>\n

    \nPlus, some are hard to tell if the case actually snaps off<\/strong>, or rotates off<\/strong> (threads inside the lid that screw off). So practice and experience tells you the difference between them.<\/p>\n

    \nAnd also note that once you have the lid off, most watches will be easy to snap the lid back on<\/strong> once you’re done changing the battery. Usually just lining up the back (making sure if there’s a notch<\/strong> in the lid, that it fits over the stem properly<\/strong>, or otherwise you’ll bend it or break it, and then that gets pretty expensive <\/strong>to repair!) and applying pressure with your thumb and fingers<\/strong>… A good strong squeeze will generally seal the watch<\/strong> again.<\/p>\n

    But…<\/h2>\n

    \nSome covers are difficult and fit tight<\/strong>. You’ll then need to use a watch case press<\/a> to seal the watch, otherwise you’ll probably damage, deform and warp the back<\/strong>, and then, it’ll never go back on properly.<\/p>\n

    See all the different tools below:<\/h2>\n

    \n\"Snap <\/p>\n

    And get them here:<\/h2>\n

    \nStainless Steel Watch Back Case Opener<\/a>
    \n    Watch Back Case Opener Battery Remover<\/a>
    \n    2 Piece Metal Watch Repair Kit<\/a>
    \n    Green Double Lever Watch Back Case Opener<\/a>
    \n    Victorinox Swiss Army Packer Utility Knife<\/a>
    \n    Watch Case Opener Steel Knife<\/a>
    \n    New Watch Case Opener with 3 Screw-On Tips<\/a>
    \n    OTOOLWORLD Watch case opener<\/a>
    \n    Watch Snap Back Case Opener<\/a>
    \n    Professional Snap-on Watch Back Opener<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nSee ALL the watch snap off case openers HERE!<\/a><\/p>\n

    2) Snap Off Case Backs<\/h2>\n

    \nThese are my favorite type of watch case<\/strong> to open. They’re easy to unscrew and easy to close. <\/p>\n

    \nThese watches (usually waterproof <\/strong>or water resistant<\/strong> watches) will generally have notches<\/strong>, usually 6<\/strong>, that run around the outside of the case back (see image below).<\/p>\n

    \nAnd they make many tools<\/strong> that have pins, pegs or prongs (of different sizes and thicknesses<\/strong> depending on the thickness of the notch), that hook into these slots. That way you can turn and open the case (remember – righty-tighty, lefty-loosey<\/strong>). <\/p>\n

    \nSome tools have 3 pegs to align<\/strong> (I like these tools the best<\/a>). You adjust the tool to fit into 3 alternating notches<\/strong> (see image again), and then pushing down (so you don’t strip the slots<\/strong>), you rotate, and then the back screws off. Other tools only use 2 slot grips<\/a>, they go on opposite sides of the watch<\/strong>. They work just as well and are fairly easy to manipulate. <\/p>\n

    \nYou just hold the watch in one hand<\/strong>. Hold the tool in the other. And twist!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    It’s pretty efficient and fast!<\/h2>\n

    \nAnd they even make balls that work too<\/strong> (see image again).<\/p>\n

    \nThose you just push it down on the watch, which then grips the back<\/strong>, and spin…<\/p>\n

    See all the tools here:<\/h2>\n

    \"Notch<\/p>\n

    To close these styles of watches<\/strong>, you just manually screw the back on (making sure it’s in the threads correctly and not crooked or slanted<\/strong>), and tighten it as much as you can by hand<\/strong>. And then, you use the tool once more to give it another snug twist or two<\/strong>, just to make sure it’s on good and tight.<\/p>\n

    Get all your notch case openers here:<\/h2>\n

    \n3 Prong Watch Case Back Opener Wrench<\/a>
    \n    2 Prong Jewelry Watch Case Screw Back Opener Wrench<\/a>
    \n    Professional Watch Adjustable Opener Back Case (hand-held blue, 2 prong)<\/a>
    \n    Stainless Steel Repair Tool Round Tip Watch Back Case Opener<\/a>
    \n    Yellow Ball – Watch Back Case Opener Screw Type Cover<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nSee all the notch case openers HERE!<\/a><\/p>\n

    3) Screw Off Case Backs<\/h2>\n

    \nThese case backs will have a series of edges, grooves, or threads<\/strong> (like the edge of a dime<\/strong>) around the outside edge (see image below).<\/p>\n

    \nThese will require special tools<\/a>. You pick out the right sizes bezel<\/strong> that fits these threads snug, then snap the handle on, and twist (again, counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

    \nSometimes you’ll also need to clamp the watch down<\/strong>, for some of them are a bear. Use a watch block<\/a> to secure the watch and give you more leverage<\/strong> when you twist.<\/p>\n

    See image below…<\/h2>\n

    \n\"Twist<\/p>\n

    It is important to note that in any of these different types of watch case openers… a watch block<\/a> may be necessary<\/strong> (shown in the last image<\/strong> next to the mallet<\/strong>)! In fact, it’s highly recommended<\/strong>. A repair block holds the watch tight<\/strong> as you operate on the back. It keeps the watch from getting scratched <\/strong>(absolutely a must if you have an Oyster Rolex or Tudor<\/strong>), keeps the crystal <\/strong>from getting damaged, and protects the band<\/strong>. For the wrong twist or turn can break, bend or destroy a band<\/strong> (metal or leather strap) in a second. So be careful<\/strong> when you’re twisting with all your might… Damaging watches is easy, and even the pros do it<\/strong> from time to time.<\/p>\n

    Pick up your screw off tools here:<\/h2>\n

    \nHand Held Watch Back Case Opener Closer Remover<\/a>
    \n    Bench Watch Opener Accessory For Screw\/Oyster Style Watch Cases<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nSee all the screw back watch case openers HERE!<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nAnd lastly…<\/strong><\/p>\n

    4) Watch Case with Screws<\/h2>\n

    \nIf the case back has screws<\/strong> (as seen in the image below), grab a good set of precision watch screwdrivers<\/a>, and unscrew those little buggers<\/strong> (Keep a tin handy<\/strong> to collect them, that way you don’t lose them or drop them in the carpet<\/strong>…) One of the biggest manufacturers of watches that require a screwdriver… Casio!<\/a><\/p>\n

    See image below…<\/h2>\n

    \n\"Screw<\/p>\n

    Get your Screwdrivers HERE:<\/h2>\n

    \n5 piece Micro Precision Screwdrivers for Watch Repair<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nSee ALL the precision screwdrivers HERE!<\/a><\/p>\n

    Tool Kits<\/h2>\n

    \nAnd if you really want a bunch of tools at your disposal<\/strong> (like the jewelers do), grab yourself a watch tool kit<\/a> that carries most of the watch tools shown<\/strong> above.<\/p>\n

    \nThese tools you’ll use more than you know. For they really do come in handy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \n\"Watch<\/p>\n

    Get your watch tool kits here:<\/h2>\n

    \nDeluxe 27 piece Watch Tool Kit<\/a>
    \n    144 Piece Watch Tool Kit<\/a>
    \n    20 Piece Watchmaker Tool Kit<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nSee all the Watch Tool Kits HERE!<\/a><\/p>\n

    As well as…<\/h2>\n

    A rubber mallet<\/a>… Always a good tool<\/strong> to have!<\/p>\n

    \nAnd a watch case press!<\/a> A must for sealing waterproof watches!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n(Most kits don’t carry these!<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

    \nCheck out all the different watch case openers HERE!<\/a><\/p>\n

    \nCheers! :)<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    I’ve been opening watches for almost 28 years… I’m become quite a pro at it. But I cheat. It’s only because I have all the proper tools at hand! For with specially crafted tools, changing [Read More…]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,17,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-repairs","category-watches"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14909"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14909"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14909\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}