When it comes to watch repair, one of the most common tasks is unscrewing the back of the watch. This may be necessary to replace a battery, repair a movement, or simply clean the watch. While it may seem like a simple task, unscrewing a watch back can be tricky, especially if you don’t have the right tools or knowledge. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to unscrew a watch back safely and effectively.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. You will need a watchmaker’s screwdriver or a specialized tool called a case wrench. You may also need a pair of tweezers or a small magnet to help you remove the back of the watch. Once you have your tools, you can begin the process of unscrewing the back of the watch. First, identify the type of screws that are holding the back in place. There are two common types of screws used in watches: flathead screws and Phillips screws.
Once you have identified the type of screws, you can begin unscrewing them. If you are using a watchmaker’s screwdriver, be sure to use the correct size screwdriver for the screws. If you are using a case wrench, be sure to adjust the wrench to the correct size before you begin unscrewing. When unscrewing the screws, be sure to apply gentle pressure and turn the screwdriver or wrench slowly. Do not overtighten the screws, as this can damage the watch. Once the screws are loose, you can carefully remove the back of the watch. Be sure to hold the watch steady with one hand while you remove the back with the other. If the back is stuck, you can try using a pair of tweezers or a small magnet to help you remove it.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
Opening a watch back requires specialized tools and materials. Assembling the right kit will ensure a smooth and safe operation.
Firstly, a caseback opener is indispensable. Choose one that aligns precisely with the notches or grooves on your watch back. Avoid using knives or screwdrivers, as they can damage the case.
Next, consider a watchmaker’s loupe. This magnifying glass allows you to inspect the caseback and identify any hidden screws or markings.
Additionally, a small screwdriver set is essential for removing the screws that secure the caseback. Opt for screwdrivers with precision tips that fit snugly into the screws.
Beyond these tools, a rubber watch holder stabilizes the watch and prevents it from slipping. A lint-free cloth is also recommended for cleaning the watch before and after opening.
Lastly, a tray or small container ensures that tiny screws and other components remain organized and accessible.
Secure the Watch in Place
When unscrewing a watch back, it is crucial to secure the watch firmly to prevent any damage. There are several methods to achieve this:
- Watch Case Holder: A watch case holder is a specialized tool designed specifically for holding watches during maintenance. It provides a stable and cushioned platform that prevents the watch from slipping or scratching.
- Rubber Band or Soft Cloth: If you don’t have a watch case holder, you can use a rubber band or soft cloth to secure the watch. Wrap the watch gently and tightly in the material, ensuring that it doesn’t move around.
- Table Vise (not recommended): As a last resort, you can use a table vise to secure the watch. However, this method requires extreme caution, as the vise’s jaws can easily damage the watch if not handled properly. If using a table vise, place the watch between soft protective materials, such as leather or rubber padding, to prevent scratches.
Identify the Watch Back Type
3. Screw-Back Case
Screw-back cases are the most common type of watch back and are typically used on waterproof watches. They can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, titanium, PVD, or gold. Screw-back cases are held in place by a series of screws that are typically located around the perimeter of the case. To remove a screw-back case, you will need a special tool called a watchmaker’s screwdriver.
Steps to remove a screw-back case:
1. Place the watch on a soft surface, such as a towel or piece of cloth.
2. Find the screws that hold the case back in place. These screws are typically located around the perimeter of the case.
3. Use a watchmaker’s screwdriver or a small Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws. Do not overtighten the screws, as this can damage the case or the movement.
4. Once the screws are loose, carefully pry the case back off of the watch. Be careful not to damage the case or the movement.
5. Once the case back is removed, you will be able to access the movement of the watch.
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Watchmaker’s screwdriver | Loosening and tightening screws on the watch back |
| Small Phillips screwdriver | Loosening and tightening screws on the watch back (if the watch does not have a watchmaker’s screwdriver slot) |
| Soft surface (towel or cloth) | Protecting the watch from scratches during the process |
Choose the Appropriate Removal Method
1. Manual Removal
If the watch back is held in place by a simple screw, you can remove it with a small screwdriver. Be sure to choose the correct size and type of screwdriver to avoid damaging the watch.
2. Pressure Ball Remover
A pressure ball remover is a specialized tool that uses compressed air to remove watch backs that are pressure-fitted. This method is relatively safe and easy to use, but it requires a special tool.
3. Knife-Edge Case Opener
A knife-edge case opener is a thin, sharp blade that is inserted between the watch back and the case. By carefully prying the blade around the edge of the case, you can loosen the back and remove it.
4. Case Back Wrench
A case back wrench is a specialized tool that is designed to grip and unscrew watch backs. It comes in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of watches. Case back wrenches provide the greatest control and leverage, but they can be expensive and may not be suitable for all watches.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Removal | Simple and inexpensive | Requires the correct screwdriver and can damage the watch if not done properly |
| Pressure Ball Remover | Safe and easy to use | Requires a specialized tool |
| Knife-Edge Case Opener | Thin and sharp, allows for precise removal | Requires skill and can damage the watch if not done properly |
| Case Back Wrench | Provides the most control and leverage | Expensive and may not be suitable for all watches |
Remove Screw-Down Case Backs
Screw-down case backs are more common on higher-end watches as they provide better water resistance. To remove a screw-down case back, you will need a watchmaker’s knife or a specific tool designed for this purpose.
Here is a detailed guide on how to remove a screw-down case back:
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Prepare the watch. Place the watch on a soft surface, such as a towel, to protect it from scratches.
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Locate the notches. On the case back, you will find small notches or indentations around the edge. These notches are designed to fit the blades of a watchmaker’s knife or tool.
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Insert the tool. Carefully insert the blades of the tool into the notches. Make sure that the blades are fully seated in the notches to avoid slipping.
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Unscrew the case back. Hold the watch steady and apply gentle pressure to the tool. Turn the tool counterclockwise to unscrew the case back.
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Removing the case back can be particularly challenging if it has been overtightened or if adhesive has been applied during assembly. To address this issue:
- Apply heat: Use a hairdryer or heat gun to gently warm the case back, which can soften any adhesive and make it easier to remove.
- Use a rubber strap: Place a rubber strap, such as a diving strap, between the case back and the tool. This provides additional grip and leverage, reducing the risk of slipping.
- Seek professional assistance: If you encounter significant resistance or are unable to remove the case back with the recommended methods, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional watchmaker to avoid damaging the watch.
Open Snap-On Case Backs
Snap-on case backs are the most common type of watch case back. They are held in place by a friction fit, and can be removed by prying them off with your fingers or a watch case opener.
Pry with a Watch Case Opener
For best results, use a watch case opener tool specifically designed for the task. It will have a curved, pointed end which can fit under the lip of the case back without damaging the watch.
- Position the curved end of the watch case opener under the edge of the case back, near the crown.
- Press down on the opener and twist it carefully until the case back pops off.
Pry with a Knife
If you don’t have a watch case opener, you can carefully pry the case back off with a thin, sharp knife, such as a pocket knife or a butter knife.
- Wrap a cloth around the knife blade to protect the watch from scratches.
- Position the knife blade under the edge of the case back, near the crown.
- Press down on the knife and twist it carefully until the case back pops off.
Use a Case Wrench for Pressure-Fitted Backs
When dealing with pressure-fitted backings, a case wrench is the most appropriate tool. This tool generally features rubber inserts that conform to the shape of the watch case, allowing for a firm grip without the risk of slipping or damaging the finish. Here’s a comprehensive guide to using a case wrench for pressure-fitted backs:
Determine the diameter of the watch case back. Case wrenches come in various sizes, so it’s essential to select one that fits snugly, with no excessive play. A proper fit will prevent slippage and potential damage to the watch or tool.
Place the watch face down on a soft surface. Align the case wrench with the notches or slots on the case back, ensuring the rubber inserts engage securely. Do not overtighten the wrench; apply just enough pressure to hold the watch steady.
Hold the watch firmly in one hand and rotate the case wrench counterclockwise with the other. Use steady, even pressure to loosen the back. Avoid sudden or extreme force, as it could damage the watch or the wrench.
Once the back is loose, carefully remove it from the watch case. Be aware of any gaskets or seals that may come with the back and set them aside for later reassembly.
Inspect the gasket and clean any dirt or debris from the watch and back surface. This will help ensure a proper seal during reassembly and prevent water or dust from entering the watch.
Apply a thin layer of watchmaker’s lubricant to the gasket or the case back surface. This lubrication will facilitate the reassembly process and ensure a tight seal.
Carefully place the gasket back in place and align the case back with the watch case. Position the case wrench and tighten it clockwise to the appropriate torque. Overtightening can damage the gasket or the case.
Pry Open Press-Fit Case Backs Safely
8. Using Specialized Tools
For stubborn press-fit case backs, you may need to invest in specialized tools to remove them safely. Here are a few options:
Case Back Openers: These are dedicated tools designed to fit the specific shape of watch case backs. They use leverage to pry open the case back without damaging the watch or its components.
Pressure Ball: This is a small rubber ball that is placed on the case back and inflated with air. The pressure creates enough force to lift the case back off the watch body.
| Tool | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Case Back Openers |
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| Pressure Ball |
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When using specialized tools, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use caution to avoid damaging your watch.
Protect the Watch and Case Back
Choose the Right Tool
Select a watch case opener designed specifically for removing screw-down case backs. It should have a well-fitting head to avoid slipping and damaging the watch.
Protect the Crystal
Cover the watch crystal with a soft cloth or adhesive tape to prevent scratches from slipping tools.
Secure the Watch
Place the watch into a watch holder or use a strap wrench to hold it securely. This will prevent it from moving and damaging during the process.
Apply Pressure
Position the case opener head on the case back and apply gentle clockwise pressure. Avoid using excessive force, as it could strip the threads.
Gradually increase pressure as needed. If the case back does not loosen easily, stop and check for any obstacles or damaged threads.
Check for Obstacles
Before applying more force, inspect the area around the case back for any debris or obstructions. Remove any dirt or particles that may be hindering the process.
If you encounter any damaged threads or other obstacles, seek professional assistance from a watchmaker to avoid further damage.
Additional Tips for Removing Stuck Case Backs
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Gasket is stuck | Apply a small amount of lubricant, such as silicone oil or WD-40, around the gasket. Let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to unscrew the case back. |
| Case back is glued | Heat the case back evenly using a hair dryer or heat gun. This will soften the glue, making it easier to remove. |
| Case back is rusted | Apply a penetrating oil, such as penetrating oil, to the rusted threads. Let it sit for several hours or overnight before attempting to unscrew the case back. |
Inspect the Case Back for Damage
Before attempting to unscrew the case back, it’s crucial to inspect it for any visible signs of damage. This includes:
If you notice any significant damage, it’s best to consult a qualified watchmaker to avoid further complications or damage to the watch.
How To Unscrew Watch Back
To unscrew the back of a watch, you will need a watch case opener. This is a tool that is specifically designed to remove the back of a watch without damaging it. You can purchase a watch case opener online or at a local hardware store.
Once you have a watch case opener, follow these steps to unscrew the back of your watch:
- Place the watch in the watch case opener. The watch should be positioned so that the back of the watch is facing up.
- Adjust the watch case opener so that the jaws of the opener are positioned around the edge of the watch back.
- Gently squeeze the handles of the watch case opener to tighten the jaws around the watch back.
- Turn the watch case opener counterclockwise to unscrew the back of the watch.
Once the back of the watch is unscrewed, you can carefully lift it off of the watch. Be careful not to lose the gasket that is located around the edge of the watch back. This gasket helps to keep water and dust out of the watch.
People Also Ask About How To Unscrew Watch Back
How do you unscrew a watch back without a tool?
There are a few ways to unscrew a watch back without a tool. One way is to use a pair of pliers. Place the pliers on the edge of the watch back and gently squeeze the handles to loosen the back. Another way to unscrew a watch back without a tool is to use a rubber band. Place the rubber band around the edge of the watch back and twist the band to loosen the back.
What size watch case opener do I need?
The size of watch case opener you need will depend on the size of your watch. You can find watch case openers in a variety of sizes, so it is important to measure the diameter of your watch before you purchase an opener.
How do I remove a screw-down watch back?
To remove a screw-down watch back, you will need a special tool called a screw-down case opener. This tool is designed to fit into the notches on the edge of the watch back and allow you to unscrew the back. You can purchase a screw-down case opener online or at a local hardware store.
