I am looking to buy a case back opener and the sheer numbers/variations and prices is somewhat confusing, I want a quality, easy to use tool that will give me a reasonable chance of removing a back without destroying the watch.
I will not be undertaking any work other than to check serial numbers/take photographs etc and it seems that a sensible approach would be to buy a watch case holder as well
Research suggests Bergeon is a quality brand and a Jaxa style tool is the easiest to use. Is this correct ? Any other advice ?

 

Kick off with something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Opener-Sticky-Rolling-Remover-Watchmaker/dp/B00B99S9K4

Anything else stands a chance of buggering up the case back, especially when you're not use to using it.

 

My choice has long been this one (Bergeon). I prefer it to the ball-types. One qualification though: probably better for smaller vintage watches (i.e. <40mm), as the pressure is concentrated in a smaller area.

 

The ball, etc, presumably these are all designed for twist off? Do they also work on snap off? I assume not?

 

There are plenty of case opening tools that can fit the bill.

The fact that you are asking the question leaves me wondering what may happen after you have it off, no matter your intentions.

Start with something easy to open, and inexpensive.

 

^^^No sense of adventure...

 

Here's what a lot of people use on the once-upon-a-time fine watches:

 

And that's just for starters sometimes! I have scratched a few case backs in my time with the 3 prong jobbies. I now have a cheap Indian import version of the Bergeon above which works most of the time. It's great for getting them back on too when your first trying to line up the thread.

 

My parents cannot believe I collect watches because as a kid I had an uncanny knack of destroying anything mechanical

Mind you having seen your avatar I find your comment a bit rich as most farmers I know try to repair everything with baler twine and a 14llb lump hammer !

 

My case opening tools

 

Ah yes.......

On the bay at the moment.

No movement shot though. Wonder why?

 

This lot should meet your requirement.

The blue ball must be pumped up hard to work effectively and must also be slightly grabby to the touch, some are slippery and useless.

The forked opener is easier to control than a three point Jaxa and of course the case should be held in a soft holder, preferably mounted to a bench of a bit of board.

The Gem razor and case knives are for snap backs and I have no problem getting those off with just these tools. When used correctly of course.

 

I use a Bergeon 5700. Mostly with urethane friction dies, but I have many brand specific dies as well...

 

Love these. Won't help for Rolex. Expensive as all Bergeon tools are:

http://www.amazon.com/Bergeon-Watch-Case-Opener-Four/dp/B002CVUO1A/

 

You can do Rolex cases if you are careful and set everything up properly.

 

Should have used this, at least then he would have got the case open.

 

Oh interesting I've never been brave enough to try that - always thought I'd need an oyster set.