Case back die

I also have one of these Chinese clones of the Bergeon 5700, and it has become my go-to opener unless I know that a particular watch is not closed tightly, in which case I will use a standard L-G three-prong tool with the watch held securely in a holder with plastic pins.

I don't know if I'd say the quality of the Chergeon is fantastic, but for someone who opens one or two cases a month, it's fine, and I enjoy using it. For me, it just wasn't worth $750 for the Bergeon given how infrequently I'd use it, and I was willing to take a chance on the $130 item. Of course, only time will tell if it was a good decision if the tool doesn't hold up.

I also bought some of the urethane "suction" dies to go with the press, but I think I haven't quite figured out yet how to use them correctly, they just seem to slip. I will have to ask my watchmaker next time I see him.

Many thanks, Al. I will try that ASAP. I like the idea of using those dies routinely as a first try for a new watch, since they don't require much fiddling and are low risk. Also, they would be useful for watches with asymmetrical backs like the OP, or the multi-faceted case-backs, especially if already damaged.