Community Stories

Dan Henry Racing - case back opening help please

Omegafanman
Posts
4,667
Likes
17,668
So a friend is very happy with a Dan Henry racing Meca Quartz but it is now battery change time.
It looks to be a screw case back but what tool to use? He could try a sticky ball I guess. It’s an LE so he won’t want to scratch it. As he is a novice another option is to try DH or a UK service company but he does not have anything locally. Any help appreciated. He is new into watches and OF helped his selections so I want to keep the momentum for him. Thanks.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vin...top-a-rogue-choice.156886/page-3#post-2171035

.
 
IMG_1938.jpeg
Pastorbottle
Posts
2,425
Likes
4,176
18” shifter ::stirthepot::😁
IMG_0603.jpeg


Seriously whatever you do don’t use one of these!
There will be a special tool for this
 
JimInOz
Posts
16,729
Likes
35,079
Pastorbottle Pastorbottle
I think it will need to be 14 sided
Or a tetradecogonal wrench.

I think the adjustable shifter is the best option.
 
Omegafanman
Posts
4,667
Likes
17,668
JimInOz JimInOz
Or a tetradecogonal wrench.

I think the adjustable shifter is the best option.

Too much of a scratch risk I think. I wonder if a rubber ball would work or will it be too tight?
If he decides to send it in anyone know a good place in the UK for a budget watch like this?
 
JimInOz
Posts
16,729
Likes
35,079
Back is too textured for a ball.
Could try a "Rolex" tool with superglue.
Can be undone with acetone when it's off.
 
Pip
Posts
86
Likes
105
It does annoy me when companies use unusual caseback shapes, and it's even worse when they use proprietary screw heads. When stuck I've used the large nut superglued to the back trick. Works well and @JimInOz says acetone will clear all traces.
 
Duracuir1
Posts
2,835
Likes
30,194
Pip Pip
It does annoy me when companies use unusual caseback shapes, and it's even worse when they use proprietary screw heads. When stuck I've used the large nut superglued to the back trick. Works well and @JimInOz says acetone will clear all traces.
Nice watch. I would have your friend send it to Dan Henry.

And the “nut job” described above really works. My Titanium Tissot needed just that.

On your friend’s nice case back I wonder how the glue and nut would interact with that car.

I had mine done by a friend who lives nearby.
IMG_0222.jpeg
Edited:
 
rendo
Posts
725
Likes
2,684
I would still give the sticky ball a try. You don’t need a completely flat surface for it to work. It’s more about the overall texture.
 
Omegafanman
Posts
4,667
Likes
17,668
Thanks all for feedback so far and I have an update…..
I got a new sticky ball (as modelled by Old boy tonight)…. Wish it came inflated / another problem to fix. When I see my friend we will give it a go….
I did get a response from Dan Henry. I suspect they don’t have a UK service centre. See photos below for the solution suggested. Can anyone point to straight case opening bits like this? I have a standard 3 bit opener with a few bit options but not these I fear. My friend has a pillar drill so we could rig something up to hand turn if needed and maybe some Kapton tape would reduce any scratch risk. The nut and glue tip also looks a viable option and I have used acetone being a messy worker with superglue in the past so it does work (but a pain to do it every 2 years for a battery). A plastic hexagonal (14 sided?) wrench looks the best bet if any entrepreneurial 3D printers see a business opportunity;0)
Any links to suitable parts appreciated, otherwise it will be bolt nut and glue time if the ball does not work.
,
 
IMG_1978.jpeg IMG_1976.jpeg IMG_1977.jpeg IMG_1974.jpeg IMG_4560.jpeg IMG_4562.jpeg IMG_0489.jpeg
Archer
Posts
27,945
Likes
71,199
Omegafanman Omegafanman
See photos below for the solution suggested. Can anyone point to straight case opening bits like this? I

I would recommend against this option. Better off to use friction dies in a 5700 style case opener, and if that doesn’t work, glue a nut to the case back.

Of course taking the watch to someone who is fully equipped is always an option...
 
watchyouwant
Posts
5,400
Likes
9,221
There is a Profession out there, that is called Watchmaker .... They do just that.
 
Omegafanman
Posts
4,667
Likes
17,668
I hear you all reference. Professional but this is a £200 watch (new) and there is not a strong local option. Seems a lot of effort and cost every two years. Something to consider when going for a battery quartz / pick an easy opener.
 
Spruce
Posts
7,637
Likes
61,489
Omegafanman Omegafanman
I hear you all reference. Professional but this is a £200 watch (new) and there is not a strong local option. Seems a lot of effort and cost every two years. Something to consider when going for a battery quartz / pick an easy opener.

I agree, and I’m interested because I have a couple of Dan Henrys.

Isn’t it something a local jeweller/Mall battery changer can do as a normal battery change? Since it’s a new watch the gasket should still be okay?
 
Omegafanman
Posts
4,667
Likes
17,668
Spruce Spruce
I agree, and I’m interested because I have a couple of Dan Henrys.

Isn’t it something a local jeweller/Mall battery changer can do as a normal battery change? Since it’s a new watch the gasket should still be okay?

The really local guy did not seem keen…. But for sure the mall might be an option. Will see what he wants to do…
 
Leeroy
Posts
101
Likes
417
If the ball is slipping you could try padded double sided sticky tape. My mate works for Aston Martin and they use this stuff on plastic panels, very strong hold, but I'd imagine 3M, gorilla etc would work. You don't really need a proper sticky ball I used to use a stress ball.
20240229_121049.jpg
 
CBTheologian
Posts
3
Likes
0
I had to use a crescent wrench on my DH racing, it was to tight for a ball. They really had that thing cranked down.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

GuiltyGear

Horotec 2 Prong Case Back Opener vs Generic 3 Prong

GuiltyGear Watchmaking
vibe
vibe
Posts
18
Views
3K
Spruce

Dan Henry 1975

Spruce Other Watch Brands Forum
Olhenry56
Olhenry56
Posts
16
Views
7K
DIV

39mm Dan Henry 1975 Skin Diver with Steel Bracelet

DIV Private Watch Sales
DIV
DIV
Posts
3
Views
4K
jhross98

Dan Henry 1939 Chrono Chocolate Dial Brand New Full Set

jhross98 Private Watch Sales
jhross98
jhross98
Posts
1
Views
2K
Yandards

Seamaster 1022 cal, case back numbers don't match rest of watch help please

Yandards Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Yandards
Yandards
Posts
3
Views
2K
Jonatan

Universal Geneve Case back openers

Jonatan Universal Genève Watches
CafeRacer
CafeRacer
Posts
12
Views
7K