Hi, Can someone recommend a good way to remove this caseback without damaging it? I'm trying not to add to the existing scratches. Thanks much, eustace
Sticky ball may do the trick - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Yello...Accessories_SpareParts_SM&hash=item2c7e0a7d00Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Really need something to grip the flat edges on the back. An adjustable three jaw case wrench like this LG or similar one by JAXA.
See also: Where to buy watch tools Covering the caseback with low-adhesive painter's tape is a handy trick if you're using less than ideal tools and are worried that one slip may send metal bits skidding across your watch case. But the real answer is to expand your tool kit. FWIW, of the handheld wrenches, I like the LG ones (pictured above) better than the JAXA ones. Quality is good for a hand held, and can be found on the bay in vintage for ~$20-40. Make sure they come with three of each style bit.
If you use a sticky ball, before using it, here are my tips. Wash it with mild detergent and warm water to remove any oils or manufacturing stuff and dry it with a hair dryer. Make sure it's pumped up nice and hard too, a really squishy ball is of no use at all. Wipe the caseback with a lint free pad moistened with shellite or similar to remove any oil residue. I recently got a couple of balls that had no stickyness at all, the surface was hard and wouldn't grip, even after all of my tricks, I think next door's dog ended up with them.
I should've put more into that post. You don't think of those things when you're just a bit bored at work do you
Packing tape with the adhesive side out rolled around your fingers or into a ball works wonders. DO NOT USE THIS TRICK ON ANY WATCH WITH A PAINTED CASEBACK MEDALLION!!!!
Well, I received my sticky ball in the mail today. I was a little skeptical but I gave it a try... Happy to report the caseback came off after the second try with just a little effort. Thanks all for the helpful tip.
Cool if the ball does! I have when the back not too tightened some luck with the Bergeon 2533 http://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-2533-tool-suction-case-watch-opener.aspx
another tip for screw backs................place an "x" of double sided tape to case back-get a section of polystyrene coffee cup and stick an "x" of double sided tape to styrene..........................then place two "x's" of tape together and twist to undo case back......................works a treat with no scratched case back resulting.......................