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Horotec 2 Prong Case Back Opener vs Generic 3 Prong

GuiltyGear
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Hi all. I need an opener for those cases where a ball isn't enough. Unfortunately I don't have the space for a 5700 (clone), so I need something relatively compact. Both for storing and maybe take it with me if I'll need to check a watch somewhere. I think I'm left with 2 options here:

1) Horotec 2 prong. Not cheap at $100, but not crazy expensive either, and it looks like a solid build.

upload_2024-4-21_0-37-35.png


2) Generic 3 prong. I can't justify spending $280 on the Bergeon 2813, so a generic $20 one will have to do.

upload_2024-4-21_0-42-24.png


My question to you with much more experience, is the Horotec worth the purchase or the generic 3 prong will work the same? Extensibility is also a factor, as I'd like to be able to buy more pins for different case backs. Of course, if you have a suggestion for another tool, please let me know.
 
Dan S
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That generic 3-prong is crappy. I would buy an L-G 3-prong opener and also a good case-holder with nylon pins.

But honestly, the 5700 clone is much better, and it's what I usually choose to use, especially with a watch I'm opening for the first time.
 
wsfarrell
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The Bergeon 5700 clones vary in quality. The one I tried was terrible, and I tossed it.
I use the Horotec two-prong opener and like it a lot.
Whatever opener you go with, I would highly recommend a case holder like the one pictured below. It holds with the strength of a hundred men, and will not damage the case.
seiko.jpeg
 
JimInOz
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I find the T style 2 prong openers easier to control than the three prong. Even if there is slight up/down movement as you use it, the pivot point is equally on both pins so slippage is less likely.

I used to use one of these, which could be very handy for travel.

Screenshot 2024-04-21 at 11.46.41.png


And I would steer well clear of this "in-line" style, too much risk of slipping if your hand moved up/down slightly when opening as the pivot point would be one of the pins causing the other pin to lift.

Screenshot 2024-04-21 at 11.46.24.png
 
Archer
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If you are going to go with this hand held style opener, a good quality Jaxa would be my choice. Three points of contact is better in a hand held option.

The cost of the tool will be minor in comparison to gouging up a bunch of case backs...
 
GuiltyGear
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Thank you all for the input. I'll see if I can find a decently priced Jaxa that can ship to my country. Otherwise I'll have to go for the Horotec.
 
Aroxx
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I have a cheap generic 3-prong and like Dan said, it’s crappy. Really low quality and tricky to use without scratching things. I’ve used it successfully so far but I would avoid it. I do like the 3-prong setup though. I’ll have to look into a Jaxa myself sometime.
 
Mark020
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Me too. I mostly use a 2 in line.
 
NotJackson
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I don’t trust those generic 3-prong tools. I use the LG 3-prong wrench; it is well made and tightens securely.
 
krogerfoot
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JimInOz JimInOz
I find the T style 2 prong openers easier to control than the three prong. Even if there is slight up/down movement as you use it, the pivot point is equally on both pins so slippage is less likely.

I used to use one of these, which could be very handy for travel.

Screenshot 2024-04-21 at 11.46.41.png
I got one of these two-prong Meikosha MKS19400 deals and never touched my generic three-pronger again. The MKS made the three-pronger seem like using a coat hanger to open a car door.
 
ScrewDropper
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Dan S Dan S
That generic 3-prong is crappy. I would buy an L-G 3-prong opener and also a good case-holder with nylon pins.

But honestly, the 5700 clone is much better, and it's what I usually choose to use, especially with a watch I'm opening for the first time.
Someone else on this chat disagrees but I would say the 5700 clone works pretty well for me.
 
GuiltyGear
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Received the Horotec tool and I'm liking it a lot. Mind you, it's not that I've used a lot of these to compare, but this one works great for me. @wsfarrell suggestion to get a holder is a good one, and that's my next step. Holding it with your hands, either on the palm or on top of a casing cushion is very awkward, prone to scratches, and may not work for very tight case backs.

IMG_20240606_143956.jpg IMG_20240606_144009.jpg


As far as pins are concerned, to those who have the same tool, are them interchangeable with other brands or generic ones? Having a small collection of pins for different case styles (ex SMP 300 case back) would be useful.

IMG_20240606_144018.jpg
 
NotJackson
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If your budget extends to it, the Seiko case holder is the best one I’ve ever used. They’re not cheap ($100-ish on eBay), and most of the sellers are in Japan. But IMO the cost and shipping delay are worth it.
 
DaveK
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GuiltyGear GuiltyGear
Duh, to use it underwater of course.

Just as long as you don’t use the pushers underwater of course
 
GuiltyGear
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As a closure to this thread, as I posted previously, I got the Horotec 2 prong. It's saved me a few times with case backs that wouldn't budge with the rubber ball.

DSC_4095.webp


Also got a few pins of various shapes for $5/pair on aliexpress. Tolerances were all over the places on these and had to file them down so they would fit properly. Didn't expect better, but they do the job.

DSC_4094.webp


Finally, took the advice given on this thread by several members and bought a Seiko case holder. Around $100 on eBay with free shipping from Japan. The body and jaws are a sturdy and very well built plastic, and it does a great job at holding a watch (or anything similar for that matter). There's a rubber sleeve at the bottom that helps in keeping it in place, and that seems to work most of the time. I just wish it was heavier though. If I could cut a thick piece of steel of the exact dimensions, I would friction fit it in the bottom (it's hollow) to add some heft to it.

DSC_4096.webp
 
vibe
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I am also a fan of the L-G case opener. I also have a vintage L-G openall and the L-G wrench can be used with it to get things really tight and to avoid slipping. You will need a cute little Bergeron vice to go with it though.

IMG_0419.webp
 
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