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.



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



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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.



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.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.

 

Me too. I mostly use a 2 in line.

 

I don’t trust those generic 3-prong tools. I use the LG 3-prong wrench; it is well made and tightens securely.

 

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.

 

Someone else on this chat disagrees but I would say the 5700 clone works pretty well for me.