Random back opener request

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UNLucky

·May 29, 2025

Does anyone have a 3d print model I can print to open this bloody watch!? I have tried most everything I have on hand, I don't even know what to Google to look up the correct tool. I think it's corroded shit as well so that's even better. 🤦🏼‍♂️

 

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Dan S

·May 29, 2025

A three prong opener will work, but if it's really stuck, obviously it's more difficult. You can always try the super-glue and hex nut approach.

 

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dsio

·May 29, 2025·Ash @ ΩF

That type of back is a really good candidate for the rubber ball method, it does the least amount of damage when they're really stuck too

https://www.ebay.com/itm/123622036748

 

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Vercingetorix

·May 29, 2025·Spam Risk

Crescent wrench perpendicular to the case back.

 

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JimInOz

·May 29, 2025·Melbourne Australia

Dan S

super-glue and hex nut approach.

I agree.

No 3D printed tool will work due to the angles and edges.

If you don't have a set of Breitling openers, the superglue/nut works very well. The caseback and nut just get soaked in acetone to remove the nut. I've used it a few times with no problems.

 

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Meme-Dweller

·May 29, 2025

Don't know anything about this watch, but I hope you made sure it's actually a screwdown caseback and not just a snap-on caseback that's in the shape of something that looks like it would screw down.

 

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ExpiredWatchdog

·May 29, 2025

 

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UNLucky

·May 30, 2025

dsio

That type of back is a really good candidate for the rubber ball method, it does the least amount of damage when they're really stuck too

https://www.ebay.com/itm/123622036748

It's too tight for the rubber ball, that's my default. I really think it's cranked down or corroded closed.

 

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UNLucky

·May 30, 2025

Vercingetorix

Crescent wrench perpendicular to the case back.

Not a horrible idea, but the lip is really thin and I'm not sure I can get a grip. I'll carefully give it a shot.

 

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UNLucky

·May 30, 2025

Meme-Dweller

Don't know anything about this watch, but I hope you made sure it's actually a screwdown caseback and not just a snap-on caseback that's in the shape of something that looks like it would screw down.

I'm scared to pry, but it very much looks like a screw down. I'll give it a probe with the case back opener and see if it fooled us all.

 

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UNLucky

·May 30, 2025

ExpiredWatchdog

I'll look this up.

 

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UNLucky

·May 30, 2025

I've never heard the brand before, I just like the old look and was going to attempt to clean up and electroplate this case AFTER I got it opened. I don't think it's a pop back but I'll explore with the opener. I think I'll ultimately try the socket and super glue. Any size socket or should I try to find a large one? Thanks everyone!

 

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Gentle Ben

·May 30, 2025

Awesome watch. Hope you get this resolved. I also initially thought rubber ball, but it sounds like you have tried that.

 

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redpcar

·May 30, 2025

UNLucky

Not a horrible idea, but the lip is really thin and I'm not sure I can get a grip. I'll carefully give it a shot.

The biggest crescent wrench you have will increase the surface area. Worked for me in the past

 

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redpcar

·May 30, 2025

This is my "go to" nut that I use to super glue to the back. Clean the surfaces with acetone first. I soak the back/nut portion in acetone to dissolve the glue after the back is removed.

 

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JimInOz

·May 30, 2025·Melbourne Australia

I just remembered.
I didn't use a hex nut, I used a bolt with the head flatenned out on a course wet&dry sheet.

https://omegaforums.net/posts/1504892/

JimInOz · May 10, 2020

Get a short bolt. Clean the head flat with wet and dry on a flat surface.
Clean the bolt and the watch case with isopropyl alcohol.
Bond the bolt to the case with a drop of superglue.
Allow to cure.
Use a spanner to remove the case.
Soak the caseback in acetone to remove the bolt.

Another time I used a flat square nut from something, had good surface area and also worked well.

 

S

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size11s

·May 30, 2025

The nut and superglue has worked for me too, with the addition of some low level heat, circa 100 degrees C, to soften a degraded gasket.

 

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ErichKeane

·May 30, 2025

If it is a consistent distance between sides, it should be easy enough to turn a socket for it out of aluminum. What is the distance between flats?

 

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JimInOz

·May 31, 2025·Melbourne Australia

ErichKeane

If it is a consistent distance between sides, it should be easy enough to turn a socket for it out of aluminum. What is the distance between flats?

Interested in the process to do that.
(not knocking it, just like to see how it's done).

 

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Passover

·May 31, 2025

dsio

That type of back is a really good candidate for the rubber ball method, it does the least amount of damage when they're really stuck too

https://www.ebay.com/itm/123622036748

Just ordered one, let's see! 😉

 

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