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  1. timoss May 4, 2019

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    Hi, all— I want to send away for an extract. Should I open the back myself to read the serial number (I have the proper tool)? How difficult is it to mess something up? I have never done it before but I am very mechanically experienced in other realms...

    Thanks in advance for the advice!
     
  2. Observer I know nothing! May 4, 2019

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    If you have to ask...
     
  3. 77deluxe May 4, 2019

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    If you have the proper tool go for it. However, if it is very difficult to unscrew, you may want to take it to a watchmaker as opposed to trying to force it open.
     
    Mark020 likes this.
  4. Shabbaz May 4, 2019

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    One slip and....
     
    Toishome and 77deluxe like this.
  5. 77deluxe May 4, 2019

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    ....there is a scratch on the case back. Not catostrophic depending on the speedy and size and depth of the scratch. If it’s not a particularly collectible speedmaster, you don’t mind a possible scratch that nobody can see while the watch is worn or you don’t plan on ever selling the watch, I say go for it.
     
  6. seber May 4, 2019

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    Be sure to clean the case first and then brush out the threads after you crack it loose. I also unscrew the back upside down so any dirt dislodged will fall out and not into the movement.
     
    felsby, DaveK and 77deluxe like this.
  7. Observer I know nothing! May 4, 2019

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    You might want to check with local watchmakers. The AD I go to has never charged me anything just for opening a case and closing it again. He'd rather make money on a service or by selling me the Rolex Explorer 1 that keeps calling to me.
     
  8. wsfarrell May 4, 2019

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  9. Dan S May 4, 2019

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    Do you have a case-holder? IMO, the hardest part of opening a case back is holding the watch properly.

    71c4untFDQL._UX679_.jpg
     
    Mark020, MCC, BenBagbag and 6 others like this.
  10. ext1 May 4, 2019

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    Can’t recommend @Pahawi ‘s opener any higher. Alongside the Bergeon spring bar tool, I would say hands down the best $ I have spent on the watch world so far.
     
    gemini4, bjhove, Pahawi and 1 other person like this.
  11. timoss May 4, 2019

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    No! I don’t. I can see how that would be very, very helpful. Thx.
     
  12. timoss May 4, 2019

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    Lol. True. But you have to start somewhere...
     
    michael22, Als 27 and Observer like this.
  13. Observer I know nothing! May 4, 2019

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    like a TImex ;)
     
  14. timoss May 4, 2019

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  15. simonsays May 4, 2019

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    Risto likes this.
  16. simonsays May 4, 2019

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    Er no, just no. And who would risk scratching a min $2-$3000 watch because its not that special. There is some poor judgement/advice in this thread.
     
    BenBagbag and madjestikmoose like this.
  17. Dr. Arnaud May 4, 2019

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    I wouldn't do it, but if you decide to go for it, put to some tape wherever you can in order to protect the case.
     
  18. wsfarrell May 4, 2019

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    For non-Speedmasters, I'd recommend the Kong dog toy in medium. Works much better than a ball for me.

    kong.jpg
     
    Toishome likes this.
  19. BatDad May 4, 2019

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    To me it’s all about the skill needed to do this - even with @Pahawi’s tool you have to be relatively confident t with it, no?

    My experience is that some older watches are stinkers to open, some really easily. If your first attempt is the former.... your watch may not escape unscathed.

    If you’re not planning on doing this often - I’d suggest watchmaker.
     
  20. bazamu wincer, not a bidder May 4, 2019

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    Spend $10 on Amazon and get the case holder (shown above) and a friction ball (a tacky rubber ball). apply a bit of pressure and it'll unscrew with no marks or issues.