Seeking some advice on the best tools and most effective means for removing the back from a watch case. Are there any tricks or techniques that are helpful to watch owners wishing to become more adept at peeking inside watches with snap-back cases? Tools are offered for the purpose but which is the most universally suitable? What tools do you find yourself using most often?

The snap-back case loom large in my mind as a hurdle to overcome. On occasion I have successfully opened some of my watches but the process seems pretty brutal to me. All I’ve ever used is a small knife blade. If a case back is the least bit uncooperative I quit. Perhaps I’m being too tentative but the thought of adding gouges or scratches is loathsome. I would like to look inside the watches on occasion, in order to see movements, markings, serial numbers, and to take photographs.

Snap-backs are probably too basic to warrant a forum tutorial post as I’ve not discovered one. As a new watch has just arrived I’d be grateful for any advice.

 

Personally I always start with a single sided razor blade and then move on to a thin blade if required and then a case back knife. Often the razor blade and case back knife is all that is required.

 

@Alpha, no issues with the razor blade breaking? Seems like it would be very thin.

 

Use Gem style blades and as advised by @Archer, never try to pry or lever it off, let the blade do the work.

See here

https://omegaforums.net/threads/help-identifying-watch.6617/#post-77640

 

Sweet. I've got those. I'll try tonight and let you know how it goes. What could go wrong?

 

Don't pry hard with the razor. Just work it around to make a large enough gap to get a thicker blade. Sometimes it pops just with the razor. Sometimes not.

 

WRONG..........wrong wrong wrong!

Never use a hammer on a chisel, ALWAYS use the correct tool!

 

No problem in my experience, the razor blade is simply to remove the back to the thickness of the blade so no leverage.

 

Piece of 30lb braid fishing line or dental floss pulled tight and it will sit under the lip and then a case back blade. Works a treat every time

 

Goldberger uses a butter knife, remember that one?

 

Cheese knife Jim.
But he did wipe it on his sleeve first though, didn't want to get Fromage contamination in the movement

 

Just like Al would do it!

If I remember right, a nice watch to boot!

 

They were all nice ones.

Here's the video, it's worth watching again.

Courtesy of Hodinkee

 

I'm glad you are on top of your game, Jim, I have fuzzy memories and fuzzy realities,.....rum night!

 

I can relate to the "get a bigger hammer" method for opening up watches. That's why I'm reluctant to trust myself too far with opening them.

 

Or if you happen to an air compressor.

Haven't found a case I couldn't open.

 

Opening a whole new can of worms, remember some case backs can be a real sod to replace

 

Someone just told me that, Alpha. Seems a press is frequently employed to replace the back on the Omega I was wishing to open.

Thanks.

 

Or perhaps ...

"There are very few problems that cannot be solved through a suitable application of high explosives."