Tip: if you don't have a metal watch case opener - or even if you do - a safe and effective alternative is to use a plastic guitar pick, which is softer than the metal so it doesn't scratch and which generates enough leverage to pop open most cases.
I have 50 dollars watches and this doesn't work at all the back plate is so tight I had to basically hammer a flad head screw driver under the lip and the pressure needed to pop the back off was digging the flat head into the metal of the watch.
0:48 "Be careful not to let the blade slip, because it might scratch the watch case or otherwise damage it or the movement inside." Priorities, priorities. A little scratch on the outside/back of the watch case is not okay; a severed thumb, however, is perfectly fine.
I gave my tissot to the authorized tissot service center watchmaker slipped 3 times scratching the cap every time in the process, dug up a large portion of the metal from the case too clearly cared more about his fingers than my property
"If you cannot close the back by pressing it on yourself, you will need additional tools". Said so calmly, yet you can just imagine the frustration. So close, yet so far
Rammed a knife into my hand repeatedly, trying to pry the back off. Luckily wore a glove after the second attempt. Realized I bought the wrong battery. Bought the right battery today, replaced it, watch is ticking and yeah, guess what, no watch press, so I guess I'll have to find something else now. Edit: Ok, nevermind, I literally just took a big hammer and applied pressure evenly and it worked.
Totally agreed…. Video is totally uselless, not gonna talk about the case if you dont have this knife, you get into trouble trying to do the same thing with some other kinds of knives and potentially get hurt…….
Tried EVERY flathead screwdriver in the house. Then watched your vid and used an utterly blunt "butter knife" so I wouldn't cut my hand (as others have!) 2 seconds; done👍🏼😜 Thank you so much for the pro tip.
I read this comment aloud to my husband and he goes "two seconds, scratched." One more try later and the back popped off. He looked at me and said "put a thumbs up on that comment" lol! Thanks for the advice!
My watch is totally flat on the back and does not have a little notch like yours does where you put the knife in. I cannot for the lift of me figure out how to change the battery. So maddening! I'd be so grateful for any suggestions you may have. Thanks!
jovicrazed Not all watches open from the back. Sometimes there is a special opener required. Read more here blog.esslinger.com/how-to-open-a-watch-back/
Wie öffne ich den Sprungdeckel, wenn keine Nase/Kerbe vorhanden ist? Mit einem Messer oder Uhrenöffner beschädigt man den Deckel und das Gehäuse. Z.B. habe ich das Problem bei meiner Tissot PRX Quarz. Bin ich zu ängstlich?
Very nice, thank you! Btw, if you are going to replace the battery, remember that Alkaline (LRxxx) is WORSER than Silveroxid (SRxxx, better - more straight current, more capacity), and Silveroxid is WORSER than Quicksilveroxid(even more capacity).
I cannot even get to step one as I have been all round it with my penknife and there definitely does NOT seem to be any kind of lever or snap back or anything. It is just totally smooth all round and won't prize open but I am sick of taking it down to the local shop to get the battery replaced. Anyway thanks for the video. I need one on how to find the snapback now! I have a spot light on it and my reading glasses on but even so and despite going right around the watch I cannot find it.
I have just found this again 4 year later in opening the same one! This time I had a go with my pen knife before seeing my own post above, and there is no notch or place of any kind to put the knife under BUT you can still snap it off by pushing the knife into any place around the side.
Keep pressing at it very hard it will go in, but don’t squeeze too hard on the glass of the watch on the other side as may break, get someone stronger to do it if you still can’t doubt you actually need other tools
I just used a technique to use my bare hands to close a watch back that probably required a watch press, I laid a cloth down on the table, placed the watch on it, glass down flat, placed by hand in the strap and held onto it as I used the side of my hand to basically slowly hammer-fist the back into the slot. Took a lot of force but eventually it worked! Only recommend doing this if you REALLY can’t be bothered to find a watch press or other tools to help you.
I have 2 watches with snap off backs but neither have indents that I can find. I have tried most things to pry off the backs but cannot get them apart.both good watches so do not want to damage the front glass nor throw them away.
I was able to pry the snap-off back off of my Timex Indiglo wristwatch for the first time tonight, with the tip of a blade in a utility knife. This can be dangerous though, as this very thin razor sharp blade can break or cause cuts, if it isn't handled carefully.
Tip for anyone who's struggling to open a watch with a case knife - wriggle the blade into the groove then tap/hit the back of the blade with a heavy spanner or a hammer. Because the blade is tapered it pushes it open without a prying motion. It worked for me anyhow.
I found that using a flexible rubber jar opening pad was very helpful in keeping my fingers attached to my hand. When (not if) the blade slipped, I had that layer of protection. It was not easy to get off!
Mine didn't have a lip and I opened it without difficulty. Here is what I did: The kind of knife in the video seemed too dangerous, so I used my ever-versatile Tajima utility knife (which is just an extendable razor blade) to slowly and gradually work the tip underneath the surface, moving around the circle of the watch plate, until the tip of the razor could begin to slide underneath the watch plate. Once here, I began to slowly rotate the blade while it was under the watch plate, to pry the watch cover off. Performing this prying slowly, I rotated around the watch cover backing, so as not to break the razor, and continued going in a circle until the plate was sufficiently loosened and came up and off. This technique may take more time than the official technique portrayed in this video, but it seems to me better, because there's much less chance of hurting yourself or the watch plate, especially if you do it slowly without exerting too much pressure and keeping your fingers clear of the razor in case it slips.
Brilliant - many thanks!! I'd just about given up as my watch didn't have a notch, either. This did the trick. I haven't seen this recommended anywhere else. I proceeded with extreme caution, protected my hand and wore glasses.
My snap off back is very tight and the lip is extremely tiny. Will a generic watch bench knife (cheaply sold online) or other generic tool (screwdriver) make it? What can go wrong?
TechWithBrede I used a pair of pliers and wrapped the watch with a microfiber towel prior to using the pliers so that the watch face and back didn't get damaged. Worked like a champ!
I have replaced the backplate of my Skagen watch and a few others many times with this method which only requires a ~25 cm long wooden dowel with a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the backplate. The dowel must have a least one end which is cleanly cut a t 90° angle. (A furniture leg works great for this purpose.) 1. On a sturdy and stable surface such as a desk or work table, lay the watch face-down on a smooth piece of microfiber cloth, with the watch band out of the way. 2. Set the 90° end of the dowel flat and centered on the backplate, and push straight down, with even pressure across the width of the backplate until it snaps into place. I usually stand up so that I can employ my full body weight (70 kg) to the task. The goal here is to keep the dowel perpendicular to the backplate while you exert the downward pressure. Works every time for me.
If the indentation is scarred can it still be opened? I don't see an indentation really but there are some scratches that could have been the indentation please help
Yes it can but seeing scratches does not mean that the watch opens from the back. Not all watches open from the back. Sometimes there is a special opener required. Read more here blog.esslinger.com/how-to-open-a-watch-back/
To get the back on again: a genius commented on another video and said to just use a prescription pill bottle.. I tried it, it worked instantly. I just put a cloth underneath for cushion and a microfiber cloth between the bottle and back of the watch. I barley had to apply any pressure compared to using my hands. (worked for women's fossil watch)
It may be a different type of watch back design. Some even open through the front. Use a magnifier and inspect carefully. You may need to consult a watchmaker.
when i was trying to replace the battery the hands came off. do you know how can i fix the hands back? i think i'll have to remove the front glass? pls help
+Esslinger.com many thanks for quick reply. but i can't seem to take out the movement and front panel to access the hands. pls have a look at the pics and let me know if you know how to fix it (it's my gfs watch). dl2.pushbulletusercontent.com/ZXmKqzuuQ8R7Cq7NlItvyk1Q4yO6tmSa/IMAG2023.jpg dl2.pushbulletusercontent.com/GiGV000oJWncGKawWFDAKvV8SzvaDQrb/IMAG2024.jpg
+Sameendra Samarawickrama It appears that the bezel (front of watch) must be removed to have access for the repair. Many times there is a small indent showing where you can insert a watchmakers knife and pry the bezel off.
It worked for me. I didn't have a knife at my office so I used a boxcutter. I put a stapler on the watch to hold it down so that if the cutter slipped I would still have my fingers. All good.
I'm guessing my watch is a snap off since there's no slots for a wrench but, idk it has a shape similar to a hexagon and there isnt an opening for my knife, and my knife's too thick to fit in between the small area the back meets the case so idk what to do...anyone know how to open the hexagon shaped casebacks?
Easier and safer to use a jeweler's screwdriver to open the back. Also, if you press on the center of the back when closing it, it can make the metal spread out and make it harder to close by hand. If that happens, push the center back into shape from the other side, and then it should be easier to put the back on by hand.
Thanks. Worked perfectly for me. I used an X-Acto knife and was very careful, knowing it could slip and go right into my thumb or the blade could break off. I worked it underneath the lip of the back with a sawing motion and gentle but firm pressure. This is harder than it sounds, because you have to hold the watch from it's sides and NOT be resting a finger against the back (which you are trying to move in the opposite direction). But it worked. I'm sorry if this video didn't work for some people but they didn't have to embarrass themselves with churlish, grade-school comments. Why don't they get off their duff, figure out a solution and post it on UA-cam themselves?
1. Pry off the back of the case with surprising ease. 2. Exclaim "Lord, that was easy!" 3. Change battery. 4. Press back on to case again. 5. Check for spaces around the sides. 6. Swear. 7. Press back on again and again, swearing each time. 8. Put the heel of your left hand against the watch case. 9. Break your left hand with your right fist as you bash and bash and bash. 10. Scream "fuuuuuuck!" and jump on the watch again and again until you slip on the carpet and bash your head. 11. Gnaw on the NATO strap in a foaming rage until the ambulance arrives.
I used a permanent Sharpie marker to make a tiny mark on the back of the watch where the 2 parts line-up so that I could line them up to close the back after I replaced the battery. The mark wont show from the front when you wear the watch, and it will help the next time you want to replace the battery again. Then I dropped the battery and it bounced under the kitchen stove out of reach. So much for that! 🙄
No press or special tool needed to snap cover back on. Use a prescription bottle about the same size as the cover, place cloth on table with glass side in cloth and cover side facing up. Make sure cover is evenly center, use pill bottle to snap cover back on. That easy.
So how do you close wrist watch without case closer?:D For some watches it's almost impossible with just hands. I succeeded few times but this last time, I really have bad time with my watch.:D
@@matyastank You have probably figured this out since, but there may be notched areas inside the backplate to match the case or pins (for setting the watch, chrono, etc).
I have the right knife but it wont come off. All i do is put horrible scratches in the case back. The case back has no notch and there is just no space to wedge in a very sharp case knife. Its been off before at watch shops to change the battery, how did they do it? I see evidence of their scratches too. Im so frustrated, this should be simple.
Io invece di usare un coltello ho usato un cacciavite molto piccolo e con un po' di pazienza sono riuscita a sostituire la batteria. Grazie per questo video
Mine is a lady's Citizen snap-off but the face and back are so small there is no way to get ANY kind of knife blade into the small notched area. Even the notched area is so shallow none of my knives or anything else is able to fit in the area. What do I do now? Any hacks? I need to be careful it's an expensive, womens', gold watch.
+ZIGGIEPRODUCTIONS1 Care must be taken not to put pressure on the glass but there is a watch press (that uses extreme pressure) that can help put the back on if you cannot attach it with your hands here; ua-cam.com/video/fNNoXImwC9g/v-deo.html
To all the morons complaining you weren't warned to be careful of your fingers. If you need to be warned that knives are sharp, just pay someone to do this instead!
Taking the back cover off is easy (with a decent pry-tool) Putting the cover back on was not a snap for my Bulova, it would not go back on. Once the cover is off, the user may be forced to buy the watch press advertised in this video to get the snap cover back on, or take it to a watch repair place as I will do. No more Bulova watches for me.
Use a blunt knife to open the case. A paper cutting knife or a similar object which can fit in the wedge. We are not experts so think about our safety first. If possible wear safety glasses as well. You never know what's inside and may spring in your eyes God bless 🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹
Tip: if you don't have a metal watch case opener - or even if you do - a safe and effective alternative is to use a plastic guitar pick, which is softer than the metal so it doesn't scratch and which generates enough leverage to pop open most cases.
thank you so much omg
Pro tip. Throwing a few picks into my watch kit. Thanks!
Thank you!
I did it with my nail in 5 seconds
I have 50 dollars watches and this doesn't work at all the back plate is so tight I had to basically hammer a flad head screw driver under the lip and the pressure needed to pop the back off was digging the flat head into the metal of the watch.
0:48 "Be careful not to let the blade slip, because it might scratch the watch case or otherwise damage it or the movement inside."
Priorities, priorities. A little scratch on the outside/back of the watch case is not okay; a severed thumb, however, is perfectly fine.
'Tis but a scratch..
I gave my tissot to the authorized tissot service center
watchmaker slipped 3 times scratching the cap every time in the process, dug up a large portion of the metal from the case too
clearly cared more about his fingers than my property
@@spicydiarrhea5662 😡
@@michael5089 my tip is, do repairs yourself - no one will care about your property better than you.
@@spicydiarrhea5662 Indeed Spicy
Great advice 👍👍
0:49 or maybe instead of only caring about the watch maybe care about your fingers
"If you cannot close the back by pressing it on yourself, you will need additional tools". Said so calmly, yet you can just imagine the frustration. So close, yet so far
Rammed a knife into my hand repeatedly, trying to pry the back off. Luckily wore a glove after the second attempt.
Realized I bought the wrong battery.
Bought the right battery today, replaced it, watch is ticking and yeah, guess what, no watch press, so I guess I'll have to find something else now.
Edit: Ok, nevermind, I literally just took a big hammer and applied pressure evenly and it worked.
hell to open; hell to close
Exactly 🤣
Totally agreed…. Video is totally uselless, not gonna talk about the case if you dont have this knife, you get into trouble trying to do the same thing with some other kinds of knives and potentially get hurt…….
easy! just take a hammer and you know what to do
worry about consequences later
Thank you kind sir. I was able to replace the battery of my great grandfather’s watch with this video. I appreciate you
The massive dopamine rush when you open the watch. And the abrupt end of the rush when you find out you don't have the battery 😅
Tried EVERY flathead screwdriver in the house. Then watched your vid and used an utterly blunt "butter knife" so I wouldn't cut my hand (as others have!) 2 seconds; done👍🏼😜 Thank you so much for the pro tip.
I read this comment aloud to my husband and he goes "two seconds, scratched." One more try later and the back popped off. He looked at me and said "put a thumbs up on that comment" lol! Thanks for the advice!
@@annetawney2408 Yay👍🏼👏🏼 I actually helped when offering advice...wait till I read out loud to my wife 😆😉
My watch is totally flat on the back and does not have a little notch like yours does where you put the knife in. I cannot for the lift of me figure out how to change the battery. So maddening! I'd be so grateful for any suggestions you may have. Thanks!
jovicrazed Not all watches open from the back. Sometimes there is a special opener required. Read more here blog.esslinger.com/how-to-open-a-watch-back/
Esslinger.com Thanks so much for answering so quickly! I'm going to take it in to a watch repair shop as I don't want to end up damaging it.
Used a knife...took my time...I pryed the back off with minimal pressure! no blood drawn! Thank you!
Be sure to keep the knife away from you throat.
We had a bunch of trouble but all you have to do is push the knife/tool in further. We used a small skewdriver
I took a knife and did the same but then i cut my thumb and all my blood is on the Floor thanks for the warming though 😂
jackie visser file lawsuit is possible.
huanuoya
You can't file a lawsuit because there are no official instructions showing how to open up the lid.
Thanks I did. It 😀
case knives are not sharp. If you used another knife, that is on you
As long as you do not get too much blood into the movement.
I tried till my fingers and hands are sore and it doesn't move a micron.
Decided to throw it away.
Peep smart
Wie öffne ich den Sprungdeckel, wenn keine Nase/Kerbe vorhanden ist? Mit einem Messer oder Uhrenöffner beschädigt man den Deckel und das Gehäuse. Z.B. habe ich das Problem bei meiner Tissot PRX Quarz. Bin ich zu ängstlich?
Very nice, thank you! Btw, if you are going to replace the battery, remember that Alkaline (LRxxx) is WORSER than Silveroxid (SRxxx, better - more straight current, more capacity), and Silveroxid is WORSER than Quicksilveroxid(even more capacity).
*Worse** =D
I cannot even get to step one as I have been all round it with my penknife and there definitely does NOT seem to be any kind of lever or snap back or anything. It is just totally smooth all round and won't prize open but I am sick of taking it down to the local shop to get the battery replaced. Anyway thanks for the video.
I need one on how to find the snapback now! I have a spot light on it and my reading glasses on but even so and despite going right around the watch I cannot find it.
your casebook might be a screw type and not snap back. So you need to unscrew it (turn it) to unlock it.
Sometimes there is a tiny arrow on the back pointing to the pry spot
I have just found this again 4 year later in opening the same one! This time I had a go with my pen knife before seeing my own post above, and there is no notch or place of any kind to put the knife under BUT you can still snap it off by pushing the knife into any place around the side.
Wear it proud Piper, You did it! Thanks for watching.
Keep pressing at it very hard it will go in, but don’t squeeze too hard on the glass of the watch on the other side as may break, get someone stronger to do it if you still can’t doubt you actually need other tools
I used a small jewelers flat tip screwdriver, about the size you would use to tighten eyeglass frame screws, to pry off the back. Worked just fine
Good to hear. Could I ask; What was the problem with it?
you guys saved my life my watch stopped working cuz it fell in water and I was so scared but it's fixed now and I spent 0 dollars thank uuu
I just used a technique to use my bare hands to close a watch back that probably required a watch press, I laid a cloth down on the table, placed the watch on it, glass down flat, placed by hand in the strap and held onto it as I used the side of my hand to basically slowly hammer-fist the back into the slot. Took a lot of force but eventually it worked! Only recommend doing this if you REALLY can’t be bothered to find a watch press or other tools to help you.
I absoultely LOVE UA-cam. It's my go to for everything!
Worked great! Thank you for posting this video! You just saved me a ton of money at the jewelers.
I miss when UA-cam had only these type of videos.
i am about to visit asslinger website but it is not related to this video?
I think my watch has a snap off back, but I can’t find a lip to pry the back off, any tips of how to get it off?
I have 2 watches with snap off backs but neither have indents that I can find. I have tried most things to pry off the backs but cannot get them apart.both good watches so do not want to damage the front glass nor throw them away.
These things are nightmares. Screw down only from now on.
I was able to pry the snap-off back off of my Timex Indiglo wristwatch for the first time tonight, with the tip of a blade in a utility knife. This can be dangerous though, as this very thin razor sharp blade can break or cause cuts, if it isn't handled carefully.
Tip for anyone who's struggling to open a watch with a case knife - wriggle the blade into the groove then tap/hit the back of the blade with a heavy spanner or a hammer. Because the blade is tapered it pushes it open without a prying motion. It worked for me anyhow.
But that might damage the insides and ruin the watch
I am struggling to close it lol
Trying to do tumbs up but now my half tumb is on the floor. But the watch is unscratched and the new battery is in place! Success!
I found that using a flexible rubber jar opening pad was very helpful in keeping my fingers attached to my hand. When (not if) the blade slipped, I had that layer of protection. It was not easy to get off!
Wish I'd known that before I severed mine
Thank you very much, after watching this video I was able to replace the battery myself in under 2 minutes
My hands and fingers are sore but it still worked (after 20 minutes of trying)
Thanks for the video.
Mine didn't have a lip and I opened it without difficulty. Here is what I did:
The kind of knife in the video seemed too dangerous, so I used my ever-versatile Tajima utility knife (which is just an extendable razor blade) to slowly and gradually work the tip underneath the surface, moving around the circle of the watch plate, until the tip of the razor could begin to slide underneath the watch plate. Once here, I began to slowly rotate the blade while it was under the watch plate, to pry the watch cover off. Performing this prying slowly, I rotated around the watch cover backing, so as not to break the razor, and continued going in a circle until the plate was sufficiently loosened and came up and off.
This technique may take more time than the official technique portrayed in this video, but it seems to me better, because there's much less chance of hurting yourself or the watch plate, especially if you do it slowly without exerting too much pressure and keeping your fingers clear of the razor in case it slips.
Brilliant - many thanks!! I'd just about given up as my watch didn't have a notch, either. This did the trick. I haven't seen this recommended anywhere else. I proceeded with extreme caution, protected my hand and wore glasses.
@@222Gai My sentiments exactly
My snap off back is very tight and the lip is extremely tiny. Will a generic watch bench knife (cheaply sold online) or other generic tool (screwdriver) make it? What can go wrong?
My backplate wont go in again, and I dont have any watchpress😖
TechWithBrede I used a pair of pliers and wrapped the watch with a microfiber towel prior to using the pliers so that the watch face and back didn't get damaged. Worked like a champ!
Mike Baca that's really clever. Thank you for this idea!
I have replaced the backplate of my Skagen watch and a few others many times with this method which only requires a ~25 cm long wooden dowel with a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the backplate. The dowel must have a least one end which is cleanly cut a t 90° angle. (A furniture leg works great for this purpose.)
1. On a sturdy and stable surface such as a desk or work table, lay the watch face-down on a smooth piece of microfiber cloth, with the watch band out of the way.
2. Set the 90° end of the dowel flat and centered on the backplate, and push straight down, with even pressure across the width of the backplate until it snaps into place. I usually stand up so that I can employ my full body weight (70 kg) to the task. The goal here is to keep the dowel perpendicular to the backplate while you exert the downward pressure.
Works every time for me.
What battery do I get
If the indentation is scarred can it still be opened? I don't see an indentation really but there are some scratches that could have been the indentation please help
Yes it can but seeing scratches does not mean that the watch opens from the back. Not all watches open from the back. Sometimes there is a special opener required. Read more here blog.esslinger.com/how-to-open-a-watch-back/
Can you make a tutorial for how to make it stay on when you've severed your fingers off
Watch companies have got to make this easier.
I had a hard time opening it with a oyster opener, but it worked with a little bit of effort.
This saved me some money, thank you dudes
To get the back on again: a genius commented on another video and said to just use a prescription pill bottle.. I tried it, it worked instantly. I just put a cloth underneath for cushion and a microfiber cloth between the bottle and back of the watch. I barley had to apply any pressure compared to using my hands. (worked for women's fossil watch)
Excellent idea, works perfectly 👍
If you can’t close it take the handle of w wooden spatula and lay across the back of the watch so it’s an even press and just apply body weight
very helpful, thank you
I can't find the indention on my watch. Is it possible to not have one and still take the back off?
It may be a different type of watch back design. Some even open through the front. Use a magnifier and inspect carefully. You may need to consult a watchmaker.
I have a Cortese Torino C16002 but there is no way to open the back.
I cant put it on again!! And i dont want to buy the machine, help!!
Don't do it yourself
Is this a Mens or Womens watch looks very similar to the Mens Tiffany Portfolio
when i was trying to replace the battery the hands came off. do you know how can i fix the hands back? i think i'll have to remove the front glass? pls help
+Sameendra Samarawickrama We have an article on this: blog.esslinger.com/replacing-watch-hands/
+Esslinger.com many thanks for quick reply. but i can't seem to take out the movement and front panel to access the hands. pls have a look at the pics and let me know if you know how to fix it (it's my gfs watch).
dl2.pushbulletusercontent.com/ZXmKqzuuQ8R7Cq7NlItvyk1Q4yO6tmSa/IMAG2023.jpg
dl2.pushbulletusercontent.com/GiGV000oJWncGKawWFDAKvV8SzvaDQrb/IMAG2024.jpg
+Sameendra Samarawickrama It appears that the bezel (front of watch) must be removed to have access for the repair. Many times there is a small indent showing where you can insert a watchmakers knife and pry the bezel off.
+Esslinger.com ill give a try tomo and get back to you. thanks and you're amazing!
Great, straight to the point, no special equipment just thi gs lying around the house, thank you l
my second hand fell off of my watch any tutorials on how to replace it? it-s just a simple timex battery watch.......
can you tell me where to find a cheap presser for the back of the watch plese?
thank ya
We have watchmaker tools and the press on our website (listed in the description above) Thank you!
how much money?
thanks
Thanks, you just saved my watch! Your video helped!
why do you line up notch with the crown?
+s m This will prevent the back from touching or damaging the stem (see our other videos on replacing a stem)
You can use the small screwdriver that come with your home sewing machine or your eyeglass repair kit if you have one.
How to arrange hands in watch
How to change stem of watch
instruction unclear accidentally cut my watch in half
I am sorry
Perfect, now I want to know how to remove the movement.
Japan movt back lid is impossible to remove. Just gave up.
This saved my time...
Replaced old battery
Thanks sir
It worked for me. I didn't have a knife at my office so I used a boxcutter. I put a stapler on the watch to hold it down so that if the cutter slipped I would still have my fingers. All good.
I'm guessing my watch is a snap off since there's no slots for a wrench but, idk it has a shape similar to a hexagon and there isnt an opening for my knife, and my knife's too thick to fit in between the small area the back meets the case so idk what to do...anyone know how to open the hexagon shaped casebacks?
Easier and safer to use a jeweler's screwdriver to open the back.
Also, if you press on the center of the back when closing it, it can make the metal spread out and make it harder to close by hand. If that happens, push the center back into shape from the other side, and then it should be easier to put the back on by hand.
Hi
Thanks. Worked perfectly for me. I used an X-Acto knife and was very careful, knowing it could slip and go right into my thumb or the blade could break off. I worked it underneath the lip of the back with a sawing motion and gentle but firm pressure. This is harder than it sounds, because you have to hold the watch from it's sides and NOT be resting a finger against the back (which you are trying to move in the opposite direction). But it worked. I'm sorry if this video didn't work for some people but they didn't have to embarrass themselves with churlish, grade-school comments. Why don't they get off their duff, figure out a solution and post it on UA-cam themselves?
1. Pry off the back of the case with surprising ease.
2. Exclaim "Lord, that was easy!"
3. Change battery.
4. Press back on to case again.
5. Check for spaces around the sides.
6. Swear.
7. Press back on again and again, swearing each time.
8. Put the heel of your left hand against the watch case.
9. Break your left hand with your right fist as you bash and bash and bash.
10. Scream "fuuuuuuck!" and jump on the watch again and again until you slip on the carpet and bash your head.
11. Gnaw on the NATO strap in a foaming rage until the ambulance arrives.
I have a knife but the lid still won't open?
My case doesn't easily come off. I was able to do it last time, but this time, I am still struggling.
Make sure the knife is very sharp so its easier to open, but double check to not damage your fingers
I couldn't remove the snap on back of my watch. After watching this video, I found a similar knife and it promptly removed it. Thank you.!
It doesn't have to be the thinnest blade to get it open, I had to try various kitchen cutlery until it popped open
I used a permanent Sharpie marker to make a tiny mark on the back of the watch where the 2 parts line-up so that I could line them up to close the back after I replaced the battery. The mark wont show from the front when you wear the watch, and it will help the next time you want to replace the battery again. Then I dropped the battery and it bounced under the kitchen stove out of reach. So much for that! 🙄
No press or special tool needed to snap cover back on. Use a prescription bottle about the same size as the cover, place cloth on table with glass side in cloth and cover side facing up. Make sure cover is evenly center, use pill bottle to snap cover back on. That easy.
This worked for me : )
Very neat trick. I used towel and a small bottle - worked just fine.
how to remove a water in watch? ASAP
Cannot get backs off 2 watches. Tried most techniques but failed miserably
And yet again, UA-cam saves the day
Once again, Power is the answer. 💪🏽
So how do you close wrist watch without case closer?:D
For some watches it's almost impossible with just hands.
I succeeded few times but this last time, I really have bad time with my watch.:D
We have an article [on our Esslinger website] with step by step instructions on replacing watch backs without using any tools. Thanks for watching!
Cant put the cover back on!
Same here
@@matyastank You have probably figured this out since, but there may be notched areas inside the backplate to match the case or pins (for setting the watch, chrono, etc).
Dave Parsley jsjd
Oh, but there's a link here..... Silly AF( not you, the video)
I have the right knife but it wont come off. All i do is put horrible scratches in the case back. The case back has no notch and there is just no space to wedge in a very sharp case knife. Its been off before at watch shops to change the battery, how did they do it? I see evidence of their scratches too. Im so frustrated, this should be simple.
wow this was easier than I thought it'd be. Last time I tried, I cut my hand badly because I hadn't seen this video. Thank you for sharing :)
what if you dont have a bench knife
Thanks for the upload!
Io invece di usare un coltello ho usato un cacciavite molto piccolo e con un po' di pazienza sono riuscita a sostituire la batteria.
Grazie per questo video
Tip did not work to replace the I’ve tried all of the tips that you guys have said on UA-cam and none of them work
Mine is a lady's Citizen snap-off but the face and back are so small there is no way to get ANY kind of knife blade into the small notched area. Even the notched area is so shallow none of my knives or anything else is able to fit in the area. What do I do now? Any hacks? I need to be careful it's an expensive, womens', gold watch.
I have a super cheap watch and the back is not coming off and i've used serious force, i've even bend my victorinox swiss army knife with it
Nancy, We have another video on putting the back on again (search our channel) its a popular video because that can be a tricky process.
Thank you for the video, I cannot close the back, and I was afraid, I must make it with the machne, but thanks for the video, I did it myself.
I have a realy nice curved glass watch and cant get the back cover on
+ZIGGIEPRODUCTIONS1 Care must be taken not to put pressure on the glass but there is a watch press (that uses extreme pressure) that can help put the back on if you cannot attach it with your hands here; ua-cam.com/video/fNNoXImwC9g/v-deo.html
Excellent to the point video. Thanks a bunch.
To all the morons complaining you weren't warned to be careful of your fingers.
If you need to be warned that knives are sharp, just pay someone to do this instead!
What if my cheap watch doesn't have slot to open it
This helped me not lose my mind thank so so so so so much
Worked for me, thanks. But I love the other people's snarky comments too.
Taking the back cover off is easy (with a decent pry-tool) Putting the cover back on was not a snap for my Bulova, it would not go back on. Once the cover is off, the user may be forced to buy the watch press advertised in this video to get the snap cover back on, or take it to a watch repair place as I will do. No more Bulova watches for me.
Great tutorial, helped me
Use a blunt knife to open the case. A paper cutting knife or a similar object which can fit in the wedge. We are not experts so think about our safety first. If possible wear safety glasses as well. You never know what's inside and may spring in your eyes
God bless
🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹
I have an omega that is only 5mm thick with the back less than 1mm thick. That blade you are using would be far too thick to open it.
We have watch back openers with different blade size available @esslinger.com
Success! Thanks for this video and your helpful hints!