"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…….
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
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!
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 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 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!
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)
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/
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.
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?
The Lord led me to this amazing tutorial. Bulova waterproof watch backs are extremely difficult to even get the case off. This tutorial takes the very simple straightforward approach and Finally Glory Thanksgiving Honor Praise to God our Heavenly Father in King Jesus Holy Name start replacing All the Watches we Have with this simple easy to use visual spoken instruction.
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 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! 🙄
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 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.
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.
Great tip on the watch press. I didn’t have one so I used a C clamp that had plastic over the contact surfaces. It covered the glass completely to allow even pressure. Gently tightened it and the back snapped right on. Thanks for making and sharing this video.
C-clamp worked well for me on my Seconda watch. However, I used a socket (27mm) with the exact diameter of the watch back (from a socket wrench set) between the watch back and the clamp jaw so as to apply pressure on just the rim. A bit awkward to assemble and hold but back just snapped into place (listen for the click). Also, my watch had a tiny notch on the inside rim that had to be alligned with the winder, so watch out for that!
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.
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.
Helped massively, and pretty easy. Thanks for posting! (though I recommend to use the tip of the knife as for me it had a more secure grip on the little nook.)
why do they always make it looks so eseay almost 2 years trying to open the damn watch and i won't throw it away bc its a good watch great design and the only one i have.
Hi David, our website has step by step instructions on how to press the back on with your hands: Just Google search "How to close a snap off watch case back".
Thanks for uploading! I never had to open my watch back for anything before, so this really helped me make sure I don't accidently break something. (: Batteries are good as new now and I can wear my dad's watch again.
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
I made a serious mistake when I tried to use a razor instead of a knife. The razor tip broke and shot out luckily away from me. If it went into my eye... don't make the same mistake as I did.
To close my watch. I put the face on a carpeted floor. Then a quarter on the back. And then I put a chair leg on top of the quarter. I put all my weight on the chair and it snapped into place.
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.
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
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 😅
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.
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.
Thank you kind sir. I was able to replace the battery of my great grandfather’s watch with this video. I appreciate you
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 👍👍
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 😆😉
Wear it proud Piper, You did it! Thanks for watching.
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.
Worked great! Thank you for posting this video! You just saved me a ton of money at the jewelers.
These things are nightmares. Screw down only from now on.
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
My hands and fingers are sore but it still worked (after 20 minutes of trying)
Thanks for the video.
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
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 absoultely LOVE UA-cam. It's my go to for everything!
Thank you very much, after watching this video I was able to replace the battery myself in under 2 minutes
Great, straight to the point, no special equipment just thi gs lying around the house, thank you l
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
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 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.!
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
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
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 👍
I tried till my fingers and hands are sore and it doesn't move a micron.
Decided to throw it away.
Peep smart
I miss when UA-cam had only these type of videos.
Thanks, you just saved my watch! Your video helped!
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.
Excellent to the point video. Thanks a bunch.
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
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 :)
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?
Watch companies have got to make this easier.
You can use the small screwdriver that come with your home sewing machine or your eyeglass repair kit if you have one.
The Lord led me to this amazing tutorial.
Bulova waterproof watch backs are extremely difficult to even get the case off. This tutorial takes the very simple straightforward approach and Finally Glory Thanksgiving Honor Praise to God our Heavenly Father in King Jesus Holy Name start replacing All the Watches we Have with this simple easy to use visual spoken instruction.
Thanks for the upload!
Perfect, now I want to know how to remove the movement.
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.
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
Once again, Power is the answer. 💪🏽
This saved my time...
Replaced old battery
Thanks sir
instruction unclear accidentally cut my watch in half
I am sorry
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 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! 🙄
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
🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻🌹
Success! Thanks for this video and your helpful hints!
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.
Thanks:) I found the notch & replaced the battery. Also wore a glove on other hand in case knife slipped. 👍🙂
Thanks. Worked a treat.
Great tutorial, helped me
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.
This was excellent, thank you for the help!
Very useful video! I can't wait to wear my old clock again. I just need to change the battery first...
Thank you
Make sure the knife is very sharp so its easier to open, but double check to not damage your fingers
Thanks! Helpful.......took a couple of tries and came right off!
Good to hear. Could I ask; What was the problem with it?
Thank you ! Very useful
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.
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.
This helped me not lose my mind thank so so so so so much
Great tip on the watch press. I didn’t have one so I used a C clamp that had plastic over the contact surfaces. It covered the glass completely to allow even pressure. Gently tightened it and the back snapped right on. Thanks for making and sharing this video.
C-clamp worked well for me on my Seconda watch. However, I used a socket (27mm) with the exact diameter of the watch back (from a socket wrench set) between the watch back and the clamp jaw so as to apply pressure on just the rim. A bit awkward to assemble and hold but back just snapped into place (listen for the click). Also, my watch had a tiny notch on the inside rim that had to be alligned with the winder, so watch out for that!
Thanks for this tip
Work perfectly, thank goodness
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.
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.
Helped massively, and pretty easy. Thanks for posting! (though I recommend to use the tip of the knife as for me it had a more secure grip on the little nook.)
Thank you so much, this helps a lot!!
why do they always make it looks so eseay almost 2 years trying to open the damn watch and i won't throw it away bc its a good watch great design and the only one i have.
Perfectly worked
Worked for me, thanks. But I love the other people's snarky comments too.
Awesome! Thank you 😊
Thank you.
i am about to visit asslinger website but it is not related to this video?
Can you make a tutorial for how to make it stay on when you've severed your fingers off
And yet again, UA-cam saves the day
....THANK YOU, WORKED PERFECTLY!!!
man thanks for the vid, came in handy when i ran in to this kind of watch.
Hi David, our website has step by step instructions on how to press the back on with your hands: Just Google search "How to close a snap off watch case back".
Thanks for uploading! I never had to open my watch back for anything before, so this really helped me make sure I don't accidently break something. (: Batteries are good as new now and I can wear my dad's watch again.
thank you just thank you👏
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?
Thank you
Thank you
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
I made a serious mistake when I tried to use a razor instead of a knife. The razor tip broke and shot out luckily away from me. If it went into my eye... don't make the same mistake as I did.
Thank you Very much
To close my watch. I put the face on a carpeted floor. Then a quarter on the back. And then I put a chair leg on top of the quarter. I put all my weight on the chair and it snapped into place.
Reminder to myself: watch the whole video before open the watch, or you're going to end up with an unclosed watch
If you can't close the back after the repair, you can use simple plyers to force it on and you don't need to buy any expensive tools.
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
My case doesn't easily come off. I was able to do it last time, but this time, I am still struggling.
Thank you sir
Easy peasy!!! Thanks!!
wow it works. thanks alot
Thanks
Thanks
Thanks
Thanks
Thanks