Taking the back off a watch can be tricky, especially if there are no visible notches or slots to pry it open. Watches come in all shapes and sizes, so the method to open the back will vary depending on the specific watch. Some common ways to remove a watch back without notches include using a knife, rubber ball, or watch press. With some patience and care, you can access the inner workings of most watches.
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Assessing the Watch Back
Before attempting to open a watch back, take a close look at the edges. Even if there are no visible notches, there may be small indentations or gaps that can aid in prying it open. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the perimeter of the back cover. Notice if there are any spots where you can slide a thin knife blade or probe into a gap. Very gently try inserting a knife at different points to test if there is any give. Go slowly and carefully to avoid scratching or gouging the watch case.
If the back is completely smooth, you will need to rely on other methods. Some watch backs pop open with pressure at a certain point, while others unthread by twisting in the counter-clockwise direction. Experiment applying even pressure around the perimeter of the back, concentrating on one area at a time. Listen and feel for any slight clicking or loosening that indicates how the back is secured.
Using a Ball to Open the Watch Back
A rubber ball can be an effective tool for popping open watch backs without visible notches. The goal is to create suction between the ball and back cover. Find a rubber ball about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, like a superball or racquetball. You want a ball made of soft rubber that can conform to the shape of the watch back.
Start by cleaning the watch back thoroughly to create a smooth surface for suction. Wipe it gently with a lint-free cloth. Then, press the ball firmly onto the center of the back cover. Twist slightly to make an airtight seal around the perimeter.
While maintaining pressure, softly twist the ball clockwise and counterclockwise. This gentle torsion should slowly pry the edge of the back cover up without damaging the watch. Remove the ball intermittently to check progress. Repeat the process, moving the ball around to different spots on the back. The suction and leverage from the rubber ball will eventually pop the back free.
Using a Watch Press
For tightly sealed watch backs, a watch press is the best tool for safely removing the cover. Watch presses have two round disks that sit above and below the watch. When you spin the handle, the disks slowly apply even pressure across the entire watch back. This distributed force pops the cover off without bending or distorting the case.
To use a watch press:
1. Place the watch face down on the lower disk, centered beneath the upper disk.
2. Insert a plastic watch movement holder over the crystal and dial to hold everything in place.
3. Position the upper disk on top of the watch back.
4. Turn the handle or screw clockwise slowly. Increase pressure gradually.
5. Keep turning until you hear a click and the back releases.
6. Carefully lift off the watch back.
Always use a plastic watch holder in the press to protect the crystal and movement. Apply only enough pressure to release the back cover. Overtightening can crack the crystal or damage sensitive watch parts.
Removing Watch Backs with Cut Notches
If there are small cut notches visible around the perimeter of the watch back, you can use them to pry open the cover. Notches provide access for a thin blade to penetrate between the case and back cover.
Start by selecting a thin, strong blade for the job. Watchmaker’s case knives work well. You can also use a very thin knife, awl, or probe. Insert the tip of the blade into a notch gap and gently rotate to wedge the back slightly open.
Slowly work your way around the perimeter, inserting the blade into different notches to lift the cover up incrementally. Apply upward pressure as you slice the blade through each notch in turn. Be cautious to avoid gouging or scratching the watch. After loosening all the edges, the back should pry off easily.
Loosening Thread-On Watch Backs
Some watch backs are secured by threaded edges that screw into grooves on the watch case. A threaded or fluted back can often be unscrewed by hand with the right technique. Wrap the watch in a soft cloth or paper towel to improve grip.
Gently grasp the cloth-wrapped watch in one hand. Place your thumb over the crystal to hold it steady. With your other hand, take hold of the cloth at the 6:00 position of the watch back. Apply light downward pressure with one hand while slowly rotating the back counterclockwise with your other hand.
Increase the downward pressure slightly while continually turning counterclockwise. The added traction provided by the cloth allows you to unthread the back by applying torque in the proper direction. Keep rotating until the threads disengage and the back pops free.
Opening Snap-Off Watch Backs
Vintage and antique pocket watches often have hinged backs secured by a single snap fastener. This type of back pops open with the right amount of pressure applied opposite the hinge. Place the watch on a soft, padded surface to avoid damage when the cover pops open.
Locate the hinge side of the snap back cover. Position your thumbs near the hinge and press down firmly. At the same time, put your index fingers on the opposite side of the case back and push up with equal force. The combined leverage should cause the cover to snap open along the hinge.
If needed, lightly tap the outer edge of the back hinge with a plastic mallet. Check that any inner metal clips are disengaged before attempting to lift the cover. With practice, you can perfect the push and lift technique to smoothly release snap-on watch backs.
Tips for Removing Stubborn Watch Backs
– Soak in warm soapy water to loosen threads and gaskets
– Try alternating hot and cold temperatures to contract/expand the metal
– Tap edges with a plastic mallet to break the cover free
– Place on a clean, hard surface and press straight down
– Push the metal around notches inward to release pressure
– Add a few drops of lubricant like WD-40 around the edges
Conclusion
While intimidating at first, with some clever techniques you can successfully open watch backs without visible notches or slots. Rubber balls, watch presses, case knives, and managed brute force can all be effective ways to safely pop covers loose. Just remember to take it slowly and ensure the watch is properly supported throughout the process. With the right tools and methods, you’ll gain access to the inner workings of watches in no time.