Sofia Martinez
If you need to open a plastic watch case back, it's important to proceed with caution to avoid damaging the watch or its internal components. While it is possible to open a watch case back without specialised tools, it is recommended to consult a professional watchmaker or jeweller to avoid the risk of causing damage. If you choose to proceed, you can attempt to open the case back with a plastic tool, a flat screwdriver, or even your thumbnail for cheaper or simply-designed watches. For tight hinges, a razor blade or kitchen knife can be used to pry open the case back. With the right tools and precautions, you can successfully open a plastic watch case back without causing any damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Watch case opening tools | Steel watch case opener, plastic tool, flat screwdriver, knife, razor blade, rubber ball, scissors, thumbnail, wooden back-scratcher handle, hammer and mechanic's socket |
| Watch components | Gaskets, notches, tabs, stem, crystal, rubber gasket, plastic protective ring |
| Watch maintenance tips | Avoid scratching the watch, maintain waterproofing, prevent moisture from entering the watch, check the state of the gasket, do not use plastic caseback protectors as they can cause rust |
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What You'll Learn
Using a thumbnail
Locate the hinge on your watch. On simple watches, the hinge will look like a small indentation along the edge of the watch's back. This is where you will place your thumbnail to pry off the backing. Keep the watch in your non-dominant hand so you can manoeuvre it while prying it open.
Insert your thumbnail underneath the backing hinge and lift slowly to avoid chipping or bending your nail. As you work, your nail should face the back of the watch. With pressure and patience, the backing should pop off.
If your thumbnail is too short, you may want to consider using a razor blade or a pair of scissors instead. If the watch is expensive, it is best to consult a professional watchmaker or jeweller to avoid causing damage.
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Using a razor blade
If your plastic watch case back is damaged and you need to open it, one method you can try is using a razor blade. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Begin by assessing the damage to the plastic watch case back. Look for any cracks, breaks, or areas where the plastic may have warped or distorted. Understanding the extent of the damage will help you plan your approach. Identify a thin, flat edge of the case back where you can insert the razor blade. Ideally, choose an area where the plastic is not severely damaged, as this will provide a better grip and reduce the risk of further damaging the case back. Take your razor blade and carefully insert it into the thin slit between the case back and the watch body. Gently wedge the blade into this gap, using a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion to slowly create a wider opening. Work your way around the edge of the case back, continuing to gently apply pressure and expand the slit. If there are multiple damaged areas, you may need to work on each section individually, being careful not to apply too much force in one area, which could result in further damage. Once you have cut around a significant portion of the case back, you should be able to carefully pry it open. Use a small flat-head screwdriver or a similar thin, flat tool to gently lever the case back open, starting from the section where you have cut through the plastic. Work your way around the case back slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the internal components of the watch.
It is important to work slowly and carefully throughout this process to avoid injury and further damage to your watch. This method should only be used if the plastic case back is already damaged and you have no other option for opening it. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when attempting repairs like this to safeguard against any sharp edges or flying debris.
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Using a knife
While it is possible to open a watch case back with a knife, it is important to exercise caution to avoid damaging the watch. It is recommended to consult a local watchmaker or jeweler for assistance.
If you choose to proceed with opening the watch case back yourself, first identify the type of watch case back you are working with. Many watches have a small dent or notch on the side or between the lugs where you can place your knife. Insert the edge of a thin-bladed knife, kitchen knife, or case knife into the hinge opening, working slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the watch. Rotate the blade rather than lifting it up and down, as the latter action may cause the tip of the blade to scratch and damage the watch inside.
Apply even pressure to pry off the backing, lifting slowly like a lever. With patience and gentle pressure, the backing should pop off. If the watch case back is particularly tight, you may need to use a different tool or method, such as a razor blade, rubber ball, or scissors.
Once the backing is removed, be sure to handle the watch with care. Opening the watch case back yourself may void any warranties or guarantees, and improper handling could result in damage to the watch's internal components.
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Using a watch press
To begin, place the watch face down on a soft, clean cloth or watch cushion to protect it from scratches. Check the watch gasket and replace it if there are any signs of wear or damage. Choose two dies from the case press kit that match the size and shape of the watch case and case back. The bottom die should fit the watch case, while the top die should match the case back. Using appropriately-sized dies ensures even pressure distribution and prevents damage to the watch.
Insert the selected dies into the top and bottom holders of the case press. Most presses have a screw or snap mechanism to secure the dies in place. Place the watch, face down, onto the bottom die, ensuring it is centred and stable. Slowly lower the top die until it makes contact with the case back. Apply gentle, steady pressure by pulling the lever or turning the handle of the case press. Make sure the pressure is even and controlled to avoid damaging the watch.
Continue applying pressure until the case back snaps into place. You should hear or feel a slight click when it is securely closed. Check the alignment and ensure the case back is flush with the watch case. Verify that the watch functions correctly and that no damage has occurred during the process.
Practising on an old or inexpensive watch first is recommended to gain familiarity with the tool and build confidence in your technique.
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Using a plastic tool
Firstly, identify the type of watch case back you are dealing with. If it is a screw-back design, you will need a watch case wrench and a watch case holder. Place the watch face-down in the watch case holder, with the dial facing the surface and the watch resting flat. If you do not have a watch case wrench, a plastic friction ball or a pair of pliers or scissors can also be used. A friction ball is a small inflatable sphere of rubber that is pressed into the backing piece, turning counterclockwise to loosen the case.
If your watch has a snap-back case, you can use a snap-back case opener, or a hammer and a mechanic's socket, though this method is not recommended by professionals. You can also use a plastic tool to lever the case back off, applying even pressure to the notch or tab on the edge of the back.
If you are prising the case back off, it is important to be patient and gentle, as applying too much pressure can damage the watch. It is also important to be aware of the rubber gasket, which should be correctly repositioned once the case is open to ensure the watch remains waterproof.
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Frequently asked questions
If your plastic watch case back is damaged, you can try using your thumbnail to pry it open. If your thumbnail is too short, you can use a razor blade or a kitchen knife. Place the edge of the blade or knife into the hinge opening and slowly lift to pry off the backing.
If you don't want to use your thumbnail or a razor blade, you can use a friction ball, a die, a miniature pry lever, or a wrench. A soft, tacky rubber ball can also be used for screw-back watches.
Place your watch face down in a watch case holder. Undo the clasp on the wristband and insert the watch into the opening at the centre of the case holder. Apply gentle but firm pressure with your wrench using a clockwise motion, then carefully unscrew the back by hand.
