Omar Khalid
Swatch watches are designed to be challenging to open, with some models featuring a solid case and only a battery hatch at the back. While certain tools like the Bergeon pump are specifically designed to open watch cases, others have suggested using a bike pump to open the case. Some Swatch watches, like the auto model, feature a back case that can be accessed by pushing down and turning counterwise. However, it's important to note that attempting to open the watch case may result in damage, and it's recommended to proceed with caution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Design | Swatch watches are designed to not be opened. |
| Battery | There should be a round silver battery case on the back. |
| Winding | If the watch doesn't have a battery, it can be started by winding with the crown. |
| Opening | The back of the watch can be opened by pushing down and turning counterwise. |
| Tools | A Bergeon pump or a bike pump can be used to open the watch case. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify if the watch is automatic or battery-powered
There are several ways to identify whether a watch is automatic or battery-powered. Firstly, automatic watches do not require a battery to function, so if there is no slot for a battery on the back of the watch, it is likely automatic. Automatic watches are powered by the natural movement of the wearer's wrist, which winds the mainspring inside the watch. This means that as long as an automatic watch is worn, it will keep running without the need for manual winding or a battery. Therefore, if your watch has stopped working, try waving it back and forth a few times. If it starts up, it is likely to be automatic.
Another way to identify an automatic watch is by observing the movement of the second hand. A quartz watch, which is battery-powered, will have a once-every-second ticking action, whereas a mechanical watch will feature smoother, sweeping strokes around the dial. Additionally, automatic watches often have a transparent case back, allowing you to see the movement inside, and they tend to be slightly heavier than quartz watches due to their complex internal mechanism.
You can also look for text imprinted on the dial or case back of the watch. Vintage automatic watches often advertised themselves as "self-winding" or "automatic" on the dial as it was a new feature at the time. However, this may not always be the case, as some modern automatic watches may not have this label.
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If automatic, wind with the crown and wear frequently
If you own an automatic watch, it is important to know that it is not designed to be manually wound too frequently. If you are wearing your watch daily, you should not need to wind it. However, if your watch has been off your wrist for more than 15-20 hours, you will need to wind it manually.
To initiate the power reserve, turn the winding crown in a clockwise direction for around 30-50 revolutions. This should be sufficient for most automatic watches. Once you have wound it, the watch will wind itself automatically by means of the oscillating weight that moves every time you do.
If you are not very active, you may need to wind your automatic watch more frequently. Similarly, if your watch has not been worn in a while, you will need to wind it fully before wearing it.
It is worth noting that if you wind your watch too frequently, the gears and other parts of an automatic movement will wear out faster. Therefore, if you are going to wear your automatic watch infrequently, it is better to invest in a watch winder than to wind the watch manually every time you pick it up.
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If battery-powered, look for a round silver battery case on the back
Swatch watches are designed to be challenging to open. If your Swatch watch is battery-powered, you will need to locate the round silver battery case on the back of the watch. This is usually the only accessible part of the watch without destroying the case.
The battery case will have a bezel ring on the top face, but no obvious entry point for a knife or case opener. To open the case, you will need to pry it open gently. You can use a screwdriver or a similar tool to lift the battery flap. Insert the screwdriver under the opening slot and gently lift. Be careful not to use too much force, as these cases are designed to be opened with minimal force due to their plastic construction.
It is important to note that some Swatch watches are laser-welded shut, so attempting to force them open may result in damage. In addition, some models have an obscure battery lid system, making it difficult to access the battery compartment. If your watch has a bezel, try removing it first to see if the battery is accessible.
If you are unable to open the battery case with a screwdriver, you may need to resort to other methods. Some people have suggested rotating the cap clockwise or counterclockwise, but this should be done with caution as it may break the watch. Another suggestion is to use a plastic ball, as seen in a video online, to push down and turn the back of the watch counterclockwise to open it.
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Use a Bergeon pump or a bike pump to open the case
Swatch watches were designed to be non-repairable, with the glass glued on during assembly. However, it is possible to open them with an air pump, such as the Bergeon pump, which is specifically designed for opening watch cases. If you don't have a Bergeon pump, you can try using a bike pump instead.
- Pull out the tube from the air pump completely.
- Press the plastic tip of the air pump against the watch case, or case tube. Ensure that the plastic tip fits snugly against the case to create an airtight seal.
- Hold the watch case tightly with one hand.
- Place your thumb lightly over the crystal (the glass of the watch). This is to prevent the crystal from flying off when you apply pressure with the pump.
- Push firmly on the pump to "blow" the crystal out of the watch. The air pressure from the pump will create a force that pushes against the crystal, causing it to pop out of the case.
It is important to exercise caution when using this method, as the crystal may come off with considerable force. Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any flying glass. Additionally, cover the watch with a cloth or towel to catch any small pieces and prevent them from becoming projectiles.
If you are successful in removing the crystal, you can then proceed to replace the battery or perform other repairs. Keep in mind that Swatch watches are not designed to be serviced, and attempting to open the case may result in permanent damage.
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Push down and turn the back of the watch counterwise
To open a plastic Swatch watch, you need to push down and turn the back of the watch counterclockwise. This is because most watch models will loosen when turned counterclockwise and tighten in the opposite direction.
To do this, you can use a soft, tacky rubber ball, or friction ball, which you press against the back of the watch and then twist counterclockwise. You can also use a wrench, pliers, or even scissors, to turn the back of the watch counterclockwise. If you use a wrench, you will need to push down lightly while rotating it to the left. If you use pliers, you will need to squeeze the handles gently and apply steady pressure to the back of the watch case as you turn.
It is important to be as delicate as possible when performing this task, as using too much force could damage the watch. Once the backing is loose, you can use your fingers to remove it entirely, twisting it in the same counterclockwise movement.
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Frequently asked questions
Swatch watches are designed to be non-repairable and are assembled from the front with the glass glued in. You can try using an air pump to get it apart in one piece.
You can open the back of a Swatch watch by pushing down and turning counterwise the back of the watch.
There is a Bergeon pump specially designed for opening watch cases. You could also try getting creative with a bike pump, but be sure to keep it covered in case of flying glass.
It is not advisable to use a knife to open a Swatch watch as there is no apparent entry point for a knife.
You can try using a tool to remove the bezel or crystal, but only if it is a monocoque case.
