Chloe Zhang
Swatch watches are known to be designed as non-repairable, with some models even laser-welded shut. This makes opening the plastic case quite a challenge. While some have suggested using a knife or case opener, these methods may not be effective for all Swatch models. Some users have reported success by pushing down and turning the back of the watch counterclockwise. Others have employed creative methods, such as using an air pump or a dental air tool, to open the case without causing damage. However, it's important to note that attempting to open a Swatch case may result in breakage, and only specific models like the Irony automatics can be opened.
Characteristics and Values Table for Opening a Plastic Swatch Case
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Design | Non-repairable, assembled from the front with glued glass |
| Tools | Air pump, Bergeon pump, bike pump, dental air tool |
| Methods | Pressing down and turning counterwise, using an air tool with regulated compressed air |
| Challenges | No apparent entry point, laser-sealed, welded shut |
| Models | Irony, autoquartz, automatic chronograph |
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What You'll Learn
Try using a dental air tool to get the case apart
Swatch watches are notoriously difficult to open, with many models designed to be non-repairable and disposable. They are often assembled from the front, with the glass glued in, and laser-welded shut.
If you are determined to open your Swatch case, one method that has proven successful for some people is using a dental air tool. This is a tool used by dentists to blow air onto your tooth after drilling. It can be affixed to a compressed air line regulated to 80lbs.
- Remove the crown by two-piece construction or break it out if necessary.
- Place the end of the dental tool up to the case tube.
- Hold your thumb over the top of the crystal with firm pressure.
- Hit the button on the dental tool.
- With a little pressure, the crystal should pop out. You can control the amount of pressure applied by the tool by adjusting the pressure on the button.
Please note that this method may not work for all Swatch models, especially those that are laser-welded shut. Attempt this method at your own risk, as applying too much pressure or using the wrong tool can damage your watch.
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Use a Bergeon pump or a bike pump to open it
Swatch watches are assembled from the front, with the glass glued in, and were designed to be non-repairable. However, you can sometimes open them with an air pump, such as the Bergeon pump, which is specially designed for opening watch cases. Alternatively, you could try using a bike pump.
To open a Swatch case with a Bergeon pump, first pull out the crown as you would when changing the time. The stem is made of two parts that connect and can be pulled out with a special key. Remove the half-stem and the crown with the key. Next, pull out the tube from the air pump completely. Place your thumb lightly over the crystal and press the plastic tip of the air pump against the watch case. Hold the watch case tightly and push firmly on the pump to "blow" the crystal out of the watch.
If you are using a bike pump instead of a Bergeon pump, follow the same steps, but be sure to keep the watch well covered in case of flying glass.
The Bergeon pump is a Swiss-made tool with four sets of pins that can open most waterproof watch cases. It includes four sets of different types of chucks that work on polygonal, slotted, hole, and grooved case backs. The tool is made of high-quality steel to help form a tight grip when removing the metal case back from waterproof watches. It comes in a red plastic case to hold all of the parts in one place.
While the Bergeon pump is a high-quality tool, it may be more expensive than necessary for a one-time use. A cheaper alternative is the India-made Jaxa tool, which can also be used to open watch cases. However, it may have more slack and play on the case cover fittings, and replacement pins can be difficult to obtain.
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Push down and turn counterwise the back of the watch
Swatch watches are notoriously difficult to open, as they were designed as non-repairable items. The glass is glued in during assembly, and there is often no back case. However, there is a way to open the back of a Swatch watch by pushing down and turning the back of the watch in a counterwise direction.
The first step is to identify the direction in which to turn the back of the watch. Look at the back of the watch, and you should see the word "OPEN" with an arrow next to it. This arrow indicates the direction in which you need to turn the back of the watch.
Next, apply pressure by pushing down on the back of the watch. While continuing to push down, turn the back of the watch in the direction indicated by the arrow. It may require some force to get the back to start turning, but once it starts moving, it should become easier.
If the back of the watch does not start turning, try applying more pressure by pushing down harder. You can also try using a plastic ball or similar object to get a better grip and increase the force applied. Be careful not to slip and damage the watch or injure yourself.
Once the back of the watch starts turning, continue turning it in the same direction until it comes off. Now you should have access to the battery and other internal components of the watch.
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Some models have a snap-open front bezel
Some Swatch models have a snap-open front bezel. To open this type of case, you will need to use a thin-bladed pocket knife. Hold the frame of the watch with one hand and use the knife to gently pop open the bezel using a slight rotating and inward-push motion at the case lips. The case lips are slightly extended or depressed sections of metal on the front and back of the case, usually found near the 1 o'clock position.
Once the bezel is removed, you can access the movement of the watch. To do this, pull the crown out from the watch to the "time set" position. There will typically be a depressed lip near the 6 o'clock position where you can fit the knife to help lever the movement ring from the case back. If you feel resistance near the crown, gently turn the crown to alleviate friction by aligning the interior stem with the movement.
To close the watch, lower the movement ring back into the case, ensuring that it is flush with the case frame. Then, snap the bezel back onto the watch case. To do this, visually confirm that the bezel is properly lined up with the frame, then place your thumb at the edge of the bezel at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions and press firmly until you hear a snap sound.
It is important to note that Swatch watches were designed as non-repairable, and some models may not be intended to be opened. Always exercise caution when attempting to open a watch case, as improper techniques may damage the watch.
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The Swatch Irony model can be opened using a YouTube tutorial
Swatch watches are notoriously difficult to open, as they were designed to be non-repairable. The company itself has stated that some of its watches are laser-sealed and cannot be opened or repaired. However, some sources suggest that certain models can be opened, and a few recommend using a dental air tool to get them apart.
The Swatch Irony model is one of the few that can be opened. This model has a battery compartment on the back and a dial ring that the crystal is mounted in. While it may appear to be a snap-open front bezel, there is no indentation, making it challenging to open.
There are YouTube tutorials dedicated to opening the Swatch Irony model, which provide step-by-step instructions on how to disassemble and repair this specific watch. One such tutorial mentions that you can open the back of the watch by pushing down and turning the back of the watch counterwise.
If you are unable to open your Swatch Irony model using the YouTube tutorial, it may be worth investing in a dental air tool, which has been recommended by some users as a way to get these watches apart.
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Frequently asked questions
Many Swatch watches are designed to be unopenable and unrepairable, especially the quartz models. However, some models may have a back case that can be opened by pushing down and turning counterwise the back of the watch.
The Irony model is a mechanical watch that some people have struggled to open. There is a YouTube video that shows how to open this model by searching "Swatch irony push button replacement".
Some people have suggested using an air pump or a dental air tool to open a Swatch case. However, it's important to note that these methods may not work for all models and may damage the watch.
Swatch watches are often designed as disposable, use-and-throw-away watches. They are laser-sealed and welded shut, making them challenging to open and repair.
If your Swatch case has a back that opens, there may be ways to open it. However, if it's a one-piece case, it will likely be challenging to open and repair.
