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Selecting the Right Watch Case Opener
Snap Back
This style of back is held on by friction and you must pry it off to get to the battery compartment. There is generally a notch or indentation in the case that will allow you to get a tool underneath the back. Great care must be taken when using a tool to pry up the back. One slip and you will have a very nice scratch across the back or even worse the tool stuck in your other hand if you holding it (ouch!).
It order to replace the back, it must be pressed or "snapped" on. Sometimes this can be done with just your fingers, but more often than not a tool must be employed to do the job. Case closing pliers can be used, but they can put unnecessary pressure on the crystal that may crack it and cost much more that the money saved by buying a less expensive tool. Take great care. Though not Swiss precision, a nylon case press protects the crystal and will be less likely to scratch a watch.
If you are looking for top quality Swiss case presses look to the Horotec Mini Press, the Horotec Standard Press or the Horotec Deluxe Press
Curved blade bench knife
Standard blade bench knife
Etic Swiss Case Knife
Swiss Case Opening Knife
Dumont Case Opening Knife
Renata Case Opening Knife
Wenger Microtool
Victorinox Case Knife
Etic Swiss case opening blade
Case knife
Case Opening Blade
Swiss Case Opening Blade
Snappy case opener
Adjustable Case Opener
Seiko case back opener
Deluxe Snap Back Opener
Horotec Snap Back Opener
Horotec Snap-On Case Opener
Waterproof
The most common waterproof backs have a series of 4 to 6 notches spaced evenly around the edge of the back. They may be rectangular, half-round, or other shape. These notches allow the proper tool to grip the back and unscrew it.
When replacing the back, a new waterproof gasket should be installed to properly protect the watch. Most manufacturers will not honor a warranty if a professional does not perform the work.
Two Prong Case Back Opener
Econo Two Prong Case Back Opener
Two prong French case back opener
Two Prong "V" Case Opener
Two Prong Swiss case back opener
Three prong case wrench (imported)
Three prong case wrench (L&G)
Three prong case wrench (Jaxa)
Horotec Mini Case Opener
Horotec Complete Case Opener
Oyster Back or "Rolex"
This style of back is most easily identifiable by the series of small notches or grooves around the edge of the back looking much like the edge of a dime. These tiny grooves serve to provide a place for the proper tool to grip the back and allow you to unscrew it. This is one of the most difficult backs to open since tools only have 6 wrench collars and manufacturers make many, many more sizes. Rolex and Victorinox (Swiss Army) watches often have this style of back.
Oyster Back Case Wrench
L&G Openall
Horotec Rolex Opener
Horotec Complete Case Opener
"Swatch"
Swatch watches have a unique battery "hatch" on the back of the cases that allow you to change the battery without ever opening the case.
Economy Swatch battery tool
Deluxe Swatch battery tool
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