Can't open this case back....
Idk what the heck the last person did that serviced this watch, but no matter what I've tried I can't seem to open this case back or maybe I don't know how?
I looked it up on YouTube and every tip and how to I saw, I tried, but with no luck....
Also, I need to replace the pushers, but I'm not sure which to order.
I wanted to try this myself and could use some advice.
I do the normal change battery and strap service, but I've never opened one of these "Rolex" style ridged case back.
I bought this used for almost nothing since I liked the design and wanted to have a cool new Chronograph.
If you could post a link with your answer of which tool I might need and or how to do it, that would be great!
Google me and you will find all you need to know....
Heres the front of the watch. It's a really nice dail and good looking chronograph.
Here you can see the pusher that needs to be changed.
Are you sure that is not just a snap on case back? Those ridges might just be a design element, and it may need to be pried off. Try to look all around under the lip of it and see if you find a little cut out where you would insert a tool.
Might be a silly comment, as I’m no expert, but have you tried prizing it off gently with a flat head screw driver or similar tool? I once spent ages on a vintage watch trying to unscrew the case back, only to find it wasn’t a screw in, even though it looked just like one!
Are you sure that is not just a snap on case back? Those ridges might just be a design element, and it may need to be pried off. Try to look all around under the lip of it and see if you find a little cut out where you would insert a tool.
I tried that already and the case back isn't lined up correctly so it has to be a twist on... 😭
Might be a silly comment, as I’m no expert, but have you tried prizing it off gently with a flat head screw driver or similar tool? I once spent ages on a vintage watch trying to unscrew the case back, only to find it wasn’t a screw in, even though it looked just like one!
Yea, I tried that and scratched the case back trying to pry it open and even damaged the case back that way. 😭
I tried that already and the case back isn't lined up correctly so it has to be a twist on... 😭
I remember seeing a video before where a guy super glued a nut to the case back. He was then able to use a wrench to twist it off. You would probably have to use acetone or something similar to soften and remove the super glue after. Worth a shot, if nothing else works.
Someone here mentioned using an automotive putty to make a wrench (for lack of better term).
Just make sure to either oil or silicone spray the case back 1st.
I use this tool
https://amzn.eu/d/8ST11Vs
However they can still be a proper bugger to remove but it has never failed.
That for sure looks like a twist back so you would need a perticular tool to grab those ridges and twist open. Something like this.
They caseback looks too shallow to be an oyster caseback. But Amazon has a kit for aboutn$20 bucks. You also make a caseback opener out of JB Weld, but I would recommend getting the tool.
I tried that already and the case back isn't lined up correctly so it has to be a twist on... 😭
So the case back is cross-threaded? Most likely you will have a hard time even with the tool.
So the case back is cross-threaded? Most likely you will have a hard time even with the tool.
Ordered one of the Oyster back opener kits from Amazon. I didn't even know those existed since my watch toolkit didn't have them.... 😅
Thank you all for your advice and tips!
Hopefully I can get it opened and if not, I'll have to take it to my jeweler.
Cheers!
Heres the front of the watch. It's a really nice dail and good looking chronograph.
Here you can see the pusher that needs to be changed.
I keep looking for push caps on Amazon, but I keep getting results for watch tools, clamps, screws or crowns.
Further help would be greatly appreciated since I'd like to have the watch working soon.
Cheers!
They caseback looks too shallow to be an oyster caseback. But Amazon has a kit for aboutn$20 bucks. You also make a caseback opener out of JB Weld, but I would recommend getting the tool.
Go it open, replaced the battery, it's functioning perfectly. I also put it on a metal armband and I'm just waiting on the pushers.
Thank you all for your advice and help!