Pry off a Watch Backing Without Proper Tools
If you have a watch with a dead battery, you can replace the battery yourself. However, it is often difficult to remove the back cover of the watch case. Every watch is different, some may unscrew, while others will pry off, particularly common in less expensive watches. If your watch back pries off, and you don't have anything resembling proper watchmaker's tools available to you, then this article is for you.
Steps
- Locate a very small tab (or recessed area) on the edge of the back cover. This is the access point for removal. You can find this sometimes by running your fingernail around the back rim, as this tab or indentation can be hard to see.
- Pull out the stem, which releases the back on some watches.
- Get a small flathead screwdriver it needs to be a thin inflexible tip. Use a kitchen knife as a last resort. Wrap the hand you are holding the watch with in a towel or protect your hand in some manner so you don't injure yourself if the screwdriver or knife slips.
- Very carefully slide the blade under the tiny metal protrusion on the back cover (or across the length of the recessed area, depending on which type of cover your watch has). Do not attempt to insert the point of the knife. Use the length of the blade.
- Get under the tab or recessed area and gently but firmly turn the blade upward, popping the cover off.
- When you replace the cover, make sure you line up the stem slot on the cover with the stem of the watch.
Tips
- The inexpensive screwdriver that comes in the eyeglass repair kits that you can buy at any pharmacy are the perfect size for this repair.
- The battery may be held in place with a bracket, that may require an extremely tiny screwdriver blade. Try using a knife point-edge if that is all you have.
- After you get the back off, you may need a magnifying glass to see the battery area details clearly.
- Be sure to replace any rubber gaskets that may fall out when you open the case. If you don't, the watch may lose its water resistance.
- You can buy an eyeglass repair kit at the dollar tree for 1 buck.
- Some watches don't have tabs to open the backs with
- If you experience any problems or can't figure out how to do it, find a good jeweler. Most charge $1.00 -$5.00 for the battery change.
- Walmart changes watch batteries for the brands of watches that they sell for free. You just pay for the battery. (Not all Walmarts offer this, due to liability concerns).
Warnings
- Use the same safety rules with knives you would with a chisel: never press the knife towards your other hand, in other words position your hands when using the implement so that if it does slip it will not plunge into the hand you are using to hold the watch still.
- Waterproof watches are made such by quality seals and proper lubricant, not vacuum.Care must be taken to ensure seals are undamaged.
- Never try to use the point of the knife. It is much more likely to slip and cause injury, and it could also snap off, ruining the knife. Use the blade.
- Do not do this to an expensive watch. Don't be hacking away at a Rolex with a steak knife. If you need to open the case (and you shouldn't, because few expensive watches take batteries), go to a jeweler.
- Be careful with knives. You're trying to open the watch, not your fingers. If it is stubborn and you are worried about a possible mishap, take it to Walmart instead. They will replace the battery while you wait (if you purchased the watch from them).
Things You'll Need
- If the watch back doesn't have a tab or indentation then here is what to do.. Take a flat blade jewelers screwdriver and grind or file the tip to a knife edge. Mount the watch horizontally in a vise with the back facing up. Position the screwdriver edge on the parting line between the back and the case and tap the end of the screwdriver gently with a small hammer. The back will pop off!
Related Articles
- Buy a Pocket Watch
- Choose a Nice Watch
- Start an Antique Pocket Watch Collection
- Change a Watch Battery
- Identify a Fake Watch
