How To Close A Snap Off Watch Back With A Watch Press (Tutorial)

In this video, I show you how to close a snap off watch back with a watch press. I have used a watch press to close the "snap off" style backings of many watches, and it is a really simple process. A watch press provides you with an easy and safe way to close up these types of backings. You shouldn't do any damage to the watch, as long as you are using the right sized nylon dies and making sure that the dies have been installed properly (to provide even pressure).
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[@rtr1043]

Snap-off watch backs are the worst. Your video was very helpful. Nicely done!

[@harobotan8447]

Yes because they can wear down or get ruined with one mistake and then your watch is worthless.

[@matthewsalvador9783]

@@harobotan8447 this makes sooooo much sense my gma watch is old and I fixed it once before but now the back came off… ugh who designed these ?

[@RabbitConfirmed]

@@matthewsalvador9783 probably satan

[@samgao]

The hardest part is to line up to back… it moves too easily and you don’t have a lot of margin of error

[@samafshar]

Saul Goodman?

[@douglassmith1466]

Nice video. I might add be sure to make sure the back is properly aligned or you will snap off the watch stem!

[@flipmode00]

I don’t understand why this press has so many bad reviews on Amazon. Looks clean and easy to use.

[@tattoofthesun]

I put my timex in a vice between two pieces of wood and paper. Ended up breaking the glass, case back still not on

[@latovaas]

I'm a bit surprised that you didn't mention the most important step when reinstalling the watch back. Make sure you line up the little notch on the back plate with the stem. If you don't you may bend the stem and you will not be able to reset the time on your watch.

[@Riley_Mundt]

If that were true, the notch on my watch would have been that way from the factory, it wasn't. It was lined up with a lug.

[@djosieposey]

Same comment from my husband when he did my Anne Klein watch which is always a pain in the neck to snap back together. Many thanks for the video though! It helped a lot!

[@Rockshredder]

I guess on many watches, there are no little notches to line up. I don't see any notches on any of mine.

[@tebreaz]

Not all watches have that but some do like my dads Armani have to make sure that the notch is centre

[@DJFarside]

So how do you press on a watch back that isn't a round shape? I can't get my friends back on as it is a weird shape, not round on the back or front, any ideas??

[@PhotoAlbert]

I bought the same press at Amazon. It arrived today and unfortunately the snapping noise I heard was the back popping in place and the crystal on the front shattering.

[@impyrobot]

Did you not put some padding in front of the glass

[@Minniemousejan2010]

Omg, i have exactly the same press and it worked! Just need to ensure you use the correct size - too big and the die wont be even, too small and you could damage the crystal. Thank you!!

[@netanelOnline]

I can't I f can't I can't f close it I f CANT

[@crobulari2328]

Line up the recess in the edge of back up with the winding shaft !!.

[@tatko3366]

Read reviews about these breaking if too much pressure used. Used the piece of wood method on back when first changed Citizen watch battery a few years ago. And clicked back in place then. But this time around after a couple of very frustrated hours of trying with various pieces of lumber, just kept tilting from side to side. Ordered one of these, still no luck with moderate pressure and didn't want to push my luck. Set the watch face down in the most suitable stable nylon die sitting on a solid surface. Could have even been supported on the lugs. Then pushed down on a piece of hardwood, 20mm x 40mm x 300mm and bingo, finally seated back in place. Couldn't believe it a first as did not hear a click, but now firmly in place. Maybe should have wrapped rough finished wood in something, as a few faint scratches. But polished these out with Autosol, not that really matters. Cheapest one available, but worth it for the nylon dies in my case.

[@DF-ob1zb]

I tried your technique but it didn't work for me. The technique that worked was to put the O ring around the cover before trying to snap it. Thanks anyway, your technique will help someone, but it really depends on the watch.

[@MyClassicJewelry]

Thanks so much! I changed the battery in a large men's Timex watch for a friend and couldn't get the back closed no matter how hard I tried. I got this tool and followed your instructions, paying careful attention to the part about finding the correct sizes for the nylon dies. It took all of 2 seconds and snapped back in! My friend will be so happy to get his watch back! :)

[@naturalNstylish]

Thanks for this! I wasn't using the correct size. With no directions it's hard to know what to do.

[@damontsekos9406]

The problem with this gadget is that it closes the back of a watch too tight!....Good luck trying to pop it open the next time you need to change your watch battery!...I threw out a couple of watches because of it!..Now it's just sitting in my droor NEVER to be used again!...The watch that I'm having right now is very easy to close just by pressing my thumbs on the back of it!

[@MaxPowerzs]

Just got one of these to close a Skagen that has a super thin bezel. It's not a complicated device to use but this was a good clear video that explains how to use it so I don't mess anything up. lol at all these comments complaining about your voice. Sounds like Michael Rapaport and I mean that as a compliment.

[@justinc8157]

Great, jus the information I was looking for. Thank you.

[@alanweir3567]

I have a similar tool.Try as I might the back just wouldn't go on.I almost gave up.What I discovered was I could enter the back on one side so I put a flat nylon piece on the bottom and on the top.Took a chance I wouldn't break the glass and just squeezed on the side that wasn't entered.Pop!!Easy as pie.I was just about to take it to the jewellers.

[@rajvyas1960]

Excellent tutorial. So easy to understand and job sorted as it was an expensive watch. Not to mention 2 sore thumbs prior the press tool.

[@lugoj7181]

You did a good video explaining how to use this presser

[@ssmith8096]

Cheers mate very useful video nicely expland

[@demej00]

I used two pieces of soft wood and vice grips. No problem.

[@myverynow]

excellent video, thank you very much!

[@josephfsayegh4408]

You missed an important details. Aligning the notch in the back of the watch to the pin.

[@mettenrina6904]

Thank you very much for your very clear explanation ❤

[@josedicochea683]

Very helpful, but you talk to people like everyone is stupid like we're all 4 years old, not that 4 year olds are stupid, it felt that way

[@ClubXrock]

a little watch seal lube can assist with stubborn back lids

[@DF-ob1zb]

I tried your technique but it didn't work for me. The technique that worked was to put the O ring around the cover before trying to snap it. Thanks anyway, your technique will help someone, but it really depends on the watch.

[@c_farther5208]

THANK YOU! I actually bought the same press and I cannot thank you enough. I missed my watches so much.

[@SantisandKisin]

where u bouth it and how much is it

[@noelgribble1004]

Thanks for your post. I made the mistake of buying a press that does not have a stand like yours. It's difficult to use. Am going to cost another one. thanks again for post.

[@nekomancer4641]

almost broke my watch press handle, just don't fucking works.

[@paul-gd1kj]

Thanks great video brought the same press for my wifes Bulova have never had problems before

[@xDerrallx]

Thank you very much good sir. Good stuff

[@americanhomelessfirst7689]

I so fuking stressed out. I broke a watch using that press

[@nyyyard]

bro you sound like badger from breaking bad...

[@americanhomelessfirst7689]

All the dys are grooved in none are flat plastic

[@alboo3084]

Thank you

[@magalieaugustin5091]

Thank you so much for your video

[@jonhereward1578]

you waited all video to say that joke didn't you?

[@n5lul010]

Jees! This guy is irritating to listen to.

[@G.Alvarez]

Most likely snap on watches that need press is the way for watch manufactures to make watches disposable . Even with a press once you fail to snap it at once it loses it circular shape and becomes impossible to close. Thanks for the tutorial

[@Rockshredder]

Good point. Perhaps the next time I buy a watch, I will buy one that screws back on. That makes much more sense!

[@bf6908]

This was very helpful. I own this press but didn't have instructions. I winged it and broke the face on my watch. Yesterday I tried it again for my husband's watch. First, I had too large dies, but once I changed the size the watch back just snapped on. Thanks again!

[@daveizzle8258]

Thanks Bob Odenkirk

[@Fasdaff01]

I did it

[@kasualskeptik2584]

Great video, yo made it simple.... (I just found out I need a press for my Bering watch.... Sheesh....)

[@samgao]

The kit I got from Amazon gave me an hour glass looking piece to snap the back on. I guess it’s a universal piece? I was able to snap it back in, but my guess is I might have dented the back because of the weird hour glass looking thing.. 🤔 but anyway, next time I’ll just use a small piece that barely hovers the the rim of the back

[@debiferguson7427]

❤

[@nonyabeezanus2723]

First, you sound like Badger from Breaking Bad. 2nd, great job with the video -- once I picked the dies, the job was completed in under a minute. Last, what do you do for square, rectangle or other unique shaped cases?

[@Pelefan1970]

Lovely clear instruction. Many thanks.

[@tripnfallshow]

Good explanation.

[@chrislee4485]

Snap backs r designed to make our lives difficult. Especially when a screwing design can be applied to it.

[@bijoydas5176]

ধন্যবাদ

[@jimg8887]

Lol 🤣 please stop using your hands to talk.... I'm laughing now....

[@maximusonline9926]

Wow... Pretty Nice video and Good explaining the use ofthat press and adapters 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼✌🏼

[@farooqishify]

You talk too much

[@barrykwan8631]

Done. Thanks.

[@MoMo-nh3ru]

Tx -To the point .

[@stephenlutchman2101]

Thank you.

[@pathfinderphantom2679]

Fantastic tutorial, perfect. Thank you.

[@EM12S1]

Annoying

[@a.littlefaith]

This is wonderful, however, you didn't provide a link to that particular watch press :)

[@marksieving3043]

What about a rectangular watch?

[@jewelleryaddict]

Mark Sieving they sell the rectangular ones on line that fit every watch size. Don’t cost very much make sure fits the kind of press you are using.

[@Engineerboy100]

Good job, thank you, just what I need. :)

[@bodeine454]

Thank you, I just received my late fathers watches and most are press fit watch case backs. I'm going to pick up Harbor Freight's watch case press this week, I had to replace several batteries. 👍

[@karengardner8791]

I bought one these and guess what. Done everything he did and it will not line up straight it wants to go either to front or back not even . So now what?

[@mablenay]

that watch looks really beat up. what did you use to remove the case back? that would have been nice to see too. cheers

[@fabiandee8178]

very useful, thanks. Your watch looks like it's been in the wars!

[@vertigoroadie]

U🎉

[@jimmythompson2188]

The die that mounts on the top of the press that contacts the case back - is it cupped or is it solid?

[@bobwright9523]

Another way to close a snap off watch back. I put a new battery in an old but liked Citizen watch. Couldnt get the back to snap back on. Found this video but didnt want to wait to purchase a £10 watch press. So put the watch between my teeth. Taking care to get teeth on the watch back and the metal around the front [not the glass face]. Closed mouth. Snap - back went fully into place. Dont recommend this for a valued watch ! Greetings from Kent in the UK.

[@n.mcneil4066]

Or dentures or valued natural teeth.

[@omarb21]

Perfect

[@KevinMullarkey]

What about rectangular shaped backs?

[@msj.randel1496]

What to do if you don't have the blue gadget? Also, where to you purchase one? Wal Mart won't put your battery on & press it, unless you bought the watch from them. My watch is a MK, wasn't bought at Wal-Mart. So,.....

[@Rockshredder]

The Wallmart in my area closed down their watch department. They just sell watches without the help.

[@stephenward3468]

Also remember the slot cut out for the watch stem/winder have to be lined up before closing .

[@Euphoftoday]

Wow thanks it worked. The instruction booklet had 1 photo of how to use it but nothing else! So glad I found your video.

[@timduffy1097]

great video...thanks for this

[@jankenwbaalsrud1008]

You sound like Charlie Day!

[@ericb5327]

I have an ice watch with the glass over the full width, is that also possible with this tool?

[@radomiriz]

Is there a way of doing this without the need for a watch press??

[@ChuddleBuggy]

thanks for your video. what do you do if the rubber o-ring keeps popping out when you do this?

[@TheLaraTube]

If possible, you really should re-edit this video to show the importance of aligning the stem cut-out on the watch back. Or at least add text mentioning it. I can see a lot (you have nearly 100,000 views) of people ruining their watch by bending or even cutting the stem off. Just an idea.

[@garyhope6459]

It's going to depend on the watch.

[@misstarshiny1]

Thank you! I ordered a press tool. Couldn’t do it without one

[@Anonymous-jh6pn]

how close without the watch pressor

[@michaelwalter7879]

It depends on the watch type: simple quartz watches with flimsy backlids (planned to be taken off for frequent battery changes) can be pressed back with a plain ruler or metal bar on a soft table cloth surface, Real watches with massive cases and lids need a beefy vice; use proper spacers to protect the front and back glass or these will shatter under the pressure.

[@carloswilson284]

Great video

[@JJW2009]

So helpful. Thank you, sir!

[@thegoal4146]

Thank you

[@joesopiqoti7172]

Great video! Simple and clear instructions. Thank you

[@lucillephillips1621]

Thank you! The cheapy ones I looked up and ended up buying one didn't have instructions. This was helpful. Only question I have is a few I'm working on, the mean timex ones that are the reason I am trying the press in the first place, no matter what I do one side seems to go in first then it won't snap on. Any ideas?

[@DavidGridley]

I've had the same problem, which is why I'm watching these videos.

[@Roberto_Ribeiro]

It was very easy to understand how to use the watch press, even with certain limitations in understanding the language, thank you!

[@ronaldakafella]

Thanks for the video!!

[@radjadino2383]

Thank You for this Video...

[@dca1962]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! GREAT JOB! And please pay no mind to the idiots who criticized your voice. xoxo

[@DavidGridley]

It's something people can't help. One reason I've avoided doing videos myself. Great tutorial..

[@DavidGridley]

@livey oone Nasal..

[@enriquehs]

how to close a square form watch?

[@genatroce]

thanks for this video

[@luisluna7212]

Great explanation thank you

[@jakebarlow9854]

I have a watch thats face is the shape of a rectangle. What would be the method to press the back on it?

[@ihatetrafficwardens9805]

Smash it it with the claw end of a claw hammer then throw it in the bin. Only women wear rectangle shaped watches.

[@floydburkett2749]

Press with fingers.

[@timborders2621]

They make a press specifically for square or rectangular watches

[@williamjc7195]

I just got this tool, today. nice to know how to use it ;) thanks

[@namirsabri1882]

Thanks

[@davidlotti5407]

Where do you get one