How to Open a Stuck Antique Pocket Watch back cover and bezel

This video and channel is about antique pocket watch repair/restoration for the hobbyist, beginner and intermediate pocket watch enthusiast!
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[@jodythomas]

The glue and the nut did the trick for me. Thanks!

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

I'm glad it helped . Thanks for watching.

[@RestorationWatch]

Wow, that was a great solution for both sides!!! I used to use a lot of CA or Super Glue when making model airplanes when I was a kid and I got a product called Flashtac from the hobby store that you spray on and it sets the glue immediately. It came in a small spray bottle. There's another one called INSTA-SET. A modelling friend told me that it's nothing more than baking soda mixed with deionized water, which would explain why it's non-toxic. Either way, that bottle has lasted me almost 40 years now. Thank you for another great video. This one was pure gold.

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

Thanks for the compliment I will have to try those and see how they work.

[@larrykelly2838]

Great way to remove stuck bezels and backs, thanks.

[@markclelland3510]

Thank you for all the great tips and ideas! Thank you as well for the motivation to get back in the shop and get to work. Your videos are much appreciated. Keep ‘em coming.

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

Your welcome. It is fun to be working on pocket watchs!

[@broderickblocker7106]

I apply hot glue to a metal jar lid, like a baby food jar. The lid will absorb the heat rather than the watch. Press the jar lid onto the case back before the hot glue cools. Let the glue set up, cradle the watch in the palm of one hand, and with the other hand use the jar lid to apply force to the case back - lefty-loosey! Case back twists right off. Then use a blade to pop off the jar lid, and with your fingernails gently peel off the hot glue from the case back. No need to compromise the crystal or clean off sticky gunk from it later.

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

Thanks for sharing your method that sounds like a great idea.

[@THOMMGB]

Thanks so much for showing how to do this. Excellent information. I've got a front bezel on a 16S pocket watch that is really stuck. Now I need to find a large metal lid like you have. -Thomas

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

Your welcome . Hope you get it unstuck just be careful.

[@MrRadioman10]

Tricks of the trade .Thanks for sharing.Going to build one of the those today..

[@skookumjack]

I need to try this! I've got one stubborn son of a gun I've haven't been able to open ! Thank you 👍

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

Thanks for the comment. It should work for you I've never had a problem using this method and I've had some that were really stubborn!

[@user-js5bt4lt6q]

Recently I had a problem with a Pocket Watch that had a Bezel and Bezel Ring that did not want to unscrew. I found an easy way of loosening the Bezel Ring. I took a large piece of Duct-Tape and stuck it to the face of my pocket watch and then I trimmed off the excess tape that hung below the Bezel Ring. Then, I used my 8-Ball to twist off the Bezel Ring and Bezel. Worked like a charm. No problem at all.

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

That sounds like a great way to do it I will try this.

[@michaelm8007]

Thanks for the videos and sharing your years of expertise! It’s appreciated.

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

I’m really glad that they are helpful.

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

This is a very handy tip - thank you!

[@keithschwartz7318]

Nice, thanks so much. Another tool for the toolbox.

[@KM-bj4ju]

شكرا لك ...احسنتم فكرة ممتازة لفتح هذه الساعات القديمة

[@dalewilliams969]

Thanks for sharing.

[@elund408]

thanks I needed to learn this, great content as always.

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

Thanks for the comment.

[@CeesMaas]

Good tip!

[@daviddavid2467]

Brilliant !!!

[@jimosullivan1389]

excellent but I would have thought the rolled gold would pull off ?

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

I’ve never had that problem.

[@johnvaluk1401]

Had similar issue with an Old Elgin 18s. Hot glued case to block of wood Also hot glued bezel around edge to piece of wood and was able to unscrew Worked a charm. FWIW

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

I haven't tried hot glue yet. I will give it a go some time thanks for the tip!

[@johnvaluk1401]

@@myhobbiesarenotcheap the heat may help loosen things up???

[@redfalconaco.2584]

Did it leave any residue from the glue? Or did you have to scrap any off the watch? Thanks

[@k-ozdragon]

To clean out the threads so the case quits sticking, I use a Q-tip soaked in alcohol. Just dip the Q-Tip into alcohol, then gently roll it on a paper towel or absorbent cloth the wick out the excess. Then swirl the Q-Tip on the case threads. The Q-Tip will quickly turn black, as the cotton gets into the threads and dissolves the gunk and oils. Repeat until the Q-Tip is clean, and then do the same process to the threads on the watch itself. Just BE CAREFUL when doing it to the watch, as you don't want to slip and hit the hands or internal movement. This will clean out all of the old dirt, allowing the case the easily open and close. Plus it will thread onto the case better, as there's less dirt to prevent a clean mating of the threads. This method avoids damaging your case and threads with a sharp tool, plus it actually will get further into the threads than most tools will.

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

Great information that’s really helpful.

[@k-ozdragon]

@@myhobbiesarenotcheap No problem! This is the first thing I do with any screw on back I get. It works great. Be sure to clean the outer rim on the lid too, as that stuff is typically what is holding the lid shut. That old dirt is like glue. Once it's all cleaned up, the cases are much easier to open.

[@lilymcalister1825]

The dust cover is stuck on the back of my pocket watch. Do you have a good way to pry that open...w/out damaging it? I'm afraid of slipping and gouging the dust cover.

[@myhobbiesarenotcheap]

There is special tool made for opening the case it can be found on eBay. It looks like a small butter knife.