How to remove the back of a watch - Watch and Learn #22

In today's episode of Watch and Learn, we will show you how to remove the caseback from your watch. We cover the 3 major types; individual screws, solid screwdown and the snap/pop back. The reason for opening your watch could be to change a battery, or regulation, or even some other maintenance.
With a few inexpensive tools, removing the back of a watch is quite simple and hopefully you can save yourself a few dollars when you need to do your next battery change.
Please visit us at www.longisland...
For a link to some of the tools shown here, please visit:
www.longisland...

[@willienillie6337]

Now, I'm fully trained and YT certified. I've got a similar tool kit with lots of extra spare parts off Amazon a few years ago. Makes battery replacement much easier and enjoyable.

[@yoyex2009]

And you save lots of money

[@uleikchain3dolla935]

I just took out the back of the watch to replace the battery and I've never felt so powerful

[@yohskytruong]

Thank you! Such great timing because I need to change my watch's battery.

[@islandwatch]

Perfect!

[@mackenseize]

Hehe... great ... timing..

[@stuartbrown25]

great video mark, ive just received my watch repair kit. you learn so much from these videos and get to know what each item does in the watch repair kit... thanks mark for another great video..

[@jacqw4695]

I just got one too-the kit is so cool

[@yolandadavila4110]

I had six watches with dead batteries but the sixth one is just too difficult. This blog helped me a lot. Wish me luck with this sixth and last. It’s hard.

[@n.h187]

Is it worth trying at home. I'm no pro and don't want to mess up my watch. But the guy at the store wants $10 and that's excessive for just a battery.

[@Lee_K_5555]

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! This is a fantastic series and I continue to be thankful for this great service you provide for free to the watch community. Oh yeah, I bought an SKX007 from you last month because I wanted to show my appreciation as a customer as well. :)

[@ragaetsenna2852]

Lee K what a grateful human being

[@islandwatch]

I appreciate that.

[@gesu1742]

I did too, but an SKX009 ;)

[@tubehead357]

Thanks for this video. I had been trying for days to get my snap watch back off! After watching your video, I knew what to look for. It came off soooooo easy with very little effort!

[@lenlindathornton9553]

Was having difficulty removing the back of my old Timex using a tiny blade screwdriver. When I saw Mark using his special knife approach the case sideways I pulled out my old small Buck knife and held it that way and it popped right out. I couldn't find an indent on my case cover so this worked quite well. I had to push really hard to get the cover back on right, but it doesn't look as tight as it was. Anyway, thanks Mark for your clear instructions!

[@lemonpartyfan457]

Thank you for this. I was going to try to open mine, but you convinced me to go to a professional!

[@ramiusramius5578]

Thank you for some great information! I liked the idea of the 'watch ball' to remove the back of my Seiko watch, but , not having one I had to improvise. I found a wad of 'poster putty' on the bottom of an empty prescription pill bottle worked just as well. Again, thanks for a great series of videos.

[@dianebrake5845]

Gr4f3es322eee GB s wfw2 qq3qqqqqqqqqqq

[@deepb249]

What is poster putty and is this at bottom of prescription bottle?

[@r.mercado9737]

Great voice, and presentation! My not being a professional watch repairer, have enjoyed, first, the theory associated with various watches, the application, and then how to remove the back of certain watches. I have a specialty working on delicate implements requiring special tools. Utilizing an improper device, that is one designed to carry out its function, will more than likely ruin the intended use. Even if a screw is scratched or dented can cause that device to go down in value. Creating damage that was not there previously is never good at all. My hat is off to you "Mr. Long Island." I am interested in knowing of the other watch repairers kit you had mentioned but did not show it in the video. Many thanks. Semper Fi

[@okee1626]

"So you do what you gotta do, you're regulating it, you're ruining your watch forever, whatever you feel like doing..." luvs it lol

[@dannyfisher5090]

How is he ruining it? The strap was broken. He had to put a new 1 on.

[@geraldmcglinchey2714]

I learn something from every single one of the watch and learn videos. Thanks for making them. As a side note, I love that orient watch. I know that it isn't anything "special", but it really appeals to me.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you

[@c.ramirez1866]

Worked! Thank you, my 87 yr old Dad was heart broken this worked changing battery and the pill top to close worked perfect, thx again Dad is a happy pops again ⌚👍

[@djorlando57]

almost gave up till I watched your video, push down hard, and slightly turn, very good picture in slow motion. I got my wife's very small bulova back off! 379 battery. much appreciated

[@Ildy04]

OMG Thank you! I have a lot of watches, most not worth much but are fun. Having to pay someone to replace a battery is a continuing cost, so being able to do it myself is wonderful. Your video is v clear and I love that you are an enthusiastic amateur with a real love of nice watches.

[@denisparanormal2790]

Is funny when you have the right tools.

[@jeffthomas4382]

“So, you’re doing what you have to do, you’re regulating it, you’re ruining your watch forever; whatever you feel like doing “, lol!Keep the videos coming Mark...love them.

[@marilynfarrell95]

What is a press?

[@DynamicOwl13]

Great vid, thanks for the info. I did learn a little trick to snap the back on if it's stubborn and you don't have a press. Right now im trying to get one off that someone else pretty much wore off that little notch and scratched the heck out of it in the process.

[@donp2166]

Easy hack to replace a snap-back without a press: Find a plastic cap from a bottle of water or soda of a diameter to just slightly smaller than the back. Lay it on, and press with your thumb. The cap will apply equal pressure all around the case back and easily snap it back on.

[@donp2166]

@Mrry W. I just got tired of hurting my thumbs. You're very kind. Have a pleasant evening.

[@demaXxXx]

I forgot about that little notch. It made it so simple the 1st try; Thanks for your video.

[@13noman1]

Thanks, Mark. Very useful and informative. A quick question: anything particular one should use (or avoid!) in cleaning the case back?

[@SeattleRingHunter]

"diametrically opposite of each other" spoken like a true engineer, love it!

[@Freeuse-ck7kw]

Thank you very much for your help!!! I was having some problem removing the back of a watch because the blade kept messing up the until I found your instruction. What did the trick was the way you mention on how to sharpen it. Thin enough to fit but thick enough so that it won't bend or chip.

[@george_anitescu]

When the cover does not go by a thumb pushing it required another sound-science solution: place the cover in the freeze for a few minutes in order to contract the circumference and then it will go by an easy push.

[@sureshpatel7365]

Very useful information for replacing battery in the watch!

[@yourdata2478]

If you want to be in the know & how to use the tools to do the job this video is the go , learn how to inspect your time machines ,and not destroy the gasket etc another excellent example of how to do it right at home. Fantastic Mark 👏👍⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚ five watch star's.

[@ingram77331]

This is a great series. Thanks for putting these watch and learn videos together. Very informative.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you for watching.

[@jason4275]

You do know that 99% of people who owns watches don't have these tools, most just have a pocket knife or screwdrivers, but the video was very helpful I got 2 out of 3 watches open because of this video.

[@Ash474LX]

Oh and that yacht master is absolutely stunning!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@TheSamosaCritic]

Thank you. I just got some tools from amazon. I wanted to know how to use them and this helped.

[@rocfl59]

Your video are on watches are so in lightning have learned so much thank you .....

[@thomashom7514]

Rocky T learn to spell enlightening!

[@mk-ms7lr]

That ball idea is amazing! I didnt have a ball but latex glove works amazingly at generating friction.

[@Marco-hf6rl]

Or you can use a "Scotch Brite" lint roller. I just tested it and it works.

[@JustAnotherHo]

I had a broken Cheap Chinese Automatic Watch, I man handled it open. However this is very informative and wish I had watched this first. Nice video.

[@islandwatch]

Knowing is half the battle!

[@Kriegerdammerung]

It would be an impossible feat to achieve for any human being to have any kind of conflict with Mark, he is more kind than Ned Flanders.

[@islandwatch]

LOL, thanks.

[@floydburkett2749]

Way cooler though.

[@OptimaMrL]

You mean he is not the voice of Ned?!!!!! 😂

[@afrog2666]

He doesn`t even say diddly, which is a plus ;)

[@mayawagle974]

Love your thoroughness. Thanks.

[@cesarjavines3131]

Thank you for this video, it teaches me a lot,To God be the Glory. Stay safe bro.

[@NeilSnapePhotography]

It shows you care about watches and how to do things right. Your video let me change the battery in a Fossil watch. What worked for me, was after seeing the ball you have is a cut off section of a silicone tube ( gun style) that had dried out a long time ago. The silicone tube section really grips the watch back and let me turn it without tools.

[@roklyninc.8755]

Special thanks for the trick with the ball

[@jamesbrown3965]

TY Marc for sharing your knowledge with us in a low key way !!!

[@hellraisingvtec]

Thanks for all the info

[@robert574]

Check your wrench. One of the bits is turned wrong. Just fyi. Someone else may have said the same thing, but I didn't read all the posts just watched the video. These videos are great, really helpful or we wouldn't be watching them :)

[@dannyfisher5090]

Thanks guy u just saved me a lot of time and money!!!

[@Louie..]

thanks for the video, now i know how to change the battery :)

[@islandwatch]

Great! We'll do that eventually.

[@SirBeauJangles]

On case replacement. If you backspin the backplate SLOWLY anti-clockwise until you feel/hear the threads CLICK that's the beginnings of the threads only just passing each other and normally if you carefully reverse the rotation, the thread will engage smoothly without getting crossed up.

[@Caughtinthecrossfires]

Do you have any recomendations for one of the old style quartz pop backs? The ledge is soooo fine, that its really hard to find anything that will get under and pop off.

[@grettagamble4566]

It is probably a screw off type if it doesn't have any spot to pop it off at.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

That ball is great. Got the rest and practiced on a cheap watch. The screwback with undeep slots was really tricky. Easy to damage when you slip

[@MR-li3om]

Thank you, it is very useful, well explained. You made it very simple.

[@TheProtronic]

"And after it's open you can let the bracelet fall into the movement and ruin it." LOL.

[@islandwatch]

:)

[@shreyatiwari4011]

Robert Sanders

[@carl-ok9gn]

Shreya tiwari

[@spedbozo2734]

carl

[@josephlamour1183]

Thanks learn a lot from your video.

[@songsfromthelord888]

Thanks, Mark, very informative 🙂 Remember that God loves you Mark 🙂

[@dvamateur]

Get this! I just ordered a Bergeon branded black friction ball! I must have had dropped on my head...

[@wescobts]

Thank you Mark

[@patrickiredale4359]

Fascinating. Really! Also enjoyed your chat with Tristan (TGV).

[@LawrenceManickam]

Thank you. It helped to change batteries for few of our watches.

[@Ash474LX]

Great video dude. Loving the content and learning a lot. Respect from the U.K.! 🇬🇧

[@islandwatch]

Thank you! Greetings from the USA!

[@edwardblack7133]

Ash Rashid and don't forget his humor

[@twstrchasr]

Boy that Yacht Master is beautiful !!! Great video Marc !!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@claudeproulx]

Merci j'ai appris qq chose de très intéressant.

[@melody3741]

Just wanted to drop in real quick and let u know I got an islander dive the white with blue bezel. It's so cute and the only bright sky blue watch on the market at least affordable ones

[@GoldenGateNum9]

Thanks, beautiful watches too 🌹

[@carcophan]

for pop-back, small screwdriver, nor a knife worked for me. i ended up using a pizza cutter/wheel. nice and big to hold onto, sharp enough to fit under the lip and broad enough to pop it. to put it back, i used a small 1x3 length of pine as a press. glass down on a glove and even, gradual pressure down till it popped in. use your own judgement on if you want to put your glass face down. mine glass is flush, maybe slightly recessed.

[@missingcat9293]

GREAT video thanks! Will start work soon in the woodshop and finish the job in the bath.. pass the rubber ducky and don't drop the soap and push pins! XD

[@FitandPerform]

Old video but still good 🙌🏻 cheers for the help

[@iransightseeing9404]

You did better among all i search But You are required to show the tips for closing these things as well I mean how to push the spring into the chain Thnx anyway

[@nac8836]

Mark thanks for providing so much information to the community another excellent video !!!

[@davidnorth9390]

"When the Student is ready, the Teacher appears" Thanks Mark!

[@j246802]

Hey, I asked for this info. a few weeks ago, thanks for uploading!

[@islandwatch]

Haha, great! Ask and answered, :)

[@garlandjohnson8780]

Thank you for the video. Well done.

[@stebesplace]

Great video! The educational series videos are fantastic.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@Bscott-390]

Great vid as usual Marc.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@claudehiramsclassics6477]

Another great video. I like the Seiko diver's watch. Good video shows how to take the backs off of most watches. There are a few watch backs that are kinda rare. Some Benrus Swiss Army have some odd backs and of course Rolex. I like this video it covers nearly every watch back style a regular guy will ever come across. Another good video.

[@laoamericanlady]

I have a Mac Jacob. I undo the strap to install new battery but can not snap it back on no matter how hard I tried. It has the matching slot to open and to put back on but it won’t snap. Do you have any recommendations??😊

[@jkvcrdr]

explained so well finally got the bugger back off

[@GS-nx2iq]

I love learning new words that leave an engineer's mouth! Diametrically opposite is better than straight across by far! Now? To use that over beers. (Hell...that'll turn a German into an American.) Lol Great content!

[@jaileshchari1696]

Very nice I am watch repairing thanks for the great

[@falconfeathers9454]

I have changed my variety of watch batteries for several versions of watch without trouble. But I have a mystery watch. Bought maybe 20 years ago, it is a ring watch. It has a huge synthetic sapphire and a cover that opens like a book to read the watch time. It has a stretchy metal band to adjust to fit. The metal battery cover plate is a "pop off". I can pop it on one side but only lift about 4 mm. The trouble is both sides where the metal band attach will not allow me to remove the plate to get at the battery. It lifts using a flat screwdriver. I am searching for videos for ring watch plate removal. I have even used a magnifier to see if there is something you push that lets go of the band.

[@SeahorseWorkshop]

wow... who would have thought of using a rubber ball. nice work.

[@islandwatch]

Yup, works amazing.

[@jaydarmstadter9631]

This video is full of information useful to me. Thank you. What is the maximum size watch the Jaxa tool you show can handle?

[@anthonydolapo8463]

This really helped. Thank you

[@dvamateur]

This is an interesting case opening wrench. I have a Meikosha, Bergeon Jaxa, and couple of Chinese Jaxa knock-offs, but I haven't seen the one featured in this video before.

[@leroybenson2795]

very informative video

[@Sunny1sotru3]

does that "clam knife" tool work for very thin women's watches. I'm having a difficult time removing my watch back. I bought a repair kit but the knife seems to be to large to fit into the notch. Any ideas?

[@jayneerindefranco3085]

wonderful vid thank you you are wonderful

[@nrs6956]

Might try using tape, scotch, duck tape to protect the back. It's a bother but worth it.

[@freethinker585]

thnks 4 sharing ❤

[@raypelling6440]

On my TImex Snap-Back I've learned (the hard way) to find something that fits perfectly around the outside of the ring for the snap-back. I tried to put it on with my fingers once, BENT the back, and broke the beeper that sits on the inside of the back of the case. With my Timex (Expedition dual display real nerdy I know but I love it) you have to put the back on a certain way or the beeper won't work: there's a tiny triangle pointing towards the upper right (2 o' clock position if it had been the front of the watch), which is also where the part of case is you need to pry on to get the case back off. If this watch back isn't put on straight the watch will not beep. Just FYI.

[@jakeb8298]

Cannot find link to that rubber like blue ball tool you used to remove back cover?

[@catalinopestanonremt9910]

Another great informative video! Thanks a lot, Mark!

[@williamoxendine6121]

Great information thanks 🙏🏻

[@rucbam]

I have been able to remove it with a caliper...has worked

[@josephbaeza163]

Very good information

[@jennygallaher6368]

Thanks so much - very helpful!

[@edwardkorabic4581]

Super video. Thanks!!!

[@stationplaza4631]

The battery for my Tudor Prince Quartz needs to be replaced, and being charged £80.00 for the privilege is something I find frankly obscene...This video is a great step forward to solving a rather expensive problem..Thank you Mark....I will look into obtaining a Rolex opening tool for this task.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks! The tool will last forever.

[@ianwalker3922]

ive got a Hugo Boss watch with a clip off back ive got all the towls you have in the vidio apart from the 3 point one i like the watch but the battery has gone and i carnt get it off help ? Please

[@elmoesteban9531]

nice video

[@ddkim619]

No need for press. 'C' clamp works like a charm😎

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Curious about something i saw once, it was a sponge with 'something' on it to apply on the gasket.

[@jfrschnell]

Happened to me few months ago opened a Watch with a snap/pop back. Putting back was really hard. Ended up going to a watch repair who happened to have a press. These are the easiest to open but the hardest to put back.

[@islandwatch]

Right. Easy off, hard to get back on!

[@imhappystudent9760]

Very interesting video.