Open a Stuck Watch Back | + watch repair tools for beginners

[@WatchWithMike]

I had so much fun making this video! Please leave your comments, tips and suggestions down below...I look forward to hearing from you!

[@home-dp6oh]

Ok, I had to comment. I've been working on watches for 20+ yrs so when I saw you super gluing a nut to the back of a watch I though YOU were NUTS. I just bought a 28j Movado watch off eBay with a screw off back. I tried: "Sticky Ball" - Fail, "Standard" , "Jaxa" style opener - Fail, and even my benchtop case opening machine - FAIL (NEVER failed before). So I figured "what have I got to lose?" Superglued a nut onto the back of the case, let it dry overnight, picked up a 12" adjustable wrench, put the watch in a padded vice, and gave it a push. It took some effort but the stupid thing actually opened the back right up. Who knew? So when people watch this vid and say "B.S." about gluing a nut onto the back of the watch - IT WORKS! Thank you for making this video sir!

[@WatchWithMike]

Thank you for watching and for your affirmation! I'm really glad it did the trick. 😁

[@andizx8113]

For sure one of the best ways to open a watch without any damage. Thanks for sharing

[@WatchWithMike]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@darrenmurray3369]

Glued on wing nut and it worked perfectly .... thanks so much! Awesome tip!

[@WatchWithMike]

@@darrenmurray3369 The wing nut is a nice twist! 😄

[@janeglossop465]

Tried the "nut glued on the watch back" method, worked an absolute treat, brilliant advice....Thank you!

[@WatchWithMike]

That's awesome! I used it again a couple of videos ago on a battery hatch on a classic Elgin electronic watch. Like a charm indeed! 😄

[@slimjim1872]

Mike - I am a retired gentleman who has just started repairing watches, just like you. So far I am being successful, I have used your crazy glue method and it worked great! I am grateful for your videos and wish you contined success. Jim M

[@WatchWithMike]

Hello Jim! Thank you so much for your kind words. One of the things I love about watch repair is that it focuses me and really keeps me in the moment. This video was particularly fun because I love a new opportunity to use crazy glue, and everything else I tried wasn’t working. I’m glad it was successful for you, too. Thank you for watching and good luck with your watch repairs as well!

[@mojah1]

Thanks for the tips I’m gonna try those tips 👍

[@WatchWithMike]

👍

[@NotToday1971]

After multiple tries by myself an Walmart jewelry dept nome of us had any luck, im so thankful i came across your channel as I'm trying this ASAP your a genius Ty so much ❤❤

[@WatchWithMike]

Wow, good luck… I hope this is the solution you are looking for!😁

[@philipbrailey]

Wow! That was helpful.

[@WatchWithMike]

Glad it was helpful! 😄

[@victorharper4314]

This is the best watch video I have seen ever!!!!! Thanks Mike!!!!!

[@WatchWithMike]

Wow, thanks Victor! I really enjoyed making it. I appreciate you watching!

[@jkstdstang]

Wow who woulda thought of CA gluing a nut on the case back! Cool!

[@WatchWithMike]

Thanks Chris! Some ideas are just so wacky you have to give them a try.

[@serdalkaptan]

Brilliant idea, indeed. And it works! Thank you for sharing.

[@WatchWithMike]

You're welcome! Glad it worked for you!

[@officialsamsung9189]

Brother Screw One Worked ❤❤🎉🎉

[@WatchWithMike]

Yay! I had a Hamilton with a stuck back that I used this trick on this week and it worked perfectly!

[@matthewkeller870]

You’re a freaking genius!! I could not get the back of a 1968 Caravelle M7. Super glue a bracket on and used needle nose pliers and got it off!! THANK YOU!

[@WatchWithMike]

That's great news Matthew! So glad the video helped. 😁

[@maureenkelson1577]

Thank you so much Mike. It worked really well. I had already damaged the watch case a little with all my desperate efforts. I wish I had seen your video earlier. Thank you.

[@WatchWithMike]

So glad it worked! 😄

[@maureenkelson1577]

Thank you. I have been trying to open a watch for ages without luck. I will try this method.

[@WatchWithMike]

Desperate times call for desperate measures! Gluing on the nut is easy… just make sure your watch case remains safe and secure when you go to remove the back. Several viewers said they have bent the lugs because the torque is so strong!

[@bigpearl2265]

Very nice video. Very well spoken. He should be a news anchor or talk radio. I really enjoyed it. Thanks!😅

[@WatchWithMike]

@Big Pearl - thanks for the kind words! I work hard to make these videos communicate the best that I can, so it's really nice when it's noticed and appreciated. Awesome! 😄

[@mladenstankovic3148]

Beutiful work. Seeing the watch getting a new life really made me happy. Thank you for the video, Mike.

[@WatchWithMike]

You're welcome! It was a fun project. I appreciate you watching!

[@quagmier3]

Great video. I have a Seiko Titanium that is very stuck. I might be trying this method if everything easier fails. I was almost about to give up hope when I found this very helpful video.

[@WatchWithMike]

Well I'm glad you found the video! Good luck with your Seiko, and feel free to stop back and let me know how it goes. 😁

[@timmychen6]

I have a stuck Gucci desktop watch. I am gonna give it a shot. Thanks!

[@WatchWithMike]

But make sure it's not a pry/off!

[@spankyharland9845]

good tip if I ever encounter a stuck base.

[@WatchWithMike]

It’s always good to have a trick up our sleeve when we run into a challenge. Thanks for watching Spanky!

[@RodrigoSotoCastro]

I'm just getting into watchmaking and the case of my first project watch was so jammed that even some watchmakers in the past couldn't open it. So what did I have to lose, right? So I tried this method and after finding a way to secure it properly and a little force I was able to open it! It is impressive how strongly the nut holds onto the metal with just cyanoacrylate. Thanks!

[@WatchWithMike]

👍🏼

[@swedeburg]

Thanks Mike that is a trick I will use.....

[@WatchWithMike]

You’re welcome Brian, I appreciate you watching!

[@marioplushes]

I have a stubborn Technomarine watch. I need to try the nut trick

[@WatchWithMike]

Good luck! 😁

[@rubinsteinway]

Good! I used the crazy glue also, and just to mention, I didn't use a vise, just a coupla coins, and they weigh down on the nut, allowing the glue to fix.

[@WatchWithMike]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing your tip!

[@gmanmarx8705]

Wow I have been working on my watches and I have a stuck watch im going to see if that works and i will get some of that poly watch very cool my watch has been stuck for a year now I will give it a shot thank you

[@WatchWithMike]

@Gman Marx - Thanks for watching and checking in… Good luck getting that watch open!

[@swedeburg]

Thanks, Mike that is a trick I will remember...

[@smudger671]

Good advice. T cut will polish the crystal as well.

[@WatchWithMike]

Excellent suggestion! I’ll check it out! 😄

[@gpraceman]

I had to use the super glue trick on a vintage watch I bought to restore. The back had an octagonal raised portion but was so shallow that there was no way I could get anything to bit on it. So, I glued a small piece of aluminum L angle to the back and that worked to get it off. I used rather too much super glue, as I had to soak the back in acetone for about a day and a half. Next time, I will try using a nut. Maybe that lets the acetone get at the super glue easier.

[@WatchWithMike]

@gpraceman - Cool! Thanks for sharing your experience. The L angle is an interesting variation, and I don't think that's why it took so long to soak off. If I had to guess I'd say that you user a more robust CA glue, or like you suggested more than needed. As long as it all worked out! 😁

[@gpraceman]

@@WatchWithMike I was looking for anything handy and had a small scrap of L angle lying around. I'm sure my liberal use of CA glue was more the issue.

[@cliffordzehmke5650]

Great idea ,the glue

[@WatchWithMike]

Thanks Clifford! It worked out great. I've learned that the bigger the nut, the better. Smaller nuts don't seem to have as much surface area for the glue to hold onto and are more likely to snap off.

[@robertslimm9319]

Great video! Good work.

[@WatchWithMike]

Thank you very much!

[@ratedz9188]

glad i found this video. gonna try this on my seiko sq. thanks

[@WatchWithMike]

Sorry about the delayed response… Did you have a chance to give it a try? Did it work? 😁

[@Mars-zgblbl]

I tried the Krazy Glue method on a yard sale find. It was extremely tight and I ended up bending a lug. Cheap watch, no big loss. On hindsight, it might have been more effective to soak the back of the case in solvent since the tightness was likely caused by a sticking, disintegrating rubber gasket

[@WatchWithMike]

I'd be wary of soaking a closed watch in any type of solvent. There's no way to control how far the solvent gets in, and it can damage the watch movement, dial, hands, etc. You could try alternating heat and cold (within reason) to alternately expand and contract the gasket and case back, hopefully breaking that seal. It's a bummer you bent a lug on your project watch… It's definitely something that everyone should watch out for so I'm glad you shared your advice!!

[@Mars-zgblbl]

@@WatchWithMike Good point, hadn’t considered the dial and hands. And we’ve all seen videos showing watches where water got in

[@WatchWithMike]

@@Mars-zgblbl you bet!

[@josec.gomesfilho6924]

Very good! Vou experimentar. Thaks😊

[@WatchWithMike]

Thanks! This was a fun video to make and it worked out great 😁

[@toffeepie1878]

Removing case backs can be quite the task, some prise off without effort and more won't budge. I have a big collection of Seiko's, I was trying to remove the case back from a Superior 9983-8020 (1978) and it wasn't playing ball, I also scuffed the back in the process. Eventually I wedged in a small screwdriver into the slot and finally the case back came out... But not as I expected, it also took the entire movement with it! Seikos eh. I did remove the scuffs with a Dremel and polish and the watch is awesome. It's going to my watchmaker for regulating and he can take the case back from that movement as that's beyond my skill set - know when to stop.

[@WatchWithMike]

"Know when to stop" is excellent advice! But when I hit that point I often say to myself, let me try just one more thing… 😂

[@toffeepie1878]

@@WatchWithMike I learnt the hard way when I fudged a Grand Seiko Quartz movement and I dropped it.. my watchmaker corrected the bent second hand but I won't go any further with watches, the case back was bolted to the movement of the superior Quartz, I think it's removed by a stem latch near 4pm but nothing obvious and way beyond what I would try

[@WatchWithMike]

@@toffeepie1878 I wish I had a dollar for every time I got discouraged. But if you keep trying, it means more when you accomplish it. By all means know your limits, but don't be afraid to exceed them from time to time… That's how we learn! PS, do your learning on inexpensive watches! 😁

[@toffeepie1878]

@@WatchWithMike I agree, maybe overtime I will get more skilled but removing a movement is an achievement right now!

[@gcjctc2]

Thank you! I just used this method and it worked perfectly!,!

[@WatchWithMike]

Excellent!!! Thanks for checking in and letting me know! 😁

[@kokobeach2674]

Man that’s MCGaver level Creativity 👍

[@WatchWithMike]

@Koko Beach - He's my hero! Compliment accepted, thank you!!!

[@KayakCampingOffGrid]

Great job Mike. So cool to discover how you used the CA Glue to mount the nut onto the case back, then go ahead and dissolve the glue with Acetone. The other tips are fun to know the details too! More videos please sir!

[@WatchWithMike]

@Rob C - Thanks for your nice words! This was a fun video to make. More on the way!

[@GustoTheGamer]

What a great Seiko watch 😮

[@WatchWithMike]

Thank you Joshi! It is one of my favorites… Dressy yet casual. :-)

[@walterdellanos1071]

Yo pego ls hoja de un cuchillo y también sale.

[@WatchWithMike]

Sometimes that works! Other times you need to resort to extreme measures! 😄

[@glenh4971]

That is the way you would have to open a polygonal style caseback. Most people don't have the correct caseback opener for them.

[@WatchWithMike]

That would work! It will also work for proprietary case backs like Rolex.

[@TheHugoadiaz]

Thanks for this Video! The Jewelers couldn't open it. Went home and try your video and worked 100% Removing the super glue took a little more elbow grease to clean up but it did. Thanks!

[@WatchWithMike]

Excellent, thanks for sharing your story! Removing the superglue on my project took more elbow grease to clean up then I show in the video, but that's what editing is for. I'm glad it worked out for you! 😁

[@jennymicu6955]

Amazing

[@WatchWithMike]

Well thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😀

[@matthewposter6226]

Mike, As I've been "watching" your videos, I was wondering if you have a final list of all your tools that you've accumulated? I see how you upgraded the ultrasonic cleaner set up for example. Love to support your affiliate links as I get started on my watch repair journey and just don't want to duplicate tools as I progress. Also is there any other way to contact you other than through the KZbin comments section?

[@WatchWithMike]

@@matthewposter6226 check out my website, www.watchwithmike.com. There you will find a link to my Amazon store where I have collated the various Watch supplies and tools that I have purchased through them. The more professional supplies I purchased through eBay or esslinger.com. If you want to shoot me a message, I have an email address on my website… I'd love to hear from you!

[@matthewposter6226]

@@WatchWithMike Awesome man! That's exactly what I was looking for. Be in touch soon.

[@lpizz8830]

I'm about to try that, I have 2 different opener tools that wont open it

[@WatchWithMike]

Well I hope it does the trick for you! If you're going to give it a try, then here's a tip... the bigger the nut, the better. It gives the glue more surface to hold onto. Please check back and let us know how it goes!

[@dundadunda552]

Should I remove the batteries from my watches for long term storage?

[@WatchWithMike]

Great question! I don't remove batteries if they are still running, but I think it is best to remove batteries that have expired, if you are going to store the watch. When you remove the battery, write down what kind it is on a post-it and stick it to the back of the watch so you'll remember, possibly years down the road.

[@Dinesh.1989]

Good

[@WatchWithMike]

Thank you! 😁

[@fabulousfinds1045]

EXCELLENT video!

[@WatchWithMike]

I'm glad you liked it! It's one of those tips you hope you never have to use, but if you do, then you're glad you know it. It worked for me like a charm! 😄

[@IntheBlood67]

Outstanding!

[@WatchWithMike]

@Sargint Rock - This video was really fun to make. Thanks for watching!

[@marcmiller6532]

One quick question on the battery for that watch. Is it a silver oxide button battery. I have a very similar Pulsar RR approved model, and I think it originally has a silver oxide battery. That was replaced with an alkaline button battery and it does not run reliably anymore. I think I need to switch back to a new silver oxide battery. Does that make sense? And that superglue nut idea looks like a good idea for future reference! Thanks!

[@WatchWithMike]

Hi Marc, the battery in that Seiko is a Renata 371 Watch Battery (aka SR920SW). It is a Silver Oxide battery. It's definitely worth trying in your Pulsar! Hope that helps, and thanks for watching!

[@marcmiller6532]

Thanks Mike. I expect my pulsar watch will once again work reliably once I replace the alkaline battery with a new silver oxide battery, which is probably the type that was originally in the watch. I now know that not all button batteries are interchangable even if the physical size is the same. What I have read indicates that the voltage drop on an alkaline battery over time is faster than that of a silver oxide battery. Also the shelf life is about twice as long too, for what it's worth. (But they do cost a little more) Thanks again!

[@WatchWithMike]

@@marcmiller6532 Good info! I've been buying batteries in multi-packs lately, and the price per battery is pretty cheap. Good to know the shelf life is decent because I'm all stocked up!

[@marcmiller6532]

@@WatchWithMike From what I read, the shelf life of silver oxide batts is about 10 years, and the alkaline batts is about 5 years, and the silver oxide will maintain a higher operating voltage for a longer period of time. I can't vouch for that from personal experience, but that's just according to the article I read on it. But it makes sense since the alkaline batts are the less expensive of the two.

[@robertbrown576]

Did this and bent a lug. I wish I’d thought to make an epoxy cast to cradle the watch case

[@WatchWithMike]

@Robert Brown - wow, a bent lug is a bummer. I’m glad you added your experience to the conversation so others can take precaution!

[@therapy3697]

does the nut method work on a geneva platinum japan movt no.2252? it's fine if you don't know what the watch is it's not known by a lot of people. though it is almost. the same as yunanwa Platinum Watches Roman Leather Band Analog Quartz Wrist Watch but with a silicon band and is in a different color.

[@WatchWithMike]

I really don't know! I looked for images of Geneva platinum watches, and the ones I could find looked like they were snap backs, not screw off backs. Does your watch have lugs on the back of the case or do you know it is a screw off back?

[@therapy3697]

@@WatchWithMike nevermind i already opened it thank you anyway

[@lookylooky100]

It worked. Thx

[@WatchWithMike]

Excellent! Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@testchannelone6616]

G'morning. I have a mechanical watch with the hands not aligned, so when the minute hand points to 12 the hour hand is between the 4 and 5, for example. Is it OK for me to remove the crystal and just push the hour hand so that it is aligned with the hour index? Or do I need to remove the hands and replace them using pushers? Thanks.

[@WatchWithMike]

Great question! As long as you are going as far as removing the crystal, I would use hand levers to remove the hands and then pushers to put them back in place correctly. Turning the hands directly could cause unwanted damage to the gears that drive them. Also, if your watch has a calendar feature, removing and reinstalling the hands allows you to make the calendar switch exactly at midnight. Good luck!

[@testchannelone6616]

Thank you my friend!

[@Lawomenshoops]

Just wondering what a jeweler would use to open a stuck back like this one?

[@WatchWithMike]

Great comment - jewelers have high-end watch back openers that very securely hold the case on the bottom without damaging them, while a brand-specific watch back removal tool engages the back indents or teeth, allowing you to apply much more controlled pressure than the hand-held models you can buy inexpensively. (But the crazy glue trick is much more fun!)

[@darioswatchclub8]

3:14 I am ready for desperate measures

[@WatchWithMike]

It's nice when we have a few tricks up our sleeve when we need to resort to desperate measures! 😄

[@WatchWithMike]

Dario, I checked out your video! I recommend that you try the crazy glue again but with a bigger nut. A bigger nut will give you more glue surface area. I would also open up the bracelet at the clasp so you can apply a little clamping pressure to the nut (but not too much). Make sure you have a big enough wrench for the nut, and it would help if you had a watch case holder to grip the watch with. Alternately I will hold the watch case with a thick leather glove which gives me a better grip. Good luck with that watch, it is really nice looking, and I am glad that you want to restore it as a tribute to your father!

[@darioswatchclub8]

@@WatchWithMike Thank you so much Mike. I am totaly with you. I will follow the advice and setup. I did open Up the clasp, but that old thing is kimda enigmatic. Still, the Watch will be restored, really gently,...but With direction!

[@cgnicolis]

Will file that tip away hopefully never need it thanks!

[@WatchWithMike]

Awesome - I hope you'll never need it too! :)

[@cgnicolis]

@@WatchWithMike I needed it and it worked! Thanks again!

[@WatchWithMike]

@@cgnicolis Lol, thanks for the follow up! I’m glad it worked. Kinda fun, isn’t it?! 😁

[@magalieaugustin5091]

Oh 🤩

[@WatchWithMike]

@Magalie Augustin - it worked like a charm... Thanks for watching!

[@terryl5878]

will toothpaste work?

[@WatchWithMike]

I doubt it! Maybe a strong denture adhesive? :)

[@WatchWithMike]

Terry, I just realized you're asking about toothpaste for cleaning the crystal, not removing a stuck watch back. (Head slap!) While I haven't tried it, I have heard that toothpaste is not abrasive enough to be affective on a watch crystal. Poly watch is still probably your best bet, but I have also heard people use automotive scratch remover successfully. Good luck!

[@kamal-hy7is]

I went to the watch shop now to change my fossil battery. Same your watch . And he couldn't open it . Even before I change the battery for 2 times . But now doesn't wants to open 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I'm very disappointed . I can't even breath . I love this watch so much 😭😭😭😭😭

[@WatchWithMike]

Oh no! Maybe the gasket has…Fossilized? Sorry, I couldn't resist! Hang in there, I'm sure you'll figure out how to get it open. 😄

[@avavictoriasongbird]

Lmao

[@WatchWithMike]

😄

[@IMakeWatches]

Great video! Very well made, instructional, and entertaining. ! I love the superglued nut / acetone technique for case back removal.

[@WatchWithMike]

@I Shoot Watches - thanks for the kind words! I just subbed to your channel and I look forward to viewing more of your videos. Awesome workspace/studio! :)

[@giwrgossoiles3536]

Great idea .I have the same problem with my watch (seiko snae67p1) which is black and I am afraid tha super glue or acetone will damaged the paint even in the back metal lid.thanks for your time

[@WatchWithMike]

@giwrgossoiles3536I - pulled up a picture of your watch and I can see why you'd be concerned. Maybe you can use hot glue, which can then be removed with heat. Might be worth a try!

[@giwrgossoiles3536]

@@WatchWithMike Thanks a lot for the answer and your interest. I finally though something by my own and it works. I made a disk from hot glue inside a plastic cup (from a plastic bottle) exact the same size with the back of the watch. Then I extract the disk from the cup. I place it to the metal lid and then a plastic cup on the top. Belive me this disk was enough sticky to unscrew the disk.

[@WatchWithMike]

@@giwrgossoiles3536 Very innovative! I'm glad it worked!

[@giwrgossoiles3536]

@@WatchWithMike Thanks a lot anyway

[@avavictoriasongbird]

Mike mike mike no link to quick click and move ON....lmao

[@WatchWithMike]

🙁

[@ShortBetter]

I almost broke my hands today trying to open such case...

[@WatchWithMike]

Ouch! Be careful my friend! 👍🏻

[@alexi2460]

Loe he nut solution

[@WatchWithMike]

Thank you! 😁

[@zegarmistrz2675]

🙂👍

[@WatchWithMike]

Glad you liked it! It was a fun video to make. 😁

[@darioswatchclub8]

This is how I finally got it open today: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4uwq4uGjsdskJI

[@WatchWithMike]

Awesome! You used hot glue! Good thinking!

[@darioswatchclub8]

@@WatchWithMike how can I get the crown out of my dead fathers Swiss BWC watch? That is the next challenge😂 if you want to help, i have uploaded a short vid of IT. Thank you so much again!

[@WatchWithMike]

@@darioswatchclub8 i'm not familiar with the movement, but it looks like there is a hole with a button in it that's near the crown, that you need to depress before pulling out the stem.

[@darioswatchclub8]

@@WatchWithMike that was my First guess and Bet. Still I put it aside, and I will check in on it this Weekend. Thank you, for taking a look!

[@WatchWithMike]

@@darioswatchclub8 you're welcome! 😁

[@davidcrawford8583]

Can't for love nor money remove the back from my Rolex 1601. I haven't got the guts to use the superglue method!

[@WatchWithMike]

David, I am assuming you are using a Rolex back removal tool… Here's another video where I made a holder for my bench vice, which gave me enough leverage to get the back off another watch. Maybe something like this will work for you? kzbin.info2KMd-PIcfKc?feature=share

[@davidcrawford8583]

@@WatchWithMike I ordered a back removal tool which is 29.5mm it doesn't grip as it's a shade too small and I don't want to scratch the back. Thanks for getting back!

[@WatchWithMike]

I imagine there is very little margin of error with the Rolex backs. Having the right tool makes all the difference!