Removing Dents from Pocket Watch Cases

This video shows the simple technique for removing dents from pocket watches. The technique uses not that difficult, and all you need for the tools is available from Amazon. Basically a hammer and the special tool you saw me use with all of the inserts. Make sure you take your time to do this properly

[@tomterry6924]

To help see the extents of the dents I mark them with magic marker on both sides with optimal reflectance, to help position the punches. With certain lighting they show up better or worse. I use homemade hardwood dowels with varying smooth radii and chopsticks for special small shapes.

[@JDRichard]

Great technique I wasn’t sure exactly how to do this myself

[@nicktew5617]

Hi. Great video. Please can you advise if there is a way of either removing an engraving from the rear case or replacing the case with a blank for a new engraved message?

[@JDRichard]

You would really have to find a sacrifice case back. I suspect the engraving would be so deep that trying to remove it would thin out the metal

[@seayak]

so where do you get that cool tool?

[@JDRichard]

Amazon

[@seayak]

@@JDRichard Ha, thanks!

[@HandyHomestead]

Hello JD, Nice technique with the dent removal. Very well done. When you mentioned MC Hammer, I was waiting for your impression of “can’t touch this” but I can hammer the crap out of it!! Thanks for another learning point to add to the arsenal. Cheers, Geoff

[@JDRichard]

Thank you very much it takes a lots of techniques to get rid of those dents

[@WatchWithMike]

There is something Zen about dent repair…

[@JDRichard]

There's something Zen but pounding on anything

[@AvengerAngel]

Good job, JD. There is something satisfying about removing dents from a watch case, up there with getting them running. I have a dapping kit which is very useful. The old Swiss cases are soft silver, easy to take the dent out, but the backs can be in two pieces; the center extending to the rim, and they are pressed fitted. In the course of dent removal, these can separate-I found that out the hard way! Very difficult to get back together and in shape to close the backs.

[@JDRichard]

I'll make sure I don't work on these dual case watches for I would not want to remove one side of the metal. I enjoy removing dents cuz it's lots of fun to see them go away

[@jowettcars]

I think I'll leave the dents in my pocket watches...They add a bit of character. Should come with a health warning. Could make the dent a lot worse.......

[@JDRichard]

You can end up for the pocket watch with more dense than you started with. I apologize ending a sentence with a preposition