How to Open any Watch

Snap in case back, screw in case back, got a watch case back you don't know how to open? This is the one video for you! In this video, we'll detail how to open all types of standard watch case backs on the market today, including snap in case back, screw in case back, and case back with screws, and also how to properly close these case backs with proper tools, like a watch press.

After going through this guide, you'll know how to open every watch on the market, from your basic quartz watch to your dive watch (even Rolex if you're rich)

If you have a special case back you can't open, let me know in the comments below and I'll make sure to make a guide on it in the near future!

P.S. Just a heads up, you won't see any live footage on Rolex because I'm too poor to afford an actual Rolex. If any of you are generous (and wealthy) enough to lend out a Rolex my way I'd be more than glad to produce a detailed guide on it *wink wink*

Key content timestamps:
▶ 00:00 - Introduction
▶ 00:11 - Types of case back
▶ 00:50 - How to open snap in case backs
▶ 01:48 - How to open case back with screws
▶ 02:05 - How to deal with a stuck screw
▶ 02:38 - How to open screw-in case backs
▶ 04:58 - Dealing with special case backs (like Rolex's)
▶ 05:32 - Tips on closing the case backs

Watchmaking tools/equipment required for this video:

Related videos:

Join us to explore the possibilities of at-home watchmaking! We are working on everything from assembling/modding watches, regulating movements, and even bluing your own steel watch hands at home!

Happy watchmaking!

[rbaldwin]

I have watched tutorials/how-to videos on many subjects. This is by far the best filmed, explained, and detailed in any category. If Academy Awards were being given in YouTube, this would be a front runner!

[roadshowautosports]

Where have you been all my life? I’ve been scratching back covers with the three point opener for years!!! 😮 i never used this method of rotating the watch instead of the tool. I always pressed the tool on top of the watch on my desk with some cushion and rotated the tool, and that is a 50/50 chance to slip and scratch. Thank you!

[LaFritePerreGoat]

How to use the case opener tool properly is an unvaluable tip! Thanks.

[llwyde]

My snapping case back has no notch...?

[Paidonthedaily]

this man is single handedly saving the resale value of tens of thousands of watches across the globe. 👏👏

[DavincisMind]

I can not figure out my watch how to open. It looks like it is pop off style but there isn't any notch to pray against. It is Concord watch BTW. Perhaps someone can advise me ?

[coffeeandbackgammon]

My experience: I was at the airport waiting for my plane, dressed up to go to a wedding and was playing around with my nomos glasshutte. When the boarding call came through the speaker I managed to drop the damn thing on the floor and the caseback just rolled away. I picked it up and got to my plane. It was a 2.5 hour flight but I spent the entire time trying to get it's back, back on. It had a gasket which caused a lot of grief but I just couldnt get it on. Was thinking maybe cabin pressure or something was at play. Eventually we landed and I rushed to a local watchmaker, he brought out that contraption, which I know now is the watch press. seemed to do the trick. However I noticed he didn't align the logo at the back which I new would annoy me forever so I made him do it again. I handed him the money and was on my way to the wedding ceremony. 10 minutes later, not fiddling with it or anything, just sitting quietly the damn back just popped off it again. To this day, I have never bothered to put it back on

[wannabee]

Sorry but I have a watch here that does NOT have any 'lip' to prize it open. It is completely smooth all the way round the rim! (any suggestions would be helpful!)

[matthewgaunt]

At first glance, I thought my watch back had no notch. But after watching this I had a closer look and it does, but it's virtually microscopic. If it hadn't been for this video I'd have given up. Thank you!

[gordy]

my citizen has 5 notches on case back.... not obviously opposite each other so the 3 pin tool won't work... any ideas? Thanks

[andrewdavis]

Yes finally I bought a cheap Walmart repair kit and used the tool to pop the back but it was your video that I was able to use for instructions

[grahamandrews]

I have a Pulsar Chronograph 100m 6 notch. Unfortunately, the removal tool won't line up with the notches. Is there another way to remove the back that hasn't been removed previously. Thanks again Melbourne, Australia

[David_Huffman]

Help. My snap in case back won't come off

[normapocher]

Thank you for all the comprehensive information you provided - very clear and helpful. Maybe the companies who sell watches should do your job!

[muhammadzhafari]

This channel provide the best tutorial vids👏🏻, please do "how to change watch crystal"

[vonkruel]

This is a good quality instructional video. I've got to get one of those friction balls!

[andonio]

i have a case with a rolex style caseback and its absolutely stuck.. any advice?

[robinguysharman]

Hugely helpful video and very clear instructions - thank you very much

[paulrust]

What is the name of the tool that pries the snap back style open? 0:53

[JohnUSA]

I have a Rolex GMT 2 aka Bruce Wayne model M126710GRNR-0003
My case size is 40mm. Do not know what is the size of the back case cover.
What size tool opener is needed to open the back case cover?
Thank you.