Remove the watch caseback in three different ways without using tools
- Pry the back of a cheap or simple-looking watch with your thumbnail. If your thumbnail is too short, use a razor blade instead.
- To loosen a screw-back watch, place a soft, tacky rubber ball against the back of the watch and twist counterclockwise.
- If the watch is extremely tightly attached, take a pair of scissors and insert a tip into the screw notch. To loosen the screws on the watch, turn counterclockwise.
-
1
Try your thumb on some cheap, simple-looking watches. Some watch cases can be opened by prying open a simple hinge in the back. Examine your watch to see if the backing allows you to do this. If there are no screws in the backing, it can most likely be opened with your thumbnail. [1]
- This method will only work if your watch backing does not contain any screws.
- While other fingernails may be used, your thumbnail is usually the largest and strongest.
-
2
Find your watch's hinge. On simple watches, the hinge will appear as a small indentation along the back edge of the watch. This is where you'll put your thumbnail to pry the backing off.
- Do not take your eyes off the task at hand. Maintain control of it with your other hand while prying it open.
Advertisement
-
3
Lift your thumbnail from beneath the backing hinge. As you work, make sure your nail is facing the back of the watch. To avoid chipping or bending your thumbnail, lift slowly. The backing should come off with some pressure and patience. If the backing is difficult to remove, avoid using your thumbnail to avoid damaging it. [2]
- This method works best if your fingernails are long and healthy.
-
4
As an alternative, use a razor blade. If the hinge is too tight or your thumbnail is too short to pry the backing off, a flat razor blade will suffice. Insert the razor blade's edge through the hinge opening and lift until the blade is pried off. [3]
- You can use this method with a razor blade if there is no indentation but only a space between the back and casing.
- If you don't have a razor blade, small kitchen knives will suffice.
Advertisement
-
1
Get a soft, mashable rubber ball. Rubber balls frequently have enough grip to pry watch straps off. Choose a rubberized ball that is both squishy and tacky so that it can latch onto the back of your watch. [4]
- Stress balls can be a less expensive alternative.
- Avoid using rubber balls made of hard materials. The ball must be soft and pliable in order to grip the backing.
- A low-cost alternative is to wrap a new tennis ball in duct tape until completely covered. The duct tape adhesive is extremely sticky, and the tennis ball provides something to grip.
-
2
Set the watch on a flat surface. Although you can work while holding the watch in your hand, placing it on a flat surface will allow you to work more comfortably and efficiently. If your watch is expensive or fragile, place it on a towel to rest on while you work.
-
3
Firmly press the ball into the watch's backing. The rubber ball must be firmly pressed against the backing, particularly the screw notches. Apply firm pressure as you move the ball against the backing to ensure a secure grip. [5]
- To avoid accidentally damaging your watch, apply pressure in increments.
-
4
Counterclockwise rotate the ball. Most watch models loosen when turned counterclockwise and tighten when turned clockwise. As you turn the watch, the screws on the back should loosen. Twist quickly and firmly to maintain the rubber ball's firm grip on the backing. [6]
-
5
The ball should be used to loosen but not remove the backing. Once the backing is loose enough, you can remove it completely with your fingers. Twist the backing with your fingers counterclockwise until it and the screws come off. Keep the backing and screws somewhere safe so you don't lose them. [7]
-
6
After that, use the rubber ball to secure the backing. Once you've done whatever you needed to do while removing it, make sure to secure the backing tightly. Place the cover on the back of your watch and press the rubber ball firmly against it. Turn quickly clockwise to tighten the backing up again. [8]
Advertisement
-
1
To loosen extremely tight backings, use scissors. Rubber balls may not provide enough grip if your backing is not tightly screwed on. Scissor tips are usually small enough to reach the screws on your watch and twist them off, just like a specialized screwdriver would.- To avoid injuring yourself if the scissors slip, choose a pair with blunt tips.
-
2
Place the watch on a firm, flat surface. By placing the watch on a flat surface, you will be able to work safely while using the scissors. If your watch is expensive or delicate, place it on a soft towel while you remove the screws. -
3
Find the screw notches on the watch. These notches indicate where your screws will go. Open the scissors handle, then insert one of the scissor tips into a screw notch as you prepare to unscrew it. To avoid losing your grip as you turn the scissor, make sure the end is firmly inserted into the notch. [9]
-
4
In a counterclockwise motion, twist the notches. Turn the scissors counterclockwise to loosen each screw, just as you would with the rubber ball method. After you've removed the first screw, repeat the process with the remaining notches. [10]
- When you're ready to replace the backing, repeat the process but twist in a clockwise direction.
-
5
As an alternative, use a precision screwdriver. If you can't or don't want to use scissors, pick up a precision screwdriver from your local hardware store. Precision screwdrivers are typically small enough to unscrew watch backs without the need for specialized tools.
Advertisement
-
Question
How do I replace my watch's backing cover? I pried it off with a thin-bladed knife, but it won't easily pop back together.
Try laying it upside down on a table and evenly pressing down with a piece of wood on the back.
-
Question
If there is no tab, how do I remove the back?
Some watches have screw-on case backs, which are usually distinguished by notches or a coin-like edge. In this case, the appropriate tools are required.
-
Question
How do I open the back of a watch that has been too deeply smashed?
If the watch is damaged, you may require professional assistance to repair it. To determine what needs to be done, contact a local jeweler or watch repair service.
Submit a Question
Advertisement
- ⧼thumbs_response⧽
- ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement
- Sharp scissors
- Ball made of rubber
- Tennis ball and duct tape
- Razor (optional)
- Optional precision screwdriver
- (Optional) towel
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpGG7td_NaM&feature=youtu.be&t=61
Co-authors: 36
Updated: 25th of October, 2022
Views: 1,734,669
Categories: Watches
- Send author fan mail

If you find yourself in the position of wanting to hang pictures or a new TV and you desire to add some wall decor to create a more unified and finished look in your room, it is important to consider the preparations required before taking up that hammer.In order to securely hang any heavy items such as

Last updated: 07:06 EDT, 18 May 2021Critics of the television program How to Save a Grand in 24 Hours have strongly criticized a mother who spent £300 per month on beauty products but claimed she couldn't afford to remedy the black mold that was growing in her son's bedroom.Anna Wallace, hailing from

Learn how to stream the latest drama, 'No Return,' starring Sheridan Smith. Looking to watch the captivating holiday drama, No Return, online? Discover where you can find the thrilling series.Strongly following the journey of Kathy (Sheridan Smith) and Martin Powell (Michael Jibson), a married couple

If you're interested in scheduling a doctor's appointment using the myGP app, you'll need to follow these steps on your smartphone:1. Input your mobile number and date of birth. It's important to note that this must be the mobile number you provided when registering at your GP surgery.2. Conduct a