Need advice for replacing batteries using pry tool + clamp to close

[smartmatrix]

I have a few Armani watches that need new batteries. I have to pry open the back case.

I bought pry opening tools from ebay. These are useless. They scratch the case and opening is mission impossible.

I went to a local shop. The guy there opened the back cases for me. He had a pry tool that was slightly bigger.

He opened - but still had to scratch the case underneath slightly.

What I need: some sort of clamp to hold the watch in place (without breaking) and then to place a pry tool and apply pressure.

Does anything like that exist??

OK... but then I need to close the battery. I have a clamp I bought from ebay. It takes me a pain staking 20 minutes trying again and again to close the back cover. I'm sure I'm missing simple instructions.

I suspect I need more quality tools. I'm happy to invest in buying if needed. I've search loads and can't find anything different to what I already have!

Hoping someone can offer helpful advice.

Thanks.

[tomh207]

Search for watch case vice, something like these mine is like the 55mm diameter one.

 

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/hand-or-vice-held

for the case back search here for crystal press, here is a good thread about one with a review video too.

 

Tom

[Nucejoe]

  Pry as usual only place a piece of thick paper or cloth

 on the case underneath your pry tool  

the paper will cushion and prevent scratching.

Some back plates ,by design,  are to be pressed with pressing tool. There are pressing tool of different quality at various prices, and undoubtedly relevant discussion on WRT forum.

Usually watches get ruined by watch repairers.

Rgds

 

Edited July 3, 2024 by Nucejoe
corrections

[smartmatrix]

Thanks for the replies guys.

@Nucejoe

>> "Pry as usual only place a piece of thick paper or cloth"

No! it's not that easy surely! 

I've tried loads and loads. Would be amazing if you could give me a video link of someone who's doing it?

@tomh207 in terms of case vice... those look  like you need to hand hold?

the press in the video looks pretty awesome

I've attached 3 pics... would these be any good?

I found oniline. Both about £12.

Thanks.

[JohnR725]

On 7/3/2024 at 4:19 AM, smartmatrix said:

What I need: some sort of clamp to hold the watch in place (without breaking) and then to place a pry tool and apply pressure.

I like that you have a procedure you know what you're doing or do you? I don't suppose we can have a decent picture of the back of the watch and a side view of the watch?

[HectorLooi]

The case opener in your first picture is for Rolex style casebacks.

The case holding vice in the second picture is cr*p. The moment you start turning the caseback, the entire vice would turn together with it.

The crystal/caseback press in picture three would probably work. But you have to make sure that the screws of the upper and lower tool holders are properly aligned. Some of them don't line up properly.

If you're using a traditional caseback knife or a Swiss Army knife, you're chances of slipping and scratching the caseback is very high. No paper or plastic sheet will be able to protect the surface if you slip. The secret is not to slip. 

A Seiko style caseback knife is less likely to slip. It is used with a stabbing action to wedge the blade under the caseback. Don't try to pry/lever the caseback off like a tin can, that would only lead to slippage. The wedging action would pop the caseback off in most cases. Only in really stubborn cases where the blade has wedged in but the caseback still hasn't popped off, then some twisting and levering is permitted to lift caseback to pop it off.

Very rarely, you'll come across some really tough casebacks that would require specialized tools to open the watch. But we'll leave that alone for now.

[tomh207]

What @HectorLooi has said covers most of your ask but I’ll throw in a couple more bits.

my, and most case vices can be used in a bench vice to give you extra stability or be hand held.

what he was trying to get over as well is our natural tendency is to twist the tool to open the back, this is not the way to do it but using the tool to wedge the back off is.

 

Tom

 

 

[Neverenoughwatches]

Modern ashion type casebacks can be difficult to open, the seams can be extremely tight. I use one if not two razor blades to work around the seam, no or very little prying though even when tempted, the tool's edge will dig into the back or the case itself. Better to use a thicker blade to wedge in and avoid working near the crown you're sure to lever off of it if its there.