How to open Seiko ska763p1 watch back

[Gerry]

I have a Seiko ska763p1 with a screw watch back as it has nodges around the back (so I think it is ascrew on).

I have tried several options but I just can't open the back. Used a scissors but also a tool with two pins on it but no success.

Also warmed up the case back by using a hair dryer but also with no success.

I read somewhere that some watch backs that look like a screw-on are in fact not, so they have to be popped off.

Does anyone know if this Seiko ska763p1 is indeed a true screw-on?

And if so, what else can I do to get this watck back open?

 

[AndyGSi]

Welcome to the forum.

It's a Seiko so will be a screw back.

What tool have you tried as sometimes they do need a lot of force if they've been closed form a while and may even need to find someone with a tool like this.

Can I ask why you're removing the back? Is it to change the capacitor?

[Gerry]

This is the watch and the tool I used. I do have to say that the tool is rather "low end" as I notice that the pins force the tool open a bit when I try to open the case. I also used a scissors with wide blades where I do think I did put some torque on it. But no success.

The reason am I trying to open the back is indeed to replace the capacitor. It is an old watch and the capacitor doesn't work for a few years already, but I thought to give it a go at repairing that. 

 

[tomh207]

Andy’s suggestion is the way it should be done. Scissors ain’t gonna cut it nor will the other tool you have. If you can glue a ring of some sort to the metal outside of the clear caseback with a lever attached to it it may be possible, use superglue which will come of easily with acetone. If it wasn’t a see through caseback it would be relatively easy to do this, damage to the crystal would be a concern.

 

Tom

[AndyGSi]

You may get a result with a tool like this but with the observation back and it being a Seiko with a reasonable value I wouldn't risk it myself.

1 hour ago, tomh207 said:

Scissors ain’t gonna cut it

Nooooo 

Edited November 9, 2024 by AndyGSi

[HectorLooi]

I use that cheap opener most of the time. It gets the job done. There was only one occasion that I had to glue a nut to the caseback to open a rusty watch.

A good watch case holder also helps. My favorite holder is this one from AliExpress. 

Watch Repair Tool Watch Fixing Base Size Adjustment Battery Replacement Watch Case Holder Watch Case Movement Holder Vice Watch
https://a.aliexpress.com/_msyYZRS

What I do is I first fix the watch case into the holder, then adjust the jaws of the opener to fit the notches. To prevent the opener from slipping and scratching the caseback, I sit down and put the watch and opener between my knees. Then turn in an anticlockwise direction with controlled force. It hasn't failed yet.

[AndyGSi]

22 minutes ago, HectorLooi said:

I use that cheap opener most of the time. It gets the job done. There was only one occasion that I had to glue a nut to the caseback to open a rusty watch.

A good watch case holder also helps. My favorite holder is this one from AliExpress. 

Watch Repair Tool Watch Fixing Base Size Adjustment Battery Replacement Watch Case Holder Watch Case Movement Holder Vice Watch
https://a.aliexpress.com/_msyYZRS

What I do is I first fix the watch case into the holder, then adjust the jaws of the opener to fit the notches. To prevent the opener from slipping and scratching the caseback, I sit down and put the watch and opener between my knees. Then turn in an anticlockwise direction with controlled force. It hasn't failed yet.

I respect your post and all I can say it that you've been very lucky.

One other thing is that there's no way I'd ever consider using that type of holder to remove a case back.