What is the correct tool to open this case

[Bill2024]

I have an old Rotary watch which I was going to attempt as my first movement service. It does run, albeit pretty badly, and also the crystal is cracked, the crown very worn and the case is pretty battered. Lots to try my hand at here!

I have somewhat fallen at the first hurdle however as I can’t get the back off . I only have the rubber ball which has worked for me on some other case backs but not this one. What is the right tool to open this?

I looked on cousinsuk and saw a Bergeon Jaxa tool for £200+vat (eeek!) so way out of the price range; they also have some cheap Indian made tools which look similar and are priced around £10-£15. Obviously they won’t be close to the same quality as the Bergeon but will they work or is it just money down the drain?  Is this style of tool even the right thing to be looking at?

Ive included a photo of the case back and there are some epic marks where maybe others have tried to remove the back. 
 

Thanks, Bill

[tomh207]

The ball won’t work, this is a caseback with a separate screw down ring around it. I would suggest getting something like this rather than the cheap jaxa.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/t-shape-lever-action-cousins-multi-tip
 

you can use it for multiple screw on casebacks so a bit of an investment that is worthwhile.

 

Tom

[Bill2024]

7 minutes ago, tomh207 said:

The ball won’t work, this is a caseback with a separate screw down ring around it. I would suggest getting something like this rather than the cheap jaxa.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/t-shape-lever-action-cousins-multi-tip
 

you can use it for multiple screw on casebacks so a bit of an investment that is worthwhile.

 

Tom

Thanks very much that’s really useful. I’ll get one of those and give it a try. 

One other thing - do you need some kind of vice to hold the watch in when removing a case back with these tools?

[Bonefixer]

I'd get a Chinese clone of the Bergeon bench mountable screw back removal tool. About 1/10 of the price of a Bergeon but works really well, at least the one I got. 

[Knebo]

20 minutes ago, Bonefixer said:

I'd get a Chinese clone of the Bergeon bench mountable screw back removal tool. About 1/10 of the price of a Bergeon but works really well, at least the one I got. 

Yes, they are a nice investment. Takes away all the stress, especially with fancier watches where every scratch on the caseback is drama. 

[AndyGSi]

It depends how far you intend going with watch repair but I'd recommend one like this if you're serious about it.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/universal-case-back-tool-swiss-style

I got mine from Amazon complete with the Rolex dies.

If you're going for the tool suggested by @tomh207 you're best just holding it in your hand.

[CYCLOPS]

here is one in a pinch from Harbor Freight ...for $6.99, there are better ones too....

[Bill2024]

1 hour ago, AndyGSi said:

It depends how far you intend going with watch repair but I'd recommend one like this if you're serious about it.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/universal-case-back-tool-swiss-style

I got mine from Amazon complete with the Rolex dies.

If you're going for the tool suggested by @tomh207 you're best just holding it in your hand.

Thanks Andy - the one from Amazon looks good. The ones from cousins also look good but seem to come with fewer dies. Also, Cousins seem to have differently priced options for wooden bases, metal bases, and the same again but in a “superior” line and also the “Swiss-style” ones. Every tool I look at sends me down a new rabbit-hole .

If you’ve been happy with the Amazon version then I may give it a try as it’s a pretty good price compared even to  Cousinsuk’s most basic offering.