Skagen Hagen SKW 6217 BATTERY CHANGE

[beearchie]

I own a Skagen Hagen SKW6217 watch.
The battery just died in it.
I can't seem to figure out how to replace it. Read online about it's top load design and unit body form.
All I see is a screw at the back of the watch.
All the jewellers I have taken it to are unable to replace the battery cos they can't seem to open it. Is there anyone who can help guide me on how to open it?

[jdm]

Check video: 

 

or search "front loader" on this forum.

[beearchie]

Thank you JDM.

I have to take out that screw at the back first, right?

Will try this tomorrow and give you feedback on this.

[jdm]

Just now, beearchie said:

I have to take out that screw at the back first, right?

Will try this tomorrow and give you feedback on this.

Under the screw should be the stem release point.

[Ishima]

Some models of Skagen are sneaky, i did a little bit of googling for this model but could not find it. I was considering that it might even be solar powered, i've come across two skagens that were solar powered but did not state anywhere on the outside of the watch that it was, and they both had that line on the back with the model name in the lower right hand of the line. 

Honestly if you can't find a watch specialist who's competent to do this I strongly suggest returning to manufacturer. 
http://www.skagen.com/us/en/service-information.html

However, I will say that it is very likely that the crosshead screw on the back comes off to expose 'the setting lever' which can be pressed to release the winder and from there once you have the front off it should be possible to drop it out. 

[Ishima]

oh, i just found it actually, okay looks to be regular quartz, not solar. and the front should be removable by prying off, it's also a little less expensive than i assumed so I could understand some reluctance in going through a Skagen workshop, however, I will re emphasize this could go horribly wrong for you without the right experience and tools. 

[beearchie]

6 minutes ago, jdm said:

Under the screw should be the stem release point.

I have seen something like that when I took the screw out. How do I work that to pop out the crown?

[jdm]

 

6 minutes ago, Ishima said:

oh, i just found it actually, okay looks to be regular quartz, not solar. and the front should be removable by prying off.

Correct. I did not check, seems like the bezel is removable, no pump needed. I agree with Ishima, do not try DYI that, too easy to scratch or otherwise ruin it.

[beearchie]

7 minutes ago, Ishima said:

Some models of Skagen are sneaky, i did a little bit of googling for this model but could not find it. I was considering that it might even be solar powered, i've come across two skagens that were solar powered but did not state anywhere on the outside of the watch that it was, and they both had that line on the back with the model name in the lower right hand of the line. 

Honestly if you can't find a watch specialist who's competent to do this I strongly suggest returning to manufacturer. 
http://www.skagen.com/us/en/service-information.html

However, I will say that it is very likely that the crosshead screw on the back comes off to expose 'the setting lever' which can be pressed to release the winder and from there once you have the front off it should be possible to drop it out. 

This is enlightening!

[jdm]

1 minute ago, beearchie said:

I have seen something like that when I took the screw out. How do I work that to pop out the crown?

Search here or on google "release stem".

[beearchie]

5 minutes ago, Ishima said:

oh, i just found it actually, okay looks to be regular quartz, not solar. and the front should be removable by prying off, it's also a little less expensive than i assumed so I could understand some reluctance in going through a Skagen workshop, however, I will re emphasize this could go horribly wrong for you without the right experience and tools. 

Prying off the face would need something different from the regular prying knife in watch repair sets, right?

[beearchie]

1 minute ago, jdm said:

Search here or on google "release stem".

Goosh! I haven't even started work on the watch and I'm already excited. I am really enjoying the flow of ideas on this forum. Thanks guys!

[jdm]

Just now, beearchie said:

Prying off the face would need something different from the regular prying knife in watch repair sets, right?

You need a sharp blade, which is kind of dangerous. Bring it to a watch repairer, not a jeweller.

[beearchie]

1 minute ago, jdm said:

You need a sharp blade, which is kind of dangerous. Bring it to a watch repairer, not a jeweller.

Had really nasty experiences with watch repairers. That's why I picked up watch repairs as a hobby and to try something new for myself. We learn everyday.

Will look for a sharp blade for it then.

But there is no bezel. Do I just pry at any point after taking out the crown?

[beearchie]

12 minutes ago, jdm said:

 

Correct. I did not check, seems like the bezel is removable, no pump needed. I agree with Ishima, do not try DYI that, too easy to scratch or otherwise ruin it.

No pain, No gain...

Right?

[beearchie]

Just a day on this forum and I made huge success. I was able to open the watch (there was actually a bezel at the top but hard to see) swapped the battery (621SW).

Had a tough time closing it back since I don't have a watch press. But I padded the nose of my pliers and applied gentle force till the front snapped shut.

Watch is working great now.

Thank you @jdm and @Ishima

[jdm]

A small press is very cheap. e.g. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2017-Watch-Back-Closer-Watchmaker-Press-Repair-Tools-Set-Watch-Back-Cover-Close-Change-Battery-Repair/32805685154.html

[beearchie]

3 minutes ago, jdm said:

A small press is very cheap. e.g. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2017-Watch-Back-Closer-Watchmaker-Press-Repair-Tools-Set-Watch-Back-Cover-Close-Change-Battery-Repair/32805685154.html

Just placed an order for one. Thanks @jdm

[jdm]

Also cheap and convenient https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Green-Double-Lever-Watch-Back-Case-Opener-Remover-No-6484/32825888403.html

There are many types depending on preferences.

[abitofwill]

On 1/4/2018 at 3:56 PM, beearchie said:

Just a day on this forum and I made huge success. I was able to open the watch (there was actually a bezel at the top but hard to see) swapped the battery (621SW).

Had a tough time closing it back since I don't have a watch press. But I padded the nose of my pliers and applied gentle force till the front snapped shut.

Watch is working great now.

Thank you @jdm and @Ishima

Hi, I have the cousin to your watch (the SKW6216). Removed the screw, took off the crown.  I've managed to pop out the glass like the video instructed, with the pump method but the bezel was in the way of the everything else. Where was this bezel at the top you found? I feel so close yet so far from replacing this damn battery. 

[beearchie]

Look at the rim of the watch case carefully..around the 12 o clock mark. You will find a bevelled edge there. It's really hard to notice. You will need a sharp, strong blade. Pop that and the watch face will be free for you to change the battery

[beearchie]

10 minutes ago, abitofwill said:

Hi, I have the cousin to your watch (the SKW6216). Removed the screw, took off the crown.  I've managed to pop out the glass like the video instructed, with the pump method but the bezel was in the way of the everything else. Where was this bezel at the top you found? I feel so close yet so far from replacing this damn battery. 

Look closely at the attached photo. Hope you can see what I am referring to.

[Sazzyc]

On 1/4/2018 at 8:56 PM, beearchie said:

Just a day on this forum and I made huge success. I was able to open the watch (there was actually a bezel at the top but hard to see) swapped the battery (621SW).

Had a tough time closing it back since I don't have a watch press. But I padded the nose of my pliers and applied gentle force till the front snapped shut.

Watch is working great now.

Thank you @jdm and @Ishima

Hey! Did you need to remove the stem before taking the front off? I was struggling to get the stem out!

[jdm]

17 hours ago, Sazzyc said:

Hey! Did you need to remove the stem before taking the front off? I was struggling to get the stem out!

To remove the mov't you have to remove the stem first.This is true virtually for any watch.

[peedu07]

Here’s a video on exactly the same watch. It’s in french though, but there’s always Google translate!

https://youtu.be/K4AaK3Wenp4