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How do I open a screw-back watch?

Bill Green
Jewelry & Watch Expert
Bill Green is an Expert Jeweler and Appraiser. He is also the Founder & Creative Director of Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix, and the Founder and Designer of Amaroo Handmade Opal Jewelry, based in Haddonfield, New Jersey. With over 40 years of industry knowledge, he and his team are known for restoring everything from new watches to vintage jewels and being one of the few shops that still design and make jewelry and watches. Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix is part of the American Society of Jewelers and Gemologists and Ethical Metalsmiths. Bill studied at the Miami Jewelry Institute and the Gemological Institute of America as well as apprenticed with many accomplished craftspeople.

Bill Green

Jewelry & Watch Expert

Expert Answer

To open a screw-back watch, first assess the type of watch and its specific requirements. For older pocket watches, like those from the 1920s, grip the watch firmly and use a piece of firm rubber or rubberized fabric under the case back. Apply gentle pressure with your palm to turn and unscrew the case back. Exercise caution to avoid damaging the threads. For other watches, look for small cutouts around the outer edge of the case back. These are designed to accommodate a wrench. Use an adjustable wrench, such as a Jaxa wrench, to fit the bits into the cutouts. Once positioned correctly, turn the wrench anticlockwise to release the case back. Remember, opening a watch exposes it to dust and moisture, potentially compromising its integrity. Proceed with care to avoid damaging any gaskets, which may need replacement after being decompressed from years of use. If unsure, seek assistance from a professional watchmaker to avoid costly mistakes.

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Question

Do I need a special tool to remove the back of my watch?

Community Answer

Usually, a very fine tip flat head screwdriver is what you need. You can get a set of fine Philips and flat drivers in what is often referred to as a "jeweler's" screwdriver set, usually for under $5.00 (US).

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Question

I have a timex that I replaced the battery in, however, now I can't get the back piece to snap back on.

Community Answer

Make sure that you're properly lining up the dials on the watch before applying a lot of pressure with your fingers onto the back of the watch. You might need a special tool to apply more pressure if it's not properly snapping back on.

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Question

I bought a new battery but it doesn't sit snug in the case. It worked when I held it down but when I put the cover on, it didn't work. Why would it be a wobbly fit?

Community Answer

The battery could be not right one, or the battery holder is broken. Go to a watchmaker for further help.

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Question

What do I do if it doesn't have a removable back-end?

Community Answer

It has to be removable. If it has screws, unscrew it. If it doesn't have screws, look on the side of the cover for a flap or a part that's like a flap, or an open space. Use a knife or something to pry it open. If you can't pry it open, then go to a watchmaker to open it. Now the pry open kind of watches are hard to put back, so be super careful.

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Question

What can I do if I can't get the screws on the back of my watch out?

Community Answer

Go to a watch store, and ask them to try to get it out for you. It might have rusted shut, so it might not work.

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Question

Can I use AAA battery number 2025 to replace a battery number 934?

Community Answer

No. This battery is used to replace 280-205, 5003LC, BR2025, DL2025, ECR2025, and SB-T14 batteries.

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Question

How and where do I get a proper battery if the old one was missing?

Community Answer

If you have a jewelry shop near you, go there and ask for a watch battery. Be sure to tell them what the brand is so they know what to get for your watch.

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Question

Can a person's body pull out the charge from a watch battery?

Community Answer

Your watch can be affected by static electricity or electrical equipment, but not your body.

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Question

Will this work on a Timex sport watch?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

What size screw is usually used to hold clip on battery? I lost one while trying to replace battery and would like to buy the screw

Community Answer

Watch screws are anywhere between .30mm and 1.20mm. Take your watch to a professional so they can test different screws and determine what one you need.

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Question

Does the Fossil smartwatch re-sync after the battery is changed?

Community Answer

As long as it's connected to your phone it should.

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Question

How do I know if my watch has a screw off back?

Community Answer

Usually there are marks on the outer edge that a case wrench will fit into to twist, and then you can remove it.

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Question

How can I know if I have a watch battery?

Community Answer

Most watches use batteries unless they are quartz watches that use solar power.

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Question

How do I change a watch battery if there's no clear place to insert the tool to remove the back of the watch?

Community Answer

In this case, look for an indicator notch on the side of the back casing. And with a very fine flat head, you can gently pry the cover off to reveal the watch compartment.

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Question

How do I remove the back of a Geneva Platinum watch? It doesn't have screws or indents.

Jessica Alcorn

Community Answer

This watch may be a front loader where the glass has to be removed in order to access the watch movement. Take this watch to an horologist for more advice.

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