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How do I open a watch?

How do I open a watch?

Whether changing batteries or carrying out minor repairs, it is sometimes necessary to open a watch yourself. Great care is required, as fine movements are sensitive to improper handling. However, with the right tools and a little patience, many jobs can easily be done yourself.

1. open the screw-in cover correctly
If your watch has a screw-in lid, you will need a special case opener or alternatively a rubber ball. Place the tool on the cover and carefully unscrew it anti-clockwise. A secure grip is crucial to avoid slipping and scratches.

2. carefully lift the pressure lid
Pressure lids can be recognised by a small notch. Carefully insert a watchmaker's knife or a similar flat tool here and slowly lever the cover open. Apply only light pressure to prevent damage to the case.

3. opening screw-down cases
Some watches have screw-fastened backs that are secured with small screws. In this case, you should only use precision screwdrivers to loosen the screws precisely and without slipping.

Important note: Opening water-resistant watches in particular can damage or loosen the seals. This will cause the watch to lose its water resistance. If you are unsure or do not have the right tools, it is advisable to consult a professional watchmaker.
Case opener
For wristwatches and pocket watches with a pressed base. Sharp steel blade with ergonomically shaped plastic handle. Fits perfectly in the hand. Total length 8 cm.

€9.99*
Case opener
Economical design. With 3 adjustable jaws. Max. clamping width 32 mm. Includes: - 3 inserts each for edges, incisions, holes, and ribbing (Inserts not available separately)

€30.99*
Case opener
To open casebacks of watches with hard to reach places. The case to be opened is placed on the resilient rubber pad and can be clamped vice-like either between 2 knives or between 1 knife and 1 plastic holding device, using the spindle wheel on the side. The advantage here is that the watch case can be opened at any point, even in the crown and stop area. The case is opened by turning a knife on the side.

€566.99*
Watchmaker's knife with spring bar tool Bergeon
Swiss Made quality from Bergeon: Watchmaker's knife with an integrated spring bar tool. The high-quality watchmaker's knife with two fold-out tools made of stainless steel. • With safety button to prevent the blade from accidentally closing. An extremely practical 2-in-1 tool - one tool for the most important applications. The knife blade is used to easily open (spring cover) case bottoms and to change the bracelet. Scope of delivery: • Watchmaker's knife with a plastic shell • Knife blade with safety button • Spring bar tool • Length of the knife: 161mm • Width: 25mm • Weight: approx. 56g

€61.99*
Watchmaker's knife Palo Negro
Our goal was to find a watchmaker's knife that meets high quality and safety requirements while remaining affordable and looking classy. In cooperation with a Solingen blade smithy, we have now found a watchmaker's knife, from which our watchmakers are thrilled. We have reviewed all the knives we have in our assortment and wanted to improve every detail. The result was a watchmaker's blade made of high-performance steel 440A (instead of the steel 420 otherwise used in this area), which is much more robust, harder and more resistant to corrosion thanks to its higher carbon and chromium content. Of course, the 440 steel is stainless and can be sharpened without difficulty. Unlike many other normal watchmaking knives, our model folds easily and safely. They are opened with the help of the nail house (notch in the blade) and fixed with the backlock mechanism (rocker lock) when working - only by pressing on the rear spring releases the lock and the knife can be folded back together. The width of the 63mm short blades has been adjusted to a comfortable 18mm, so that with the thumb on the blade pressure can be exerted, without risking to slip, as is often the case with narrower blades (injury possible). Our watchmakers are thrilled that they can easily hold this knife with one hand while holding the second hand, e.g. with a hammer can knock against the knife. The watchmaker's knife is available in two variants: With Cocobolo handles (also known as Rosewood or Palo Negro) and olive wood. We are glad, if you are also enthusiastic about this piece of jewelery and find it in your workshop (or also in the spare time) application. Handle length: 85mm Blade length: 63mm Blade width: 18mm Length opened: 148mm Weight: 55g Variants: 346039 - Palo Negro - with cocobolo handles 346040 - Olivo Europa - with olive wood handles

€39.99*
Screwdriver assortment, 10 pieces in wooden case, Bergeon
The screwdrivers have an elastomer coating, which ensures ideal contact between tool and hand. 10 pieces with swivel head dia. 00.50 - 0.60 - 0.80 - 1.00 - 1.20 - 1.40 - 1.60 - 2.00 - 2.50 - 3.00 mm. Shaft: stainless steel Coating: elastomer TPE Blades: stainless steel Wooden case with 10 colour-coded tubes, each containing 2 replacement blades.

€239.00*