How To Open A Snap Off Case Back

Opening a watch back is pretty easy, you just need to identify what kind of watch case back you have and then get the right tools to open it. In this article, we will be addressing how to open a snap off case back. You can tell that a watch case back is a snap off by looking at the back: if it has a small gap or indentation in the case back where a pry tool could fit in between the back and the case, that is a strong indication it is a snap off case back watch.

Tools Needed:

• A Watch Case Knife or a Bench Knife
• Optional: Magnifier or Eye Loupe
• Optional: Case Holder

Step 1

Before you start, you may need to remove the watch band so that your tools can fit on the watch back. Read this article on How to Remove your Watch Band for help.

Step 2

Take the watch case in your hand and find the notch or tab that will help you pry the back off. It may just be a slight cut or indentation so you might want to use an eye loupe or other magnifier to help you find it.

Step 3

Once you have identified the indent or tab, turn the watch case so it will be easily accessible and slide your bench knife’s blade under the tab with your other hand.

Step 4

Once the blade is in place, use it like a lever to pop the back open. Gently push the handle away from the watch back by slightly twisting your wrist away from the case back. Use a little downward pressure to help you get

under the watch case tab.

Be careful not to let the blade slip because it could damage the watch or cut your hand.

Finished

With your efforts, the back should easily pop off the watch, and when it does you can lift it off with your fingers. Now you are ready work on the inside of the watch. When your repair work is completed, check out How to Close a Snap Off Case Back to close the watch.

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