How to Open the Bezel of a Watch

Opening the Bezel of a Wristwatch

• 1

  Locate the seam between the bezel and the bottom casing of the watch. This seam runs the entire circumference of the watch.

• 2

  Insert the edge of a piece of masking tape into the seam, sticking the adhesive side to the bottom casing. Repeat this step until the circumference of the casing is covered with a protective layer of tape.

• 3

  Wedge the rounded end of a casing knife into the seam and gently depress the opposite end of the blade until the bezel begins to rise. Repeat for the opposite side of the seam until you hear a distinct pop, signaling that the bezel has been released.

• 4

  Lift the bezel gently away from the watch face. Ensure that the securing spring, which holds the bezel in place, does not become loose from the watch face.

• 5

  Remove the masking tape from the bottom casing.

Opening the Bezel of a Pocket Watch

• 6

  Place the pocket watch, bezel side up, in the palm of your left hand. If you are left-handed, place the watch in the palm of your right hand.

• 7

  Position your thumb against the top winding stem, or pendant, to prevent the watch from moving as you unscrew the bezel.

• 8

  Press the palm of your dominant hand firmly over the bezel and rotate it counter-clockwise to unscrew the bezel. The motion you use should be similar to unscrewing a tightly sealed lid on a glass jar.

• 9

  Lift the bezel away from the watch face.