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How to Take the Back Off a Watch

Watches come in all shapes and sizes, and have many ways of being opened. You may want to take off the watch's back to replace a battery, to repair the gears or simply to see how it works. Because there are many ways to open various watches, you should try each item on this list in turn until one works. Some of these techniques require special tools, while others do not.

Things You'll Need

Jeweler's tools
Case opener
Needle nose pliers
Case wrench
Piece of rubber

Instructions

- 1
  Look closely at the back of the watch. The backing will contain clues about how to remove it.
- 2
  Look for screws holding the back of the watch in place. Remove these screws with a jeweler's screwdriver.
- 3
  Look for a small tab on an otherwise smooth back. Slip a flat jeweler's screwdriver or watch case opener beneath this lip, then twist it to pop off the back. This type of watch sometimes has hinges opposite the tab so that the back does not come off completely. Be careful that the tool does not slip and cut your hand.
- 4
  Look for two long grooves in the back of the watch. Grip this portion with a pair of needle-nosed pliers and turn the back counter-clockwise to remove it.
- 5
  Look for notches spaced evenly around the watch's back. Place a case wrench onto the back, with at least three teeth fitting into the notches. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise to remove the back.
- 6
  Press a small piece of rubber hard against a watch back with no noticeable screws, tabs or grooves. Twist the back counter-clockwise, using the rubber to maintain your grip, until the back screws free.
- 7
  Go to a professional watch repair specialist if none of these techniques work. Your watch is likely more complicated to open, and could be damaged if you attempt it yourself.

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