As most of my watches are vintage with snapback cases, I need a reliable case opener which can be operated by the technically challenged. I have used a variety of sharp and not so sharp knives and other bending implements and have sometimes come a bit to close to cutting my fingers off and having to join the Japanese mafia. I also need something that does not damage the case, even if inexpertly handled. I found an interesting contraption on ebay (pictured below). Does anyone know if this would be the solution of have any other recommendations ?
/ martin
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"Rube Goldberg-like" IMHO, but looks like it would get the job done handily.
"When your watch gets out of order you have a choice of two things to do: throw it in the fire or take it to the watch tinker. The former is the quickest." - Mark Twain
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Hi Martin, I thought I recognised your contraption from somewhere...it turns out that this is sold as a Seiko branded tool as well, here's a link that has a little info on it http://www.ofrei.com/page747.html cheers, Dave.
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item, though I see some differences, also. I have not used it extensively, yet. But it seems to be a good tool, prevents a lot of munging up casebacks, and the holder can be removed and double as a case holder. It was much less expensive, but just as versatile IMHO, as the Swiss Horotec "Case Crab" model that sells for a lot more. David
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1. A snap-back opener is huge overkill for the hobbyist imho. A case knife will work very well on snap backs.
2. For all that plastic, the actual design of that contraption does not look all that steady. Look carefully at how the watch is held in place. I think that little screwdriver-like case opener will likely slip on the case and do some damage.
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I have that opener and it happens to be very high quality and works very well. There are many watches where the back is so snug a caseback opener will never work and all you will succeed in doing is either chewing up the back or bending it in your attempts.My watchmaker sometimes uses a double edge razor blade and hammers it into the back. It works for him but I would never do it.
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I have done damage to the back of a couple nice watch cases by using a case opening knife. This was in spite of great care and attempts to follow the instructions of experts, etc. I have used the Seiko item that is similar to the above unit and have had excellent results. The opening blade is very carefully controlled with a screw adjustment, and the case is firmly held by the pins (steel with nylon covers). It leaves virtually no mark. While any tool can do a crappy job if mishandled, case openers have probably done more damage, even in the hands of professionals, than any other horological tool.
I have several watches with snap backs, and I prefer to do my own battery changes. I've more than paid for the cost of the tool by doing this, and I feel I can confidently help out friends as well without accidentally gouging their jewelry.
My next purchase will probably be a case opening press so I can more safely open my screw-backs. It will set me back close to, if not over, 200 smackers. I'll consider it well worth it.
David
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