danielv2000 Posted October 24, 2013 Report Posted October 24, 2013 I have a watch that I sent off for some work. I was told the caseback could not be opened - the case seized, I was told. He used 3 different cases. I had opened this case myself a few days before I sent it off and closed it not too tightly. I just got the watch back and cannot open the damn thing! I used a Bergeon opener. I'm actually a little paranoid... did something happen in transit? Humidity? WHat the hell!
cc33 Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 I heard that you can superglue a hex nut to the case back and then use a socket wrench to remove. You can use acetone to get the glue/hex bolt off afterwards
danielv2000 Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Posted October 25, 2013 Here are some pics - all around.
freddy333 Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 Are you using the wrench style Bergeon caseback remover or a bench type?
danielv2000 Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Posted October 25, 2013 Even more puzzling, it was the Zigmeister who could not open it! He accepted the watch as it has a gen V72 movement that he previously serviced.
freddy333 Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 If Ziggy was unable to do it you may have a problem. But it is always possible that Zig's socket is worn & slipping, so I would take it to a local watchmaker to give it another try. Another option would be to try some WD40 or similar type of penetrating lubricant overnight & try again with a proper bench case opener.
danielv2000 Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Posted October 25, 2013 If The Zigmeister was unable to do it you may have a problem. But it is always possible that Zig's socket is worn & slipping, so I would take it to a local watchmaker to give it another try. Another option would be to try some WD40 or similar type of penetrating lubricant overnight & try again with a proper bench case opener. I might try the WD40 option and let it sit overnight then try a local watchmaker who has a proper bench case opener. But, as you said if The Zigmeister could not... well...
freddy333 Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 Unless someone epoxied it together, I would be very surprised if a bench caseback remover with a clean, proper-sized socket was unable to remove the caseback.
highoeyazmuhudee Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 heat it up a bit. same thing happened to me, held a lighter to the caseback for about 10 seconds and it worked. im not sure what effect this may have on the movement as my case was empty, but what choice do you have at this point.
freddy333 Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 I would definitely use heat as a last resort.
danielv2000 Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Posted October 25, 2013 heat it up a bit. same thing happened to me, held a lighter to the caseback for about 10 seconds and it worked. im not sure what effect this may have on the movement as my case was empty, but what choice do you have at this point. HH, i might try a heat gun on the caseback and then my Bergeon 5537 set. Unless someone epoxied it together, I would be very surprised if a bench caseback remover with a clean, proper-sized socket was unable to remove the caseback. YOu're right. It's happened to me before and a bench caseback remover did the trick. But, geez! The Zigmeister couldn't do it. I hope his tools were the problem.
SSTEEL Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 If you have a press, maybe try it in there, with the case back die, a good firm downward pressure, and then try?
Nanuq Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 Try heating the whole watch and then ice on the caseback? that will free up the threads for sure, but if they're galled then it won't help.
SSTEEL Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 Just to touch on my previous reply, this is the kind of press I was referring to.. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Watchmakers-Tool-Watch-Case-Opener-Tool-Heavy-Cast-Iron-3kg-/370925627869?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_WatchAccessories_SpareParts_SM&hash=item565ce3e9dd
danielv2000 Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Posted October 25, 2013 Thanks for all the ideas. I will update you all soon, I hope.
danielv2000 Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Posted October 25, 2013 Took it to a watch smith. Explained the situation that this was a mix of gen and aftermarket parts. Popped it opened in 5 seconds. All is good!
SSTEEL Posted October 25, 2013 Report Posted October 25, 2013 Took it to a watch smith. Explained the situation that this was a mix of gen and aftermarket parts. Popped it opened in 5 seconds. All is good! Excellent, what/how did he remove it?
danielv2000 Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Posted October 25, 2013 He went in the back room and I heard something mechanical.I didn't ask. Just happy it was done!
panerai153 Posted October 26, 2013 Report Posted October 26, 2013 probably want to take a real close look at the threads on the caseback before you put it back together, make sure it doesn't have any burrs or a boogered up thread section where someone may have started it cross threaded. Once the movement is out, I suppose you could play around with it and get it smoothed up before reassembling it. glad you got it off, and the movement wasn't hurt in the process.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now