Your watch has a snap-fit case; the back is simply pressed back into position with firm pressure. The problem is that modern snap-fit case backs are often very tightly fitted to increase their water-resistance--they're tough to get off, and even tougher to push back into position. I would not be surprised if you would need a jeweler's case press to get the back of this watch back into place.
A case press is just what it sounds like: a device for clamping watch cases back together. It's designed to provide an equal amount of force around the edges of the watch back without putting that same pressure on the watch crystal (which could cause it to crack or break). I'm aware of two basic styles. One style looks vaguely like a big pair of pliers, but with two swiveling plates instead plier jaws. The other style, which I prefer, sits on a table or workbench and uses a lever to push down the top plate. In both cases, nylon jigs are inserted to match the size of your watch.
You can find case presses and other watch repair tools at many jewelry supply stores, mail order supply houses like Otto Frei (http://www.ottofrei.com/store/home.php?cat=296 will take you right to the watch repair tools), and on eBay. However, if you're near a Harbor Freight store, they sell a "watch battery changing kit" and jeweler's press for a pretty reasonable price. These aren't the ultra-high quality tools that a professional jeweler would use, but they'll be perfectly fine for changing the occasional battery for many years. I've probably closed 100+ watches using the inexpensive press I got from there.
If you can't close the watch case with your bare hands and don't have access to a case press, your safest bet may be to go to a jewelry store or jewelry counter in a department store and ask if they could close the back for you with the proper tool. You may have to tip them a few dollars, but that is still far cheaper than the cost of replacing a broken watch crystal.
645 views
Usually answered in minutes!
×