3 Easy Ways to Open the Back of a Watch With Household Items

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Fix your watch or change the battery in a flash with these tricks

Co-authored by Bill Green

Last Updated: September 21, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using a Thumbnail or Razor Blade

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Using a Rubber Ball

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Using Scissors

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Expert Interview

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Expert Q&A

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When you don't have the specialized tools to remove a watch backing, you may not know how to replace a battery or fix a broken watch. But you don't need to buy expensive tools to pry off your watch's backing. In many cases, specific household items will do. Depending on your watch, you may be able to pry off the backing with something as simple as your thumbnail, a razor blade, a rubber ball, or a pair of scissors.

Things You Should Know

Use your thumbnail to pry the back from a cheap or simply-designed watch. Alternatively, use a razor blade if your thumbnail is too short.
Press a soft, tacky rubber ball against the back of a screw-back watch and twist counterclockwise to loosen the watch.
Grab a pair of scissors and work a tip into the watch’s screw notch if it’s attached extremely tightly. Twist counterclockwise to loosen the watch’s screws.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Your Thumbnail or a Razor Blade to Remove Simple Backings

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1
Try your thumbnail on cheap, simplistically-designed watches. Some watch backings can be opened by prying a simple hinge in the back open. Inspect your watch to determine whether the backing will make this possible. If the backing has no screws, it can likely be opened with your thumbnail.^{[1]
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- This method will only work if your watch backing has no screws.
- While you may be able to use other fingernails, your thumbnail is usually the largest and strongest.
2
Locate your watch's hinge. On simple watches, the hinge will look like a small indentation along the edge of the watch's back. This is where you will place your thumbnail to pry off the backing.
- Do not set your watch down as you work. Keep it in your other hand so you can maneuver it while prying it open.
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3
Insert your thumbnail underneath the backing hinge and lift. As you work, your nail should face the back of the watch. Lift slowly to avoid chipping or bending your thumbnail. With pressure and patience, the backing should pop off. If the backing does not easily come off, avoid using your thumbnail so you don't damage it.^{[2]
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- This method is best done if you have long, healthy fingernails.
4
Use a razor blade as an alternative. If the hinge is tight or your thumbnail is too short to pry off the backing, a flat razor blade can work as well. Place the razor blade's edge in through the hinge opening and lift until it is pried off.
- If there is no indentation but a space between the back and casing, you can use this method with a razor blade.
- Small kitchen knives can work in a pinch if you don't have a razor blade.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Rubber Ball on a Screw-Back Watch

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1
Purchase a soft, mashable rubber ball. Rubber balls often have enough grip to pry off watch backings. Choose a rubberized ball that is both squishy and tacky so it can latch onto your watch's back.
- Stress balls can work as a cheaper alternative.
- Avoid rubber balls made from hard materials. The ball needs to be soft and pliable so it can grip the backing.
- A super-cheap alternative is to reverse-wrap a new tennis ball with duct tape until completely covered. The duct tape adhesive is very sticky and the tennis ball gives you something to grip onto.
Although you can hold the watch in your hand while you work, placing it on a flat surface will allow you to work more comfortably and efficiently. If your watch is expensive or fragile, set a towel down for the watch to rest on while you work.
3
Press the ball firmly into the watch's backing. The rubber ball will need to press itself firmly against the backing, particularly the screw notches. Apply firm pressure as you move the ball against the backing so the ball can establish a strong grip.
- Apply pressure to the watch in increments to avoid accidentally damaging your watch.
Most watch models will loosen when turned counterclockwise and tighten when turned in the opposite direction. As you turn the watch, the backing's screws should loosen. Twist quickly and firmly to keep the rubber ball's grip firm on the backing.
Once the backing is loose enough, you can use your fingers to remove it entirely. Twist the backing with your fingers in the same counterclockwise movement until it and the screws come off. Keep the backing and screws in a safe place so you do not lose them.^{[3]
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You'll want to make sure to secure the backing on tightly once you have done whatever you needed to while removing it. Place the cover on your watch's back and press the rubber ball firmly against it. Turn swiftly in a clockwise motion to tighten the backing up again.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Unscrewing Your Watch Backing with Scissors

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1
Use scissors to loosen extremely tight backings. Rubber balls may not provide enough grip if your backing is screwed on tightly enough. Scissor tips are usually small enough to reach your watch's screws and twist them off as a specialized screwdriver would.
- Choose a pair of scissors with blunt tips to avoid injuring yourself if they slip.
Placing the watch on a flat surface will allow you to work safely while handling the scissors. If your watch is expensive or fragile, set a soft towel down for the watch to rest on while you take out the screws.
These notches mark the locations of your screws. Open the handle of the scissors, then put one scissor tip into a screw notch as you prepare to unscrew it. Make sure you place the scissor end firmly inside the notch to avoid losing your grip as you turn it.^{[5]
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Twist the notches in a counterclockwise movement. Just as you would with the rubber ball method, turn the scissors in a counterclockwise movement to loosen each screw. Once you've removed your first screw, repeat this method on the remaining notches.^{[6]
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- When you're ready to put the backing on again, you will use the same method but twist in a clockwise movement.
If you can't get the hang of or would prefer not to use scissors, purchase a precision screwdriver from your local hardware store. Precision screwdrivers are usually small enough to unscrew watch backings without having to purchase specialized tools.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Are there any other ways to remove watch back covers without proper tools?

Bill Green
Jewelry & Watch Expert
Bill Green is an Expert Jeweler and Appraiser. He is also the Founder & Creative Director of Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix, and the Founder and Designer of Amaroo Handmade Opal Jewelry, based in Haddonfield, New Jersey. With over 40 years of industry knowledge, he and his team are known for restoring everything from new watches to vintage jewels and being one of the few shops that still design and make jewelry and watches. Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix is part of the American Society of Jewelers and Gemologists and Ethical Metalsmiths. Bill studied at the Miami Jewelry Institute and the Gemological Institute of America as well as apprenticed with many accomplished craftspeople.

Bill Green

Jewelry & Watch Expert

Expert Answer

I highly advise consulting a local watchmaker or jeweler for assistance. While it's possible to remove the back cover yourself, there's a risk of causing damage to the watch or breaking the gasket seals. This could result in costly repairs or scratches to the case. Seeking professional help ensures the job is done correctly and avoids potential mistakes.

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Question

How do I replace the backing cover of my watch? I pried it off with a thin bladed knife but it won't pop back together easily.

Community Answer

Try laying it upside down on a table and pushing down on the back evenly with a piece of wood.

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Question

How do I remove the back if there is no tab?

Community Answer

Some watches have screw-on case backs, which can usually be identified by notches cut into the case back or a coin-like edge. In this case, the proper tools are needed.

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Tips

Be careful when handling sharp knives or screwdrivers to avoid hurting yourself.

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If you've tried each method and you still can't get the backing open, visit a local jeweler to determine what your best option is.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If your watch is old, valuable, or sentimental, definitely take it to a watch repair shop or jeweler to make sure you don't damage it!
Command strips or other adhesives also work instead of the rubber ball or scissors.

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