First, you need to gather the necessary tools. You will need a small screwdriver, a pair of tweezers, and a watch back opener. You can purchase a watch back opener online or at a hardware store. Once you have gathered your tools, you can begin the process of putting the back on your watch.
To start, you need to remove the old watch back. To do this, use the screwdriver to unscrew the screws that are holding the back in place. Once the screws are removed, use the tweezers to gently pry the back off of the watch. Be careful not to damage the watch or the back when you are doing this.
Once the old watch back is removed, you can now put the new watch back on. To do this, first, place the new watch back on the watch case. Then, use the screwdriver to tighten the screws that are holding the back in place. Be sure to tighten the screws evenly so that the back is secure.
Gathering Essential Tools
Before embarking on your watch repair adventure, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools to ensure a successful outcome. These tools will provide you with the precision and control required to handle the delicate components of your watch. Here’s an in-depth guide to the essential tools you’ll need:
Case Knife
A case knife is the cornerstone of watch back removal. It’s a specialized tool with a thin, flexible blade that can slide in between the case and the case back, providing leverage to gently pry them apart. Look for a case knife that is compatible with the size and shape of your watch’s case and has a sharp, well-maintained blade.
Case Back Press
Once you’ve successfully removed the case back, it’s time to put it back on. A case back press is a precision tool designed for this specific purpose. It exerts even pressure around the circumference of the case back, ensuring it’s securely seated and water-resistant once again. Choose a case back press that is compatible with the size and type of your watch.
Watchmaker’s Screwdriver
For delicate tasks like removing and tightening tiny screws, you’ll need a watchmaker’s screwdriver set. These screwdrivers feature precision tips that fit snugly into watch screws, providing you with the control and dexterity to work with confidence. Look for a set that includes a range of sizes to accommodate different screw types.
Magnifying Glass or Loupe
Precision watchmaking requires a close-up view of the tiny components. A magnifying glass or loupe is indispensable for inspecting and manipulating watch parts. Choose a magnifying glass with a magnification of 10x or higher to ensure clear visibility.
Essential Tools Table:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Case Knife | Remove case back |
| Case Back Press | Reattach case back |
| Watchmaker’s Screwdriver | Remove and tighten screws |
| Magnifying Glass or Loupe | Inspect and manipulate parts |
Preparing the Case and Movement
To ensure a proper fit and prevent damage, several preparatory steps should be taken before attaching the watch back.
Cleaning the Case and Movement
First, thoroughly clean the case and movement using a soft, lint-free cloth. Remove any dust, dirt, or other debris that may interfere with proper sealing.
Inspecting the Gasket
Next, inspect the gasket, a thin rubber or plastic seal that sits between the case and back, ensuring water resistance. Look for any damage or deformation. If the gasket is damaged, it should be replaced before installing the back.
Lubricating the Gasket
To enhance the seal and prevent premature wear, lightly lubricate the gasket with a specific watch lubricant. Applying a thin layer will create a better seal and extend the gasket’s lifespan.
| Lubricant Type | Recommended for |
|---|---|
| Silicone-based | General purpose, suitable for most gaskets |
| Teflon-based | High-performance gaskets, such as those in dive watches |
Follow the lubricant manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid over-lubrication or using an incompatible lubricant.
Aligning the Movement and Case
Once the movement is placed inside the case, it’s important to ensure proper alignment between the two components. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to align the movement and case correctly:
1. Inspect the Case Back
Examine the case back closely to identify any small cutouts or notches that correspond to the movement’s spring bars. These cutouts will help you position the movement correctly within the case.
2. Orient the Movement
Align the movement with the case, matching the spring bars on the movement to the corresponding cutouts on the case back. Make sure that the dial side of the movement faces the watch face opening.
3. Secure the Movement with Spring Bars
Insert the spring bars into the cutouts on the case back. Using a spring bar tool or a small screwdriver, carefully push the spring bars down until they click into place. This will secure the movement within the case.
Tips for Using Spring Bars:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a spring bar tool | A tool designed specifically for inserting and removing spring bars, providing more leverage and precision. |
| Check the spring bar size | Ensure the spring bars match the width of the lug holes on the case and movement. |
| Apply a small amount of lubrication | A tiny dab of watch oil or grease on the spring bars can make insertion easier and prevent future seizing. |
Installing the Crystal
The crystal is a vital component of your watch that protects the dial and movement from damage. Installing it correctly is essential for ensuring the watch’s water resistance and longevity.
Here are the detailed steps for installing the crystal:
- Prepare the crystal and gasket. Clean the crystal thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Inspect the crystal gasket and replace it if necessary.
- Apply lubricant to the gasket. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease or horological oil to the gasket’s inner surface, ensuring even distribution.
- Position the crystal. Carefully place the crystal over the watch case, aligning it properly with the dial and gasket.
- Press the crystal into place. Use your crystal press or thumb to gently press the crystal into the case. Apply evenly distributed pressure to avoid cracking or damaging the crystal.
- Secure the crystal. Once the crystal is in place, use the crystal retaining ring to secure it. Tighten the screws gradually and evenly, alternating between each screw to ensure the crystal is held securely without overtightening.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Crystal press | To apply consistent pressure to the crystal |
| Thumb | To gently press the crystal into place if a crystal press is not available |
| Crystal retaining ring | To secure the crystal in the case |
| Screws | To tighten the crystal retaining ring |
Tip: For added protection, consider using a watch case protector to prevent scratches or damage to the crystal during wear.
Positioning the Gasket
The gasket is a crucial component that ensures the waterproof seal of your watch. To position it accurately, follow these detailed steps:
- Clean the surfaces: Use a soft cloth or cotton swab to thoroughly clean the surface of the watch case and the case back where the gasket will sit.
- Apply a thin layer of lubricant: Apply a small amount of a suitable lubricant, such as silicone grease, to the gasket. This will help it slide into place smoothly and prevent tearing.
- Center the gasket: Position the gasket inside the groove on the watch case. Make sure it is centered and sits evenly.
- Press the gasket into place: Use your finger or a small tool to gently press the gasket into the groove. Avoid applying excessive force that may damage the gasket.
- Inspect for proper seating: Examine the gasket to ensure it is securely seated in the groove and fills the space evenly. There should be no gaps or protrusions.
- Check the fit with the case back: Place the case back on the watch and check the fit. The case back should fit snugly and the gasket should prevent any water from entering.
Closing the Case Back
7. Press the Case Back into Place
This step requires applying pressure to the case back to seat it correctly. There are several methods to achieve this:
A. Press-Fit: Use finger pressure to gently but firmly press the case back into place. Ensure it is evenly aligned.
B. Case Press: For watches with screw-down case backs, use a case press to apply controlled pressure. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overtightening.
C. Bench Block and Case Knife: Place the watch in the bench block and secure it. Use a case knife to apply pressure to the case back’s rim. Be cautious not to damage the watch or the bench block.
8. Rotate the Case Back
Once the case back is seated, rotate it until it locks into place. This will typically involve a slight counterclockwise twist for screw-down backs or a clockwise push for press-fit backs.
9. Tighten the Screws (Screw-Down Case Backs Only)
If your watch has a screw-down case back, use a screwdriver or case wrench to tighten the screws securely. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the threads or strip the screws.
10. Pressure Test (Optional)
To ensure the watch is water-resistant, perform a pressure test using a specialized device called a pressure tester. This will verify that the case back is correctly sealed and the watch meets its water resistance rating.
11. Clean and Store the Tools
Clean your tools thoroughly after use to prevent contamination or damage. Store them in a safe and organized location for future use.
Cleaning and Finishing
1. Check the Caseback Gasket
Before you replace the caseback, ensure that the gasket is in good condition. A damaged or worn gasket will not provide a watertight seal, so it’s important to replace it if necessary.
2. Apply Loctite
If your watch is water-resistant, apply a small amount of Loctite to the threads of the caseback. Loctite will help create a watertight seal and prevent the caseback from loosening.
3. Screw on the Caseback
Carefully screw on the caseback by hand. Avoid using excessive force, as this can damage the threads or the caseback itself.
4. Tighten the Caseback
Use a caseback wrench or pliers to tighten the caseback. Again, avoid using excessive force, as this can damage the watch.
5. Check the Water Resistance
After you have replaced the caseback, perform a water resistance test to ensure that the watch is still watertight.
6. Clean the Case
Use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution to clean the outside of the case. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
7. Polish the Case
If desired, you can polish the case with a metal polish. This will help to restore its shine and luster.
8. Clean the Band
Clean the watch band with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. If the band is made of leather, use a leather cleaner instead.
9. Polish the Crystal
If the watch crystal is scratched, you can polish it with a plastic polish. This will help to remove scratches and restore the crystal’s clarity.
10. Inspect the Watch
Once you have cleaned the watch, inspect it carefully for any damage or defects. If you find any problems, take the watch to a qualified watchmaker for repair.
How To Put The Back On A Watch
Putting the back on a watch can be a tricky task, but it is important to do it correctly to ensure that the watch is water-resistant and functions properly. Here are the steps on how to put the back on a watch:
- Gather your tools. You will need a watch case opener, a watch back gasket, and a pair of tweezers.
- Open the watch case. Use the watch case opener to carefully pry open the back of the watch case. Be careful not to damage the watch case or the movement.
- Inspect the watch back gasket. The watch back gasket is a rubber or silicone ring that seals the back of the watch case to the movement. Inspect the gasket for any damage or wear. If the gasket is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
- Apply a new watch back gasket. If the watch back gasket is damaged, apply a new gasket to the back of the watch case. Make sure that the gasket is properly seated in the groove.
- Close the watch case. Align the back of the watch case with the movement and carefully press it into place. Be sure to apply even pressure around the entire circumference of the case.
- Tighten the watch back. Use the watch case opener to tighten the watch back. Be careful not to overtighten the watch back, as this could damage the watch.
People Also Ask About How To Put The Back On A Watch
Why is the back of my watch loose?
There are a few reasons why the back of your watch may be loose. One possibility is that the watch back gasket is damaged or worn. Another possibility is that the watch back was not properly tightened when it was last replaced.
Can I put the back on my watch myself?
Yes, it is possible to put the back on your watch yourself. However, it is important to have the proper tools and to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the watch.
How do I know if the watch back gasket is damaged?
There are a few signs that the watch back gasket may be damaged. One sign is if the watch is not water-resistant. Another sign is if you see any moisture or condensation inside the watch case.
