View single post by nicolasbdive
 Posted: Tue Sep 15th, 2009 12:36 am
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nicolasbdive



Joined: Tue Aug 4th, 2009
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 I wanted to share a recent lesson learned (or revisited for clarity).  The other day I  pulled out one of my first watches, a simple chocolate dialed Kenneth Cole with Arabic markers and date.  It looked to be a prime candidate for military office work wear so I went out and purchased the proper replacement battery as this particular watch is quartz. 

Got home and popped off the case back, put in the new battery, verified the desired result had been achieved (the watch was running again), and proceeded to snap the caseback on.  Then the monster showed up.  No matter how hard I tried, even with precise alignment, o-ring inspected and properly seated. the bugger would not snap back into place.

That's when I did it, gently at first, then later more vigorously in frustration, I proceeded to wrap, tap, tap the case back with a small hammer until it submitted to my seemingly simple request to 'get back where you're supposed to be!'  At some point quickly thereafter vigorous turned in to ridiculous as I pounded away.

The case back monster would not let up.  I ended up beating the luminous paint out of the minute hand splattering it against the dial and inside of the crystal.  Exhibit A:



The case back monster however was safe and sound, and lived for a few more days until the proper tools arrived.  I did the best I could with a clean-up effort but as I am not capable of re-luming I'm afraid the ghost of the case back monster may haunt this watch incessantly.  Hope you enjoyed the story, and remember, don't beat a watch in frustration, and above all have the right tools for the job!  Of course W-Mart would have changed the stinkin' battery for a couple bucks but I am the DIY-type and thought I had all I needed for a simple procedure I had done before. 

I'm now the owner/user of a 'Little David' case back press and have found a retailer for some common watch-tinkerin' tools.  This place sells the cheap stuff I needed and I'm particularly happy with the 'Japanese spring bar tool' (it's forked end is very thin and curved for easier use), 'Watch Case Wrench, Pocket', and the ultra cheap 'Watch Pin Remover Set' ($2.95 for the 6 piece set) and of course the 'Little David'!  These probably aren't the tools the 'pro's use, but they're effective and will do fine for my needs.  Here's a link:http://www.micro-tools.com.  Just wanted to share and possibly prevent someone from making a similar mistake.  BTW, I got the watch back together!  It's bruised but still capable of service.