I just changed the batteries on 13 Timex watches. If you've ever tried to put the back on a Timex you know it can be tough. A few were very challenging and even the press wouldn't get them on. Here is what I did:

I cut two small pieces of wood about 38mm across then I put the caseback on and put one side into the groove so that this side was "in" and the other side was out. I then laid the piece of wood on the caseback just hanging over the edge of the side that wasn't yet seated. About 3/4 of the wood was on the case and 1/4 hanging over the edge. I squared the press so that the center of the wood blocks and then began applying pressure. The wood block on the back was at an angle as one side of the caseback was high. As I applied the force most of it was directed to the side of the caseback that was unseated. With this arrangement, they all popped in quite easily compared to refusing to budge when the press was pushing against the whole case back rather than now only pressing on the "up" edge.

Hope this works. Lemme know if it doesn't make sense and I'll post some photos.

ps - I'm using a wood clamp not a crystal press.

 

Thanks for the response. I think I understand what you mean and I'll give it a go tonight.

Cheers.

 

My flash looking crystal press does not have the power to install crystals or bezels so I use the same plastic tooling but with a G clamp.

 

Only watch cases I hated were Zodiac Seawolf models. I had to wear thick gloves to remove the backs they were on so tight.

Getting them back on was just as bad.

My method which only works if the lugs don't touch when placed on a table.

Place the back on in the right position. Place on a table and put the harder part of the palm on top of the watch (part below the pinky and just above the wrist) and put the full force of your body down on it in one move. Not slowly.

Zodiacs were steel cased models. Brass or thin cased. Maybe might not work. Never had problems with any other cases, so my method may not work for other cases

DON

 

If you are going to be installing thick dive watch crystals, or difficult snap on case backs, you need a very rigid press.

If the press is deflecting, then that will cause you all kinds of issues when pressing things together. This is why most professionals use some sort of rack press, like this one that I have:



They aren't cheap, but they do the job very well.