I have managed to open some tight cases with a proper knife with a sturdy handle (I have used a cheap Swedish Morakniv). My technic is to hold the watch with a cardboard box cover with my left hand on a flat surface dial down, put the blade between the caseback and case with some force if needed and then twist my right hand holding the knife tightly.

 

I use a small flat screwdriver with a titanium end. Can't remember where I sourced it though.

 

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Seriously, I use a cheap case knife and case holder. The key is to have the opening tab facing you so you are pushing away from you.

 

Seriously, I use a cheap case knife and case holder. The key is to have the opening tab facing you so you are pushing away from you.

Yeah and don't have any of your fingers on the other side of it. Don't ask me how I know.

Also, sharpening it every once in a while makes a difference.

 

Disclaimer, I don't have this, but I almost got one when I had a watch that needed one:

From amazon, Pixnor watch opener

 

Disclaimer, I don't have this, but I almost got one when I had a watch that needed one:

View attachment 14791863

From amazon, Pixnor watch opener

Also occasionally faced with the same dilemma as the OP I got one of these. It works fine on some of my easier casebacks but for the real tough ones, it still epically fails unfortunately.

 

Fibreshell (plastic) watches and snap on case backs were put together to challenge the enterprising WIS.

 

These.

I use the knife style too, but definitely prefer the type in the photo above.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

These.

I use the knife style too, but definitely prefer the type in the photo above.

I see these on aliexpress and a more expensive Horotec set on esslinger. Is it worth going for the Horotec?

I have a blade similar to the earpick shaped Pixnor above, but I only tried it on a cheap Bulova without success. The blade was too fat to fit into the notch, and I ended up with light scratches on the case. I am willing to pay more for a better set that will actually fit into notches and minimize caseback damage.

 

I've got one of the red ones like Brandon\ posted. It's not a quality tool. I have to sharpen the bevel and flatten the back every time I use it. Works though. I have had to stand the watch on edge, get the knife lined up and tap it in with the tiny hammer that came in the kit (of other crappy tools.)

 

I'm 100% with you on this one...when a snap-on caseback is stubborn, I lose my ..... EVERY TIME.
Had a pretty good experience with putting the watch in freezer - especially for a Zelos Gallant G3 that had different expansion quotient for the bronze case vs stainless steel back. Mind you, that one was a screwback, but I've done it to a pesky Skagen too.

 

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

Yesterday, while dealing with this undesirable ordeal, I managed to score a cut on my finger, some blood stains and smudges at the back of the wrist strap. Send an email to the watch vendor out of frustration and waiting for their recommendation if they choose to reply. Meanwhile looking at https://www.esslinger.com/snap-off-back/ to see if I manage to find one which is strong, sharp and thin enough to insert between the tiniest space of case back and case frame.

 

I take an old razor out of box cutter and use it to open the case back. The razor works by making a little bigger opening slot/gap so I can then go to a regular case opener. Being careful is always the best practice.

 

Victorinox makes some pretty well made stuff. I have not used this but I would imagine it would be sharp and made of quality steel. A quick Google search shows me these can be had for around $15.

EDIT... for a little more, they also make a fixed-blade version

 

I am not a fan of the snap back either and it affects all my watch buys now.....as in avoid if all possible. I have all the tools too. Just adds way too much time and frustration to the battery changing process. Don't get me started on putting them back on......and I have a watch press.

 

Yet to deal with recalcitrant snap backs, but plenty experience dealing with bezels. Maybe transferable tek?

Use a fresh utility blade knife or just a blade to get it started. Then a quality case knife. I had a couple versions of cheap Chinesium which frustrated me no end and resulted in scratched cases, but since I splurged on an actual Bergeon case knife, no issues.

 

I watched my watchmaker use a thin screwdriver and a small hammer and very gently tap it open that way. It does work but keep in mind you'll probably leave a mark unless you have years of experience doing it.