Case Openers: Overview

Opening watch cases is not the easiest of the watchmaking tasks. But it is always the first to be done. I admit that I was always very scared when opening watches, especially watches that were not mine. I do not like opening marks and scratches and assume that other people despise them too.
I have seen the most unbelievable examples of abused watch backs when browsing the flea markets in Bangkok. Yes, I know, tools are expensive, but trying to open a water resistant case back with slots with an old rusty screwdriver and chiseling parts off that case back is really barbaric. But it is obviously done quite often.

I soon realized that opening watch cases is a lot easier, if

you have some practice

you have the right tools

you have holders or pads to put the watch on while opening them

I might have to add here, that you could buy one of those big case openers with a handle (they often work as case presses too), they cost around USD 500 to 700 and they come with a large array of bits to fit about any watchcase. If your budget and space allows that, then just buy one of those and you do not need to read further.

You are still reading? Great, then let us have a look at the various openers that come at affordable prices and let us see what we will be able to open with them.

Last but not least: It is a myth...
That a case back has to be closed with a huge momentum in order to guarantee water resistance. Many people use too much force when closing case backs. A gasket ring in good condition is much more important then too many KN (Kilo Newton) closing momentum!

Hand held case back openers

      
Case Openers
Types of Case Backs Bergeon 5394 Movement Pad JAXA Universal Case Opener Swiss Made The very "Poor Man's" Alternative: China Made Openers Meikosha 19400 Made in Japan Bergeon 5338-1 F Swiss Made** Bergeon 5537 Swiss Made
Typical price USD 10 USD 100 USD 11 - 14 USD 50 USD 70 USD 80
For >>> ¡@ Cases with Slots
Cases with round Holes Cases with Slots
Polygonal Cases* Cases with Slots
Polygonal Cases* Cases with Slots*
Polygonal Cases Cases with Grooves (Rolex)

* grey choices in the  For >>> row mean, that the case opener can open those cases, but is not the ideal tool.
** additional bits for the Bergeon 5338 are available: for Cases with Holes, Curved Edges and Cases with Grooves, although I would always prefer the Bergeon 5537 for Cases with Grooves

The professional Bergeon 5700Z and accessories

    
Bergeon 5700Z and Accessories Explaining the Vice Lug jaws How to use it Using Rolex openers 5537 5537 Mounted
Works with almost all case backs depending on the accessories and bits. You should see this Bergeon opener or a very similar opener in every professional watch repair shop. Once you have one yourself, you could not imagine how you opened watches before. The machine costs ca. USD 350 but reduces the risk of the watches being scratched while opened a lot.

Pocket case opener tool for case backs with slots:


 
 
Pocket Case opener Made in China, the very similar original Bergeon opener costs almost USD 50
 Great Bergeon opener 2533, this is the most gentle watch opener, a must carry for flea market browsing
 
Cases with Slots All screwed case backs not sitting too tight

Case opener tool for non-screw (snap-on) case backs:


 
 
HOROTEC MSA 07.115 Case Crab
  Bergeon Tool - my Favorite!