Once you have your watch case open, eventually you will need to close it again if you want to wear it. Luckily, closing a watch back is almost as easy as opening a watch back when you know what kind of watch case back you have. In this article, we will be addressing how to close a snap off or pressure fit watch case back. These watch case backs are smooth without marks in the back, and they frequently have a little notch or tab on the edge of the back to help you open the back.
Step 1
The first step once you are ready to close a watch case is to check the watch gasket. Gaskets can get old or be damaged during repair – if you are concerned about the state of your gasket, replace it. For help on this, check out our article on How to Replace a Watch Gasket.
Step 2
Once you are satisfied that the gasket is in good shape, you are ready to replace the back on the watch case. Most watch case backs have a small notch that goes over the stem of the watch. Make sure that notch is aligned above the watch stem before placing the back on the watch case, otherwise you will risk damaging the watch movement.
Step 3
Now that the back is in place, you are ready to press the back on. Take the watch case in your hands, keeping the back balanced on the watch case. Grip the crystal with your fingers and press your thumbs down on the watch back itself until it snaps into place.
If one edge of the watch case is still raised after it has snapped, readjust your fingers and press down on the watch case where it is still raised.
Step 4
If you still cannot close your snap off/pressure fit watch back on your own with your hands, you will need to use a watch press to get it closed. Check out How to Close a Snap Off Case Back with a Watch Press for help closing your watch.
Finished
When the back finally snaps into place and you can’t see any raised edges, you will know that the back has been securely replaced on the watch.
wow, i didn’t think of simply pushing on it with my thumbs, thankfully you explained the first thing that pops into most peoples heads
Well Joe Dirt, you obviously couldn’t do it or you wouldn’t be here.
Daaaaaaaaaamn Gina!
Watching a utube video I found how to open a citizen ecodrive Skyhawk Blue Angels A-T watch. It just pops off with a snap back case opener. These vedio tutorials are really good.
I saw a guy on utube replace the snap back cover of his watch useing a hammer and a mechanic’s socket. WHILE ON A HARD WOOD FLOOR. Well I don’t own Omega or Rolex watch , but im not trying that with my watches. Yes spending a little money on the right tools and taking time to understand go’s a long way. The bull in the China shop will destroy a nice watch.
When it comes to seeking out answers to complex questions that’s what separates mankind from the animals. When someone closes there minds to suggestions it all goes down hill.
Didn’t work, tried and tried but could not get the end result with a snap on snap off watch. What did you do to get it back on?
If you are having trouble getting the back to snap back in place by hand, try using a watch case press to close the back. Here is an article that explains that process: https://blog.esslinger.com/how-to-close-a-snap-off-watch-case-back-with-a-watch-press/
I scienced the heck out of it: set the watch case back in the freezer for 5 min. With the watch dial-down on a towel on a wooden chair seat, I put the frozen (shrunken) back in place. Using a wooden back-scratcher handle, I placed thick end across the case back, perpendicular to the lugs. Then bending at hips, grabbed the handle on either side, elbows locked and weight into it, pushed and rocked side to side until “POP!”
Dude it worked! Didn’t need to do the other bits but I put it in the freezer and must’ve shrunk because it finally popped back in. Thanks!!!
Well too back I have to throw my nice watch away just because the back won’t go back on. This is stupid. I will go buy a new watch.
We took a Timex Expedition watch to a jewelry counter to replace a battery. The back came right off and new battery was put in place but they guy could NOT get the back back on. He even used a watch press but that back would not snap into place. He told us the Expedition is pressurized and waterproof to some ridiculous depth for diving so the seal has to be restored by Timex. I’ve been trying for days to contact Timex and ask them to reattach the back of this watch.
But… Timex doesn’t appear to be open any longer. Does anyone know, is Timex out of business? Any suggestions for reattaching the back without Timex’s help? The new battery is in but the back will not stay on. HELP!
Here is the limited information I can find about repairs through Timex. I have not heard anything about them being closed. Best guess is to keep contacting them, in multiple ways and hope that one gets through. https://www.timex.com/productWarranty.html
I snapped the back off of my Timex with no problem. Replaced the battery and then attempted to replace the back. Tried everything, nothing worked. Went to Wal-Mart they tried with their press, still no luck. Thought about it for a while and then came up with the chemistry of how metal will contract in the cold. Placed the back into the freezer on top of a frozen pack and left it in for about 4 hours. Took the back out of the freezer, placed it into its proper position, pressed real hard with my thumbs and it POPed into place.
Great tutorial on closing a snap-off watch case back! I’ve always struggled with this task, but your step-by-step guide and clear instructions have given me the confidence to give it a try. I appreciate the handy tips you provided, especially the reminder to use a case back press tool for secure closure. Can’t wait to put your advice into practice and finally be able to close my watch case back without any hassle. Thanks for sharing your expertise!