I wish I has seen your video earlier. I use the "portable" adjustable off-set case back wrench. The plastic bag trick (which most watch technicians do not do) worked like a charm. I am definitely going to order the rubber ball device, I also think that I will prevent over tightening the case back.
So as a test, i had two factory sealed watches, one Titan automatic and another Tudor Black Bay 58. I could not get the Tudor open with the ball, although I was also very scared because I don't have a watch holder like you do. However, I measured the case back position before removing the back of each watch and with the ball i was not able to get the case back tightened to factor position. In both cases, it was about 15 to 20 degrees short of the original position sealed from factory, with the case back tools I was able to get both to turn that extra 15 to 20 degrees.
Interesting - thanks for the extra information. I hadn't tried measuring the before and after difference but that's a good test. Seems like the proper tool is the only thing that's going to give a factory-level tightening.
The rubber ball is great until you get to that case with protruding lugs or just a tight back that the ball just won't work with. I have one watch maybe two in my collection that the ball will not work with. Also, the rubber ball cannot get the best tighten that most professional watches need to be tightened to after a service, but it's a great handy tool. I think the point is, a professional cannot do their job at a service center with just a ball. Especially for tightening the car back in after service on a very valuable watch. They just told like the Bergeon that fits certain brands perfectly, no plastic needed
Interesting comparison. I have a Marinemaster 300 and it's back is as supplied from the factory. With a 300m rating I'd be surprised if the ball would work.
I agree, that sounds like it might need more than the rubber ball. Having said that I was really surprised at how powerful it was, especially combined with a watch holder, so it might be worth a try.
The ball works well for opening the caseback. Do you think it's worthwhile to use it along with a traveler caseback or wrench-style caseback opener for closing the caseback, or does it perform equally well for closing?
Sorry for the late reply. I just got it from a local online auction (similar to eBay). There are a few different types and colours available but I think they all work similarly.
I tried to get the back of my fossil watch off and in the meantime, I smashed the crystal on the top of the front, but I tried to get the back off another watch and there’s no notch. There’s no way of popping it off. I tried every tool and square in the back, so I can’t turn it. What do I do? I can’t stand these watches you can’t get back off.
On this opener he is sticking opener in the holes on the back of the watch also the watch has already been opened and not tightened back. So all of the instruments will work.
I have a Rolex GMT 2 aka Bruce Wayne model M126710GRNR-0003 My case size is 40mm. Do not know what is the size of the back case cover. What size tool opener is needed to open the back case cover? Thank you.
Over all the plastic ball done the job well, with no marking of the case back. Thank you. 👍 Au
Yes, it really surprised me. So simple but so effective.
I wish I has seen your video earlier.
I use the "portable" adjustable off-set case back wrench. The plastic bag trick (which most watch technicians do not do) worked like a charm.
I am definitely going to order the rubber ball device, I also think that I will prevent over tightening the case back.
So as a test, i had two factory sealed watches, one Titan automatic and another Tudor Black Bay 58. I could not get the Tudor open with the ball, although I was also very scared because I don't have a watch holder like you do. However, I measured the case back position before removing the back of each watch and with the ball i was not able to get the case back tightened to factor position. In both cases, it was about 15 to 20 degrees short of the original position sealed from factory, with the case back tools I was able to get both to turn that extra 15 to 20 degrees.
Interesting - thanks for the extra information. I hadn't tried measuring the before and after difference but that's a good test. Seems like the proper tool is the only thing that's going to give a factory-level tightening.
Thank you!!
Thank you!
Thankyou
The rubber ball is great until you get to that case with protruding lugs or just a tight back that the ball just won't work with. I have one watch maybe two in my collection that the ball will not work with. Also, the rubber ball cannot get the best tighten that most professional watches need to be tightened to after a service, but it's a great handy tool. I think the point is, a professional cannot do their job at a service center with just a ball. Especially for tightening the car back in after service on a very valuable watch. They just told like the Bergeon that fits certain brands perfectly, no plastic needed
You're right, I don't think the rubber ball is the solution to everything. For a profession-level service a proper opener/tightener is best.
Interesting comparison.
I have a Marinemaster 300 and it's back is as supplied from the factory. With a 300m rating I'd be surprised if the ball would work.
I agree, that sounds like it might need more than the rubber ball. Having said that I was really surprised at how powerful it was, especially combined with a watch holder, so it might be worth a try.
The ball works well for opening the caseback. Do you think it's worthwhile to use it along with a traveler caseback or wrench-style caseback opener for closing the caseback, or does it perform equally well for closing?
If you ever introduce a three-point opener, please explain which bit is best suited for which type of case?
The blue ball so W.O.W
Yes, I couldn't believe it!
What brand is that watch case holder and where did you get it? Where did you get the ball?
How to balloon the rubber ball watch opener I buy it in online
mine is square and won’t pop off or turn at all how do i get the damn thing off ughh ?
How to open those without the slots on them ?
Hi Amit. I recommend using a rubber ball like that seen in the video. I couldn't believe how effective it was at removing backs.
wwhere do i get the ball ? didnt say exactly what kind of ball it was sorry
Sorry for the late reply. I just got it from a local online auction (similar to eBay). There are a few different types and colours available but I think they all work similarly.
I tried to get the back of my fossil watch off and in the meantime, I smashed the crystal on the top of the front, but I tried to get the back off another watch and there’s no notch. There’s no way of popping it off. I tried every tool and square in the back, so I can’t turn it. What do I do? I can’t stand these watches you can’t get back off.
On this opener he is sticking opener in the holes on the back of the watch also the watch has already been opened and not tightened back. So all of the instruments will work.
I just love listening to your voice with that yummy English accent.
☺
really??
I have a Rolex GMT 2 aka Bruce Wayne model M126710GRNR-0003
My case size is 40mm. Do not know what is the size of the back case cover.
What size tool opener is needed to open the back case cover?
Thank you.
time for me to get a blue ball lol
Definitely! I wish I'd got one years ago, I just never expected them to be any good.
I arrived here searching for a replacement for the cheap blue one that just broke one of its pins off - thanks.
You're welcome! Hopefully it helps save a bit of money.