How to Open a Screw Down Watch Back with a Case Opener Ball

I just opened my screw down back using a masking tape lol. No need to buy a specific ball for it folks!

Hi, does this ball need an inflator to pump the air?

People say the ball won’t scratch the caseback. But when trying to open a stuck caseback the ball does make small scratch lines.

Yeah, awesome vedeo
"Just buy special tools"

Tysm it helped a lot

would this also work with a cricket windball?

is not working with old watch only with modern made in China

Very helpful video.... Thanks👍

The friction ball works if the case back isn't very tight. Otherwise, for those screw backs that have notches, you still have to use a Jaxa type wrench.


I actually use both. To remove, I first use a Jaxa wrench for the first turn, then switch to the ball to remove the back all the way. To put the case back, I first use the ball then use the Jaza wrench for final tightening.

I have seen lots of complains about these which got me thinking, I am positive sution cups (,do a search on google), the kind you get as rubber/silicon hooks that you lick and stick will do a much better job. I heard someone who actually likes these balls say he wishes they would do smller balls, well the cups come in 3 cm size. I also use them for flush kitchen spot lights that also screw out. You are welcome! :)

rolex watch cap

Лохотрон. Откручивать мячиком крышку, которая уже откручена.
С таким успехом можно было и пальцами открутить.

when tutorial needs a watch an opener...

LOL the watch keeps changing...

This can only work on a new watch or one that was recently opened and closed again. All older watches that have not been opened recently will be so firmly stuck, that this ball will have NO EFFECT.

Awesome video thanks

Well, I suppose it would work if the back was not on firmly. If it's not on firm I can use my finger nail or tooth pick etc..

But I've had some watches -man o man, tough... For those I have had to use my vise style watch holder that clamps to table and my best opener which is the blue crab.

For those of you who don't know the blue crab look it up on ebay. It's has two pinchers and closes with one adjusting wheel. Even better than the Jaxa wrench -really..!

The secret of the blue crab is that it adjust to the exact distance by the one adjusting wheel. Other openers like it are clumsy because they are adjusted by sliding and then tightening. The blue crab has tighter controlled approach. The Jaxa is just sloppy all together. Concentrating on 3 points and trying to maintain grip on the Jaxa is tougher to do than the simplicity of the crab.

The bench vise watch holder is like regular watch holder but also has clamp to hold it from turning. That gives you real good force.

For Rolex you just got to get a Rolex style opener. On ebay you can get the cheaper Chinese model and they work. Shipping and cost about $20.

There are some video where people open Rolex watches with pair of scissors. This works but high risk of scratching. Will do in a pinch but be careful.

Probably the best opener is the tool with the hand wheel on it. But they are near $200 or so, and not in my budget. Same kind of opener as blue crab but more controlled by hand wheel that lowers down. Some even adapt to Rolex handle also.

wonder if you can open a Rolex style back. Mine doesn't have points in two or four places, but instead tiny notches all around the back sort of like the edge of a quarter. It is not an automatic so I do need to change the battery but has this Rolex style back. took it to a rip off artist at my local mall who wanted to charge me $50 to open it and change the battery. I said no way and left. Now I have to figure out how the hell to open this thing. do you think this ball would work?

Lol a quartz Omega...

these balls are rubbish in my opinion. stick with the tried and tested traditional tool

Have just bought one of these balls and took to backs of 2 watches a Tag and oris with no problem at all they are fantastic great vid.

Those miniature hands make that watch look huge.

I have a large 47mm case Jacob&co. watch, it has a large (more then) hexagonal type or wrench grooved back, this ball does not work no matter how hard I try. Have any suggestions? thanks

Thank you! This was very helpful. =)

Hopefully it's a woman's hands in this video because if not someone PLEASE GET THIS GUY SOME NAIL CLIPPERS!!!!

Looked pretty loose. Wouldn't dive with it. Use the proper tool.

Lol don't watch this video these balls suck lol

there are 2 different watches being opened in this video, am I the first to notice this??

very good ideea!