Hi all,
Has someone got any ideas how to open a display case, I have to imagine it is just so gummed. I have tried all the methods I can, latex gloves, suction case remover, etc. but seeing this is a display case, can not use epoxy, hot glue or other things to stick to the case, as it would just break the crystals.
Any ideas,
Thanks,
Bill

I know I'm stating the obvious, so forgive me, but sometimes it's the obvious that is overlooked....but are you sure it's screw on type display case? The ones I've owned have been snap bezels.

Regards! Mark

Bill,

I'm with Mark on this one. I know it can be scary and the last thing one would wish on a case is to snap off a screw on cover... but... all my factory display cases are also snap fit covers... and they don't always have the telltale little lip at 2 o'clock like most watches.

They are most likely snap-on covers Bill, a case opener should work.

How ya doin?

EDIT: I see the boys beat me to it as I went to get a coffee between typing and posting.

The rear bezel (display) is a screw down, so I would have thought the front one would have been also. I have tried to pop it up with a case opener, with no luck. This case is not marked as a factory one anywhere, and I was thinking someone just milled out the rear one to make the display case.
But thanks for all the quick responses, and I will continue to twist, pry, etc.
I should add I am trying to get the one covering the dial off.
Bill

one of those will help if is the screw on case
Esslinger have them for sale

Peter,
Whats that called, I just looked through his website and could not see it ??
Bill

suction case opener
http://www.esslinger.com/sucti...-pocket-watches.aspx

One you should definitely in your collection of tools. They work great. Good luck!

Regards! Mark

If the case is empty, you can be pretty aggressive with soaking it in a penetrating oil or goof off to loosen any adhesives or gunk in the threads.

Or - I've heard some of the guys that fish discuss re-purposing the case as a weight.

One of those flat sticky plastic jar cap removing things among your kitchen utensils can sometimes give you much more traction on the outside rim of the cover.

I love my old school case tool
as is picture in Master Watchmaking Tools and Material in Chicago School of Watchmaking.

Bill,if you can get the movement out and you should, try holding it under running warm water while placing fingers at different positions around the bezel while trying to unscrew it.

Good Luck,
Tim

Wow Peter, I thought that was the anvil I put my case in to beat out the dents.

Well scratch that Bill, bezel got to come off first.

Epic fail Paul as my kids will say.

Well Thanks for all the good suggestions.
Peter, I have ordered that case remover from Esslinger, and we will see if it works, thanks for the short cut,
Tim your right cant get the movement out as yet, but nice try.
Dave I will try that lid remover, I think we have one some where here, thanks.
Paul, I had been considering that myself, polish up what I have and hey might be good for Pike or something.
If all this fails I do Have a large hammer.
Bill

Bill

Be carefully with this suggestion use a straight razor and try to press it into edge of the stuck lid. Work it around if you can and put just a small amount of penetrating oil in the gap as you go around. Let it sit for a while and try to open. Also try a little heat (an old fashion light bulb work best as the heat source).

Keith

Keith,
I tried both of those things a coup[le of weeks ago, when I first got this thing, It ususally works when all else seems to fail. But it did not on this case for some reason. I am wondering if for some reason someone glued it, as there was a bit of residue appearing when I used the blade around the edges, can not see why someone would tho.
Thanks for the thought ,
Bill

Hi Bill: Take 2 inch wide wrapping tape. Wrap several times around each hand with sticky side out. Put case in between and twist. Make sure someone is handy to help remove the tape!!

Would it be possible to post a picture of the case in question? That might trigger another idea or two.

If you think it is a screw on bezel, see if you can tighten it a bit, or consider pressing the bezel down on all sides to get the threads to line up. Also consider trying to unscrew the bezel by gripping it in different areas. It could be bent and binding in one place. Also don't squeeze it too hard as you could be pressing it into the threads when you try to unscrew it. Does the bezel move at all? If not, try pressing it all around. There is always the possibility that someone used an adhesive to hold the bezel down. Pressing it might break the bond. Also, if you can get the case in a watch vice, you might be able to get a better grip, or use both hands. Just ideas.

Hi all,
Here is a picture of the case
Bill

#2

#3

#4

It is the dial side I am trying to remove.
Thanks,
Bill

#5

Bill, from you photo it sure looks like a screw down
bezel.
As another suggestion rubber gloves also work well.
I have had success using the rubber gloves in combination with the this ball

The large gap that is already showing on the Dial side bezel tells me this is cross-threaded and will "pop" off with a little persuasion from a case opener. I Have seen this before on cross threaded case covers and the gap means that by levering the bezel up at several points chosen progressively around the diameter, you will ultimately get the cover to release and come off.

When the cover is removed, I suggest smoothing the threads on the case and bezel with a screwdriver tip, especially near the "lead-in" where they may have been distorted when forced to screw together in a cross-threaded condition.

I've found hot-gluing the stuck bezel to a piece of wood (I use a builders shim) gives the added leverage needed. The heat of the glue probably helps break the bone between the case body and bezel or back as well. I try not to get the glue on the glass itself, however. I've not had any problem peeling the glue from the metal.

Kevin

And when all else fails, break out the power tools!

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...6095371/m/9673977077

Thanks everybody for all the great suggestions and help. I have put this back in a drawer for now, but will try the ideas that I had not and keep you informed.
Bill