Case back opener and closing

[evan]

Hey all,

I was wondering if any of you have had much experience with openning your panerai's. I am looking for a good tool to do this with and for proper closing. Any ideas on where to get one? Any tips?

Thanks,
Evan

 

[takashi]

The best tool: Rubber Ball!!! I am serious... This will close your caseback properly and will not leave and scratch/scuff mark. PT has it or you can look off the bay.

 

[evan]

Like a raquetball or is a name of an actual tool?

It sounds weird but I am willing to try it.

 

[takashi]

In fact, it's brandless. I can't seem to find any reference for it... You may give this a go:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pocket-Watch-Case-B ... dZViewItem

 

[evan]

Thanks, I will give it a go.

 

[tomtofa]

Sometimes the back is on too tightly for the rubber ball (especially if the watch has been serviced). There is a fairly cheap three-pronged tool with various bits, including bits for Panerai backs, at Amazon, eBay, Ofrei, etc.

It will work on most non-Rolex watches - those require another kind of opener.

 

[takashi]

The same seller has the 3 pronged opener. That is a fake though. The real three pronged is made by Bergeon and they cost 8 times of that replica :lol: You can even find a replica caseback opener. Don't be surprised.

 

[evan]

Now here's a strange question. Do I need a different tool to close the case properly?

 

[takashi]

@evan: if you're skilled with the rubber, the answer is no... By using metal tools, you have risk scratching the case and caseback. To prevent this: put a few layers of lint free paper/tape the caseback to avoid direct contact with the metal tools. This will avoid scratches.

 

[evan]

Thanks, Takashi. Great tip

 

[takashi]

No probz... I would suggest you still go for the rubber type. Or get both...

 

[Cracker]

http://shorinternational.com/WatchCaseVise.htm

$3.25 how can yuo go wrong.

 

[takashi]

@Cracker: That's just a gem! Good site.

 

[bigbadbrad]

The same seller has the 3 pronged opener. That is a fake though. The real three pronged is made by Bergeon and they cost 8 times of that replica :lol: You can even find a replica caseback opener. Don't be surprised.

I'd rather pay the 8x and get a first-rate Bergeron - do you know who sells the Bergeron case back opener that's is most suitable for PAMs? I'd like to start becoming more adventurous by looking at my watches ...

Also, there's now reppanerai like Davidsen's PVD, which is tested to 3 ATM; I'm sure the "rubber ball" is not an appropriate tool to re-seal the back, or am I mistaken? Great idea about mitigating the scratch risk w/ paper/tape!

Cheers, BBB

 

[takashi]

@b: yes you can check out some watch tools site. It's going for $100+. Cracker has pointed out one of the sites. The JAXA brand is good or similar quality. Yes rubber method may not be sufficient but if you have enough strength to use it, it'll be more than enough to withstand 3ATM.