Timex watches are known for their durability and affordability, making them a popular choice for people of all ages. However, if you need to replace the battery or repair the movement, you’ll need to know how to take the back off of the watch. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind to avoid damaging the watch.
First, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of needle-nose pliers. You may also want to have a small piece of cloth or a rubber band on hand to protect the watch from scratches.
Once you have your tools, you’re ready to start. First, use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the four screws that hold the back of the watch in place. Once the screws are removed, carefully pry the back of the watch off using the flat head screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the gasket that seals the back of the watch to the case. Once the back of the watch is off, you’ll have access to the battery and the movement.
Removing the Back Cover
The first step to taking the back off a Timex watch is to remove the back cover. There are two common types of back covers: screw-on and snap-on.
Screw-On Back Cover:
If your watch has a screw-on back cover, you will need a small screwdriver to remove it. Place the tip of the screwdriver in one of the notches on the back cover and gently turn the screwdriver counterclockwise. The back cover should come off easily. If the back cover is stuck, you can try using a rubber band to get a better grip on the screwdriver.
Snap-On Back Cover:
If your watch has a snap-on back cover, you will need to use a sharp knife or a razor blade to remove it. Carefully insert the tip of the knife or razor blade into the seam between the back cover and the watch case. Gently pry the back cover off of the watch case. Be careful not to damage the watch case or the back cover.
| Back Cover Type | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Screw-on | Use a screwdriver to turn the back cover counterclockwise |
| Snap-on | Use a knife or razor blade to pry the back cover off |
Choosing the Right Tools
Selecting the appropriate tools is essential for efficiently removing the back of a Timex watch without causing damage. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the necessary tools:
1. Case Back Wrench
A case back wrench is a specialized tool designed to grip and unscrew the back cover of watches. It typically features adjustable jaws to accommodate different watch case sizes. Choose a wrench that fits the specific diameter and shape of your Timex watch.
2. Case Back Opener
While not as common as a case back wrench, a case back opener is a useful tool for prying open the back of a watch. It usually consists of a thin, blade-like end that is inserted into a small notch or gap on the watch case. Twisting the opener will gently pry the back cover apart from the watch case.
3. Rubber Strap and Gloves
To protect the watch from scratches and provide a better grip, consider using a rubber strap around the case. Additionally, wearing gloves will prevent fingerprints and smudges on the watch during handling.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Case Back Wrench | Adjustable jaws for different sizes, grips and unscrews the back cover |
| Case Back Opener | Thin, blade-like end for prying open backs from notches |
| Rubber Strap | Protection from scratches and better grip |
| Gloves | Prevents fingerprints and smudges |
Locating the Battery
The battery in a Timex watch is typically located in the back of the watch. To access it, you will need a small screwdriver or a coin.
- Turn the watch over so that the back is facing up.
| Screw or Coin Slot Location | Watch Model |
|---|---|
| 2 notches on the back | Timex Weekender, Timex Expedition, Timex Ironman |
| 4 notches on the back | Timex Easy Reader, Timex Indiglo, Timex Digital |
| 6 notches on the back | Timex Marlin, Timex Metropolitan, Timex Q |
| 8 notches on the back | Timex Grand Classic, Timex Waterbury, Timex Maxwell |
Identify the two notches or screw slots on the back of the watch. These notches or screw slots will allow you to insert the screwdriver or coin to open the back of the watch.
- Insert the screwdriver or coin into one of the notches or screw slots.
- Gently pry open the back of the watch.
Replacing the Back Cover
Once you’ve replaced the battery, it’s time to put the back cover back on. Start by aligning the notches on the back cover with the corresponding slots on the watch case. Gently press down on the back cover until it snaps into place. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you could damage the watch.
If the back cover is difficult to close, you may need to use a watchmaker’s press. This is a specialized tool that applies even pressure around the circumference of the back cover, ensuring a secure fit.
Once the back cover is in place, check to make sure that the watch is running properly. If the watch is not running, or if the time is incorrect, you may need to adjust the watch’s hands.
Adjusting the Watch’s Hands
To adjust the watch’s hands, you will need a small screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the small hole on the side of the watch case. Gently turn the screwdriver clockwise to move the hour hand forward and counterclockwise to move the hour hand backward.
Once the hour hand is set to the correct time, insert the screwdriver into the other small hole on the side of the watch case. Gently turn the screwdriver clockwise to move the minute hand forward and counterclockwise to move the minute hand backward.
Once the minute hand is set to the correct time, reinsert the screwdriver into the small hole on the side of the watch case that you used to adjust the hour hand. Gently turn the screwdriver clockwise to move the second hand forward. The second hand will move one second at a time.
Once the watch is set to the correct time, be sure to tighten the screws that hold the back cover in place.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Watchmaker’s press | Applies even pressure around the circumference of the back cover |
| Screwdriver | Adjusts the watch’s hands |
Aligning the Back Cover Correctly
Once the crystal is removed, you need to align the back cover correctly before attaching it to the case. To do this, follow these steps:
- Locate the alignment mark. There is usually a small notch or mark on the back of the watch case and on the back cover. These marks must be aligned with each other.
- Place the back cover on the case. Orient the back cover so that the alignment mark on the cover lines up with the mark on the case.
- Apply pressure to the back cover. Use your fingers or a rubber mallet to gently press the back cover into place. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you could damage the cover or the watch.
- Check the alignment. Once the back cover is in place, check to make sure that it is aligned correctly. The alignment mark should be flush with the caseback.
- Tighten the screws. If there are screws holding the back cover in place, tighten them using a screwdriver. Be sure to tighten the screws evenly.
- Replace the crystal. Once the back cover is secure, you can replace the crystal. To do this, follow the steps in the previous section in reverse order.
Tips for Aligning the Back Cover
- Use a magnifying glass to help you locate the alignment marks.
- Apply a small amount of lubricant to the O-ring or gasket on the back cover before installing it. This will help to keep the cover in place and prevent leaks.
- If you are having trouble aligning the back cover, you can use a case press. This is a tool that can be used to apply even pressure to the back cover, ensuring that it is aligned correctly.
| Alignment Mark Location | Screw Location | O-ring/Gasket Location |
|---|---|---|
| Back of watch case and back cover | Around the perimeter of the back cover | On the back cover |
Tightening the Screws
Once the case back is loose, you’ll need to tighten the screws to secure it back onto the watch. Here are the steps to do so:
- Gently insert the screws into the holes on the case back.
- Using a screwdriver, carefully tighten the screws until they are snug.
- Do not overtighten the screws, as this can damage the watch.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for your reference:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert screws into holes |
| 2 | Tighten screws until snug |
| 3 | Avoid overtightening |
Checking for Leaks
Before attempting to remove the back of your Timex watch, it’s crucial to perform a leak test to ensure that the watch is not compromised and prevent water damage during the process.
Visual Inspection
Hold the watch face down under a bright light source. If you observe any condensation or moisture on the inside of the crystal, the watch may be leaking.
Fog Test
Place the watch in a warm, humid environment, such as a steamy bathroom. After a few minutes, observe the crystal. If it fogs up, the watch is likely leaking.
Pressure Test
Purchase a watch pressure tester kit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to pressurize the watch. If the pressure gauge drops rapidly, it indicates a leak.
Immersion Test
Submerge the watch in a container of water for 30 minutes at room temperature. If the crystal remains clear and there are no air bubbles, the watch is not leaking.
Re-Test
If you suspect a leak during any of the tests, re-test the watch after drying it thoroughly to confirm the results.
Caution:
If the watch shows signs of leaking, do not open the back. Take the watch to a qualified watch repair specialist immediately to prevent further damage.
Other Points to Consider:
| Condition | Action |
|---|---|
| Loose or rattling back | May indicate a leak; proceed with caution. |
| Damaged crystal | Do not risk opening the back; take the watch to a repair specialist. |
Waterproofing the Back Cover
Once the back cover has been removed, it’s crucial to ensure it’s waterproof before reattaching it to the watch. This process involves applying a thin layer of silicone grease to the gasket that creates a seal between the back cover and the watch case.
Materials Required
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Silicone grease | To create a waterproof seal |
| Cotton swab | To apply the silicone grease |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Use a cotton swab to sparingly apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the gasket located around the inside edge of the back cover.
2. Ensure that the grease is evenly distributed around the entire gasket.
3. Avoid over-applying the grease, as this can interfere with the waterproof seal.
4. Allow the grease to dry for a few minutes before reattaching the back cover.
5. Press the back cover firmly into place, aligning the notches on the cover with those on the watch case.
6. Tighten the back cover using a watchmaker’s screwdriver or pliers.
7. Test the waterproof seal by submerging the watch in a bowl of water for a few minutes.
8. Look for any water leakage or moisture inside the watch.
9. If the watch remains dry, the waterproofing has been successful. If not, repeat steps 1-8, ensuring the silicone grease is applied correctly and the back cover is securely tightened.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble taking the back off a Timex watch, try the following tips:
1. Make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need a watch case opener, which is a small tool with two prongs that fit into the notches on the back of the watch. You can buy one online or at a hardware store.
2. Position the watch case opener correctly. The prongs of the watch case opener should fit snugly into the notches on the back of the watch. If they don’t, you won’t be able to apply enough pressure to open the back.
3. Apply pressure evenly. Once the watch case opener is in place, apply pressure evenly to both prongs. Don’t try to force the back open, as you could damage the watch.
4. Turn the watch case opener slowly. While you’re applying pressure, slowly turn the watch case opener. This will help to loosen the back and make it easier to remove.
5. Be patient. It may take a few minutes to get the back off the watch. Don’t get discouraged, and keep trying until you’re successful.
6. If you’re still having trouble, you can try using a rubber band or a piece of leather to help you get a better grip on the watch case opener.
7. Once you’ve successfully removed the back of the watch, be sure to inspect the O-ring. The O-ring is a small rubber gasket that helps to keep the watch waterproof. If the O-ring is damaged, you should replace it before you put the back of the watch back on.
8. When you’re putting the back of the watch back on, be sure to tighten it down securely. However, don’t overtighten it, as you could damage the watch.
9. Once you’ve tightened the back of the watch down, check to make sure that it’s waterproof. You can do this by placing the watch in a glass of water and checking for any leaks.
10. The most common issue with removing the back of a Timex watch is that the case is stuck. This can be caused by a number of factors, including corrosion, dirt, or a damaged or misaligned caseback gasket. If you are unable to remove the caseback using the above methods, it is recommended to take the watch to a professional watchmaker for assistance.
How To Take The Back Off A Timex Watch
If you need to replace the battery in your Timex watch or repair it, you will need to take the back of the watch off. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Gather your tools. You will need a small screwdriver and a pair of tweezers.
- Locate the notch on the back of the watch. This is usually found near the 6 o’clock position.
- Insert the screwdriver into the notch and gently pry the back of the watch off.
- Be careful not to damage the gasket that seals the back of the watch.
- Once the back is off, you can access the battery and other components of the watch.
