Caseback Opener for Rolex

[brandog]

Hi,

does anyone have experience with this caseback opener (Horotec tool) model available on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oyster-Water...item20f65c898b

It's pretty cheap and looks fairly legit. I'm just looking for a simple case opener to switch out the factory caseback to a aftermarket sapphire see-through caseback on my SubC. The guy selling this tool also told me that I dont need a tool to hold the watch down, I can just hold it in my palm and unscrew it with the other hand using the tool.

Not too experienced on this process/subject, just looking for some insight.

[Solo118]

IMHO, this is the way to go http://www.ebay.com/itm/HORB-w-NO-LO...item2c970847a7

The horb ball is great because its just plastic and won't scratch your watch. It also releases a caseback quickly. I have had one for years, but somehow my daughter found it while playing and I just can't find it anywhere! This thread reminded me to pick up a new one :)

[brandog]

Interesting..

This will work on the latest model SubC? I don't need any tools besides this to take it off and on? How do I know how tight to re-tighten the caseback?

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by Solo118

IMHO, this is the way to go http://www.ebay.com/itm/HORB-w-NO-LO...item2c970847a7

The horb ball is great because its just plastic and won't scratch your watch. It also releases a caseback quickly. I have had one for years, but somehow my daughter found it while playing and I just can't find it anywhere! This thread reminded me to pick up a new one :)

You can't open a Oyster case with that rubber ball, if so it's not proper mounted.

[Time Exposure]

I have had mixed results with the ball. Typically it will work on a contemporary watch with good gaskets. Older watches sometimes get "frozen" to the point the ball won't work.
Cheap, safe way to try it. When screwing it back on, just go as tight as you can.
As for the tool, I haven't used that one but it looks legit. Big handle for good leverage. Beauty of Rolex backs is they're less likely to slip, but I would still push that tool down on the watch as hard as I could stand it in my palm.

[Jocke]

I don't know about the Ace Timer tool but I will reccomend Bergeon, it's not cheap but that isn't your watch either.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I don't know about the Ace Timer tool but I will reccomend Bergeon, it's not cheap but that isn't your watch either.

I thought you used rusty channel locks jocke... or is that just for the fakes?

[Time Exposure]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

I thought you used rusty channel locks jocke... or is that just for the fakes?

I believe he has recently advanced to timed explosives...

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

I thought you used rusty channel locks jocke... or is that just for the fakes?

It's a rubber channel lock.

[pandalecrossing.com]

I bought a ball from petsmart, could not hold it and turn at same time about gave up and read if u would put duct tape sticky side out on ball, touch on case back and turn and it came off very easy.

[cht]

Originally Posted by Solo118

IMHO, this is the way to go http://www.ebay.com/itm/HORB-w-NO-LO...item2c970847a7

The horb ball is great because its just plastic and won't scratch your watch. It also releases a caseback quickly. I have had one for years, but somehow my daughter found it while playing and I just can't find it anywhere! This thread reminded me to pick up a new one :)

I second the ball.

Originally Posted by brandog

Interesting..

This will work on the latest model SubC? I don't need any tools besides this to take it off and on? How do I know how tight to re-tighten the caseback?

Yes

Originally Posted by Jocke

You can't open a Oyster case with that rubber ball, if so it's not proper mounted.

The ball has never failed me.

[brandog]

Just an update. I bought the ball and it didn't work on my SUBC.

[707soldier]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I don't know about the Ace Timer tool but I will reccomend Bergeon, it's not cheap but that isn't your watch either.

Top of the line!

[rozyd]

Originally Posted by brandog

Just an update. I bought the ball and it didn't work on my SUBC.

Didn't work on any of mine either. Oh well. $5 wasted. Dog has a new toy.

[iclick]

Originally Posted by brandog

Does anyone have experience with this caseback opener (Horotec tool) model available on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oyster-Water...item20f65c898b

After much comparison and deliberation I bought this opener from Acetimer about two months ago. I've used two of the dies so far and the tool worked flawlessly. Just make sure the crystal is firmly in your palm and the die positioned securely before turning the handle. I decided on this type of opener because an old watchmaker that serviced my watches years ago used one like it, and I thought if it was good enough for him it was fine for my limited usage. The price was another reason.