How to Open the Back || Stuck Pocket Watch Case || Easy Fix
1 Video View·Nov 4, 2026
This is for use on gold filled or base metal pocket watch cases. This demonstrates how to open the back of a stuck or cross threaded pocket watch case. This will also work for bezels. For bezels with missing crystals, use a cap that is the same diameter as the bezel.
AI GeneratedMay contain errors
Hi, I'm Scott from Tamarack Shack Antiques,
and today I'm going to show you how to take the back
off of a stuck pocket watch case. And here we have
a 1920s Illinois pocket watch, and the back
is a screw-off back, and it's stuck, and I can't open it.
Some people would take and try to pry it
off, but that's a big no-no.
It will hurt the case, and it won't come off either. Anyway,
Anyway, what I've found is I use hot glue.
I take a little ring of hot glue,
and I take a flat cap like this,
and I stick it to it.
This works.
This is a base metal case.
This also works for gold-filled cases.
I wouldn't try it on solid gold.
Anyway, once it's dry,
I just give it a twist, and there it goes.
Cleanup is easy.
I just snap that off of there.
The glue just pries right up,
and there you have it.
Anyway, thank you for watching the video.
Tamarack Shack.
Tamarackshackantiques.com