00:00So your watch died 3 weeks ago, and it's still sitting in a drawer because the jeweler wanted
00:0420 bucks to swap a $2 battery. Yeah, I've been there. That's exactly why I went down this rabbit
00:11hole and rounded up the 5 best watch case opener tools out there right now, and honestly, every
00:16single one of these costs less than what a shop charges for one battery change. Let's get into it.
00:22First up is the 2-foot adjustable case opener with the round mouth pins.
00:27This is the classic tool you've probably seen watchmakers use, you spread the two prongs,
00:32drop them into the notches on a screw-down case back, and just twist. The grip is knurled so your
00:37hand doesn't slip, which matters a lot more than you'd think when a back is stuck on their tight.
00:42It's $669, it's sold nearly 4,800 units, and it's sitting at a 4.9 rating.
00:48If you own a diver or a sports watch with a screw-in back, this is the one you want.
00:54Now, if you've got something a little nicer, a Rolex, a Tudor, that kind of territory,
00:58take a look at this pro-grade case opener kit. It's the most expensive on the list at $16.09,
01:05but you're getting a properly machined die that actually matches the case back notches instead
01:09of just wedging in and hoping. That's the whole ballgame with expensive watches,
01:14one slip and you've scratched a case back that costs more to replace than the tool.
01:18Over 4,600 sold, 4.7 stars. If your watch is worth more than a few hundred bucks,
01:25spend the extra $10. Seriously.
01:29Third is the adjustable watchmaker's case holder and opener combo,
01:33and this one solves a problem people don't see coming. When you're cranking on a stiff case back,
01:38the watch wants to spin in your hand and that's when you gouge the case.
01:42This clamps the watch down so it can't move, and then you've got both hands free to actually work.
01:48$5.90, 4.8 stars, over 4,300 sold. Honestly, pair this with tool number one and
01:56you've basically got a mini workbench for under 13 bucks.
02:00Number four is the universal lid opener with the grooved head,
02:03and this is the budget pick that punches way above its weight.
02:08$4.27. That's a coffee.
02:12The groove design lets it grab a bunch of different case back styles,
02:15so if you've got a drawer full of random watches, a Casio, an old Seiko,
02:19your dad's dress watch, this handles most of them without you needing three separate tools.
02:24$4,200 sold at a 4.9 rating.
02:27For four bucks, it's almost silly not to have one in the toolbox.
02:32And rounding it out, the metal prying tool set, this is for snap-on case backs,
02:36the kind you pop off with a blade rather than twist.
02:39But here's why I actually like it, it also does strap swaps and pushes out band link pins.
02:45So you're getting a battery tool, a bracelet sizing tool, and a strap changer in one little
02:49kit for $4.27.
02:514.9 stars, over $4,200 sold.
02:56If you're the type who likes swapping straps to match your outfit,
02:59this earns its spot in the drawer on that alone.
03:02All five of these are linked down in the description below,
03:04so grab whichever one matches your watch and go rescue the dead one from the drawer.
03:09If this saved you a trip to the jeweler, do me a favor, hit that like button and subscribe.
03:15I've got more cheap tools that actually work coming your way.
03:18Thanks for watching.
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