Customer Reviews

SE Watch Case Wrench, Adjustable

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

This item was merely acceptable. Adequate, but I was expecting more for $20.

By 'Jaxa type' I guess this means that it is based on a similar 'Jaxa' tool. It must be smaller than the genuine version, since I could not open three jaws wide enough to use this wrench to open any watch in my collection, using it as intended (ie, by engaging all three jaws with the watch's caseback). At it's maximum position, I could just barely fit two jaws on the caseback of two larger diving watches, which didn't allow for as much control as I'd have liked.

Those with larger diving watches or tool watches in the ~40mm case diameter range might have a rough time, as they might not be able to engage three lugs at once, which limits the torque and stability.

The initial quality of the tool is adequate, although the materials (specifically the bits and the internal screws, are covered in a lubricant to prevent them from corroding (which will likely begin promptly once it was wiped off to actually use the tool).

The design also allows the bits to turn freely in the tool, which allows the non-symmetrical bits to spin freely, moving off their contact points, and they won't stay aligned and properly grip under load; but the round bits work well, and should work for any caseback design. Clearly, the flat sided bits can only be used in a model that locks them in place. And, each style of bit had one extra in the package to replace any that might be lost during the life of the tool, a very thoughtful feature.

The shipping was acceptably quick, but the item arrived loose in the box with no packing material or padding, save for a single inflatable pillow the size of a small sandwish bag (completely useless to protect anything). The item's wooden storage box had therefore broken and exploded in transit, and each of the tiny bits was loose in the cardboard shipping box (the item itself had no outer packaging to speak of (although I still cannot determine if the item was sold as 'new' or 'used'). In either case, the shipping situation showed a total lack of concern for the item's safety or integrity, as well as the substantial S&H costs that were passed on to the customer without any apparent justification. It is only by some bizarre miracle that none of the tiny bits had been lost.

I read many of the mixed reviews for this item and looked over the photo carefully in trying to figure out if this case opener would work with two of my watches with notched case backs (one is a Seiko and the other a cheaper REI, both with 2mm square notches). Even though the product description/features is very sparse, I decided to purchase it, thinking with 4 different bit sets, surely one would fit my watches. Ha -- not so!

Since it's not mentioned in the description or anywhere else, let me tell you about the 4 "different" bit sets. I measured these with calipers I believe are reasonably accurate:
-- one set of round bits 1.6mm in diameter in the box, plus a second set of the same already in the tool
-- one set of round bits 2.4mm in diameter
-- two sets of bits, that at first glance, both appear to be 5.6mm wide square bits; however, one is slightly concave and the other slightly convex. I guess this is where they get away with saying there are 4 different bits/clamps. I'm not sure what manufacturing tolerances for these are; hopefully they wouldn't be too different from set to set (like 1.3mm instead of 1.6mm). All I can say is that this was what was in my set, but it's still more informative than any product description so far.

I put the jaws at their maximum and minimum, and by marking on paper & pen, then using some geometry and a ruler, figured that the widest watch case you could probably use this on is a 40mm diameter case back, and the smallest would have to be at least 20mm. This is consistent with a few other reviews that mention case back diameter. Like another reviewer mentioned, to get enough tension, the bits or pegs end up kind of angled. Because of this, I'd think trying to open a 40mm or 20mm case would be difficult or perhaps impossible, so be warned if you have a case that's near the limits of this tool.

I still gave the tool a try on my REI watch with the smallest set of round pegs, since they were the only ones close to fitting, but between the "play" in the tool itself and the wrong shape & size of bits, it would slip off before I could get enough force to twist off the case back. I gave up rather quickly, rather than scratch up the back of my watch, which I now expect to have to take to someone anyway, along with the other watch, to replace the batteries.

I did not have any issues with the condition of the tool, the bits, or the box, everything was neatly packed and arrived intact, and it did ship fast. No, there are no instructions. Although unfinished, the box my tool came in is pretty decent looking, and one could finish it to look nicer, like one reviewer did with their box. If the tool had just come with with the right-sized square bits, I probably could have used it, so I'm generously giving it two stars.

Since I only paid $4.99 for this and got it shipped free with some other stuff, I'm not bothering with trying to go the return/refund route. Maybe I'll save it for a white elephant gift for next year's holiday parties, or give it to someone who has watches that will work with the bits provided.

I hope some of the info in my review can help the next buyer determine if this tool has the right bits and and the correct watch size capability before they buy it. I wish I had had that information before I did.

Bought this set when the second watch of my wife stopped. So far, I have used this opener to chang battery for 4 times. This opener has worked just the way it is supposed to. Very happy about it.

By the way, Amazon is the place I love to buy from.

This was very handy and is adjustable enough to fit all of the watches that I tried it on. The wooden case makes it possible to store with all of the loose pieces. Overall, I am very pleased with it.

I dont know If I will ever know how good this tool is ,because it is to small and wont work on any of my watches. If you're going to purchase this item make sure it will fit your watch.

>This item paid for itself with the very first use and saved us the aggrevation of having the watch sent out to have the battery changed.
>Easy to use and very cost effective.
>Recommend this item for watch backs which the manufacture reports use without hesitation.

This tool is no good for removing screw on backs--the pins are too loose, and will not hold in the slots on the back of the watch. Also the removable pins on the tool will not slide out of one of the holes in the tool.

This tool is advertised as coming with four different sets of clamps (pins), i.e., square, round, flat and toothed to fit different watches. Mine arrived with two sets of round clamps and two sets of toothed clamps. Therefore, it would not fit my Seiko watch which requires the square clamps. Also, one of the round clamps was missing. I am returning this product. If it had come with complete sets of all four types of adapter clamps I would have kept it. Not a bad tool otherwise.

I'm sure you can buy a better case opener for big bucks, but this one works just fine and costs a fraction of the price of the more expensive tools. I have a fairly large watch collection that includes many quartz watches, and keeping the batteries fresh used to involve several expensive trips to the jeweler each year. Now I can replace the majority of them myself.

Keep in mind that once you have the case open, you may need additional tools to change the battery. Also, it is important to replace the rubber gasket on the back of the watch once every few years to insure that the watch remains water resistant.

This tool opened a screw-back MINI watch that a jeweler told me needed a special tool (don't you think they would have the special tool?). To use the tool, the bits need to be snapped into the receptacles, not just perched in the top. When snapped in the bits do not fall out when the tool is turned upside down. As for the comment of the handle being useless because it is also an adjustment, I found it was much better to hold the told by the head to use it anyway, to keep even pressure on the bits. I had no difficulty opening my watch and then reclosing it after changing the battery. This tool worked perfectly.