Help! Rolex back case opener.

[m-abz-t]

Hi All, Ive been after a Rolex case opener for awhile so recently I purchased a set of case openers with the following sizes:

0=18.50
1=20.20
2=22.50
3=26.50
4=28.30
5=29.50

I assumed the 29.5 diameter case opener doesn't open my Sub 14060 or DJ 16013.. as I just lined it up with the case and not tried opening it (as there was some kind of oil / grease on it). I later realised there is another size the 36.5 which opens the deepsea case. I contacted the seller to confirm if this would open the subs aswell... he has told me I should get the 29.5!

My question... has anyone opened their Subs ? if so what size case opener did you use? I know I should get an expert to do it but thought id give it a go. As I got quoted £100 from a local jewellers to open the back case!

[kilyung]

If I may ask, why are you opening the case?

[m-abz-t]

I was considering selling the DJ and I have been asked to take some pics of the movement / the back with case opened.
Plus Id like to be able to have the tools to open the back if ever required or if I had to make future purchases and wanted to check the movement.... not that id know what im looking for. lol

[Alpino]

.

here you go ...


.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by m-abz-t

Hi All, Ive been after a Rolex case opener for awhile so recently I purchased a set of case openers with the following sizes:

0=18.50
1=20.20
2=22.50
3=26.50
4=28.30
5=29.50

I assumed the 29.5 diameter case opener doesn't open my Sub 14060 or DJ 16013.. as I just lined it up with the case and not tried opening it (as there was some kind of oil / grease on it). I later realised there is another size the 36.5 which opens the deepsea case. I contacted the seller to confirm if this would open the subs aswell... he has told me I should get the 29.5!

My question... has anyone opened their Subs ? if so what size case opener did you use? I know I should get an expert to do it but thought id give it a go. As I got quoted £100 from a local jewellers to open the back case!

Well if you can unscrew a jar then with the correct case vice and case back tool,most anyone can open a Rolex case back and like Alpino stated 29.5 is the correct size.

[m-abz-t]

Thank you all for the reply. Il have to get rid of some of the grease from the case opener first and give it ago.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well if you can unscrew a jar then with the correct case vice and case back tool,most anyone can open a Rolex case back...

sounds logical...but wondering how some watchmakers manage to mangle or flatten the knurls on the case back with these devices.

[m-abz-t]

I managed to open my 14060 case back yesterday using the 29.5 case opener. It locked into the 'knurls' after few tries, but the DJ 16013 was a b***h to open, I didn't want to damage the case so I gave up on that, it wasn't really locking into the opener.

14060 open.jpg

[m-abz-t]

Alpino have you got a list for case back openers for other watch models? or a link to a website? Thanks

[Alpino]

.

The complete list can be found in Rolex maintenance R20 catalog.

[m-abz-t]

oooh ok thanks, just been checking out on the prices and dyamm they are expensive.
Is there much of a difference between the R20 and Full set of Rolex encyclopaedia?

Im sure I came across difference references to the Rolex service folders R20, R22 etc?

[Alpino]

.

R22 is equivalent to R20 for Celini models. T20 exists for Tudor.

There's many other maintenance catalogs (R6 for movements, R8 for bracelets, R9 for leather straps, ...), but R20 is the one you're looking for.

[m-abz-t]

Doesn't the Rolex encyclopaedia cover everything?
If not, does the R20 cover everything? / or mostly everything compared to the other folders?
Thanks

[Alpino]

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I don't know your encyclopedia, but if it doesn't come from Rolex there is little chance it's complete.

R20 cover evrything in the subjects it covers. Other Rxx catalogs cover other subjects. These manuals are use by Rolex watchmakers during watches services.

[michael067]

Originally Posted by kilyung

If I may ask, why are you opening the case?

X2 good question. Would be afraid to open mine and spill beer on the movement.

[77T]

I think this practice is a great "full employment" action for the watchmakers who will later be asked to make things right...

Just my 2¢ but when I'm asked for inside pics to sell a watch, it's my watchmaker who opens it, I take the pics without sneezing or drinking a soda, and then he closes it, pressure tests it and re-checks the timing.

Why? Well if I described it as running accurately and everything was OK, and then boogered something up in a DIY job to take pics for a curious tire-kicker, then I have inadvertently misled my eventual buyer unless I make sure all is well after opening it.

[Simon70]

Hi, what size is for opening case back of datejust 2.

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