Watch battery replacement

I have a Timex Expedition Indigo with a metal case. Not sure of the exact model number but on the back there an M6 below Expedition. Anyway, I had the same problem of snapping the back back on. I found a "battery" website that had some suggestions that should be typical of any snap back case watch. http://www.online-batteries.co.uk/whichbattery.shtml specifically they said that when you try to press the back on it must be flat (not one edge down as I had been trying) Put the watch face down on a non scratch surface and press with both thumbs evenly. If that doesn't work a press will be needed. If you have a vice a couple of blocks of wood to distribute the load on the front and back may work, otherwise take it to a jeweler with the proper equipment. The thumb routine didn't work for me. I have a vice but figured many wouldn't so I tried something else first. I put the watch face down on a piece of wood. I found a small 2" long scrap of wood (3/4" x 1.5" approx) that spanned the back. I centered the back (aligned properly) placed the block of wood squarely and centered across the back and tapped the end of the block with a hammer. First try didn't work, second one did. I used a rubber mallet as the hammer but a regular hammer or other heavy object would work. The trick, I think, is to get everything lined up and square so the blow is centered and even. Also, I'd suggest cleaning the back and the groove in the case and be sure the rubber gasket is properly positioned. This will give you the best chance of retaining the waterproofing. And remember to check that the watch is running before you do this. Some need to be reset (usually with a very small screwdriver or pin) after replacing the battery. There should be a small hole with some printing next to it. You may need a magnifying glass to see/read it. Good Luck, Richard

I'm female and my solution reflects it. Couldn't get my husband's Timex back together after chaning the battery. I put the face down on some folded paper towel and put my rolling pin through the watch band where the wrist would go.. Making sure the back was centered, I pressed down hard on the rolling pin, then rolled it downward. It popped into place and my husband thought I was a genius.

I had the same problem, it was solved by using a "G" clamp. Wrap the watch in a few layers of kitchen towel and put it in the jaws of the clamp, aligning the center of the clamp with the center of the watch. Screw the jaws together and listen for a dull "snap" - job done!

Just wanted to warn people if you have a indiglo model in my opinion don't try the piece of wood and tapping with a hammer as it has broken the indigo back light and i was only tapping very very lightly as it is not one of the cheaper models, so i aint to happy at the moment, but at the end of the day it's my own fault as i should have taken it to the jewellers in the first place and would also be the best option for anyone with this problem.

My solution for my wife's Timex was to lay the watch face down on a flat piece of wood placed on a flat immovable surface like a a work bench or even the floor. Next, I took another piece of flat wood slightly wider than the watch case and about four inches long. I carefully placed it down upon the case cover after centering and leveling it over the groove. Then I pressed down evenly with increasing force (gentle but firm) until I heard the back of the case snap into position. Prior to this I cleaned the groove with a brush dipped in alcohol. I also lubricated the seal with some Harvey's silicone plumber's grease. The silicone grease will help the seal maintain a waterproof junction . Wipe off any excess before reassembly. They sell it at most hardware or warehouse stores that sell plumbing products--though most clerks will not know they carry it. It is a must for "O" ring style plumbing facet washers or seals. They cannot be lubed with any petroleum grease product as they will start to dissolve. It can be used on other rubber-like seals as well. Jim.

I used a modification of the vise solution. I put a plastic bottle screw cap on either side of the watch (bottle side in) and tightened the vise. I heard a satisfying "pop" and I am on my way. Fred

I put the watch on a cutting board with a paper towel on the face. I slipped a furring strip about 3 feet long thru the band and pushed down evenly on both sides and the back snapped in. Thanks for the above ideas.

I struggled with my Timex (a yard sale buy) after putting in a new battery. After reading here how to place it face down on a block of wood (my cutting board) and placing the back level (not with one side already set in), I placed another block of wood on top and tapped it a light hammer tap. It popped into place first try. Thanks.

Thanks to everyone for the good advice. I have a Timex Indiglo (large face) watch, replaced the 2016 battery, and couldn't get the back cover back on. After trying all the ideas with no real success (and fear of trashing the "indiglo" feature, I settled on using a 3/4" PVC coupling, which fit the back just right to distribute the force fully and avoid putting too much pressure on the center. I used tape to align the back just right, placed the front onto a cork coaster, set the PVC coupling on the back, and used a flat wooden kitchen spatula to press evenly on the PVC/back. Didn't get the satisfying "pop", but did feel the back go in.

My girlfriend held one set of pliers and I held another on opposite sides of the watch, with a washcloth to buffer the watch, we counted :"one, two, three" and on three we both pressed at the same time and it worked.

Whew, thank you for the help R Barkley. It was surprising how difficult it was to get the back of the watch in place. I think a back that screwed on with a slot for a flat edge screwdriver would be much easier to deal with. I have a Timex generic model. It says indiglo on the face.

I tried pushing evenly on the back of the watch with my thumbs and that worked! I'm 6 feet and 3 inches tall and I have large hands, so I think that's why the thumbs method worked for me.

Happy spring, have an effervescent day!

P.S. Here's a splash of humor for you.

The Germans are exceedingly fond of Rhine wines; they are put up in tall, slender bottles, and are considered a pleasant beverage. One tells them from vinegar by the label.
-- Mark Twain, A ***** Abroad

Awesome you guys! Thanks for posting. I was having a terrible time with my wife's Timex Expedition. Then I tried my own modified vise treatment after reading your posts -- I used small pieces of wood and squeezed it with a large vice-grip pair of pliers. It didn't work when I first tried it, until I read above that you needed to be sure the watch back was level -- not half popped in on one side. Worked very well -- she'll be happy to not take it to a jeweler. Thanks.