How to Open a Citizen Watch With Six Notches

Case-back openers are used to remove the backs of watch cases.

Many watch cases have six or eight notches on the back. Citizen watches are no different.The purpose of the notches is to allow gripping points for a case-back opening tool, which latches into the grooves to prevent slippage. Proper case-back removal involves using the correct tool to prevent case damage and crossthreading the case-back threads.

Things You'll Need

• Case-back opening wrench

Instructions

1. Flip the Citizen watch over, revealing the notches on the case back.

2. Center the tool over the case back. Rotate the thumbwheel with your thumb until the three pins are locked into three of the six notches on the case back.

3. Grip the watch with one hand while rotating the case back wrench counterclockwise with the other.

Tips & Warnings

• When removing the case back, be careful not to shear the rubber gasket inside.

References

• Esslinger: How to Open a Screw Down Case Back