hi i have a rotary dolphin standard, it needed a new battery so i managed to remove the back plate which just flipped off after inserting a fine screwdriver into a little slot opposite the winder, but my problem is that i cannot cli the back plate back on it is very tight and i have tried a few things but i am coming close to damaging it now so if you know of any knacks to doing it please let me know,,,,,thank you for at least reading....peter

peter, May 2009

Amazing! I had tried for three days using a proper press with nylon dies (an Anchor glass fitting machine) and failed. I put the back in the freezer (in a tissue in a polythene pouch) for about 25 minutes. To improve my chances olf success, I used a shaped glass fitting die for both front and back of the watch so that pressure was applied around the perimeter of the back. The back clicked into place at the first attempt with hardly any pressure. Previously, I had applied a scary amount of pressure and failed. So, the freezer trick worked for me. Many thanks (I am not a professional but I always change my own batteries).

Don
September 2021

Don, September 2021

same problem. i jumped on it and it still didn't go back on! I binned the watch and will never buy a rotary again. expensive junk!

bob, August 2021

Wrap the backplate in paper towel and place in the freezer for about 5 minutes. Leave the watch face down on a piece of doubled paper towel ( room temperature) meanwhile find a flat kitchen utensil.( I used the flat blade of a cleaver ) place cooled backplate on watch. Place utensil through the strap (if still attached) and press firmly until it clicks into place. Worked for me.

Ben, June 2021

I had this problem with my watch and in the end, after trying everything else and as suggested below, I put it in the vice with plenty of padding on the face. I kept on tightening and it took a remarkable amount of pressure before I heard the click. Of course, when I took it out, it was the face which had shattered and the back was still sitting there smiling at me. The problem (I think) is that the back is domed so, if it doesn’t pop in with hand pressure then the harder you press (in the middle) the more the edges expand and it will never go in. My two suggestions if you hit problems would be 1) if you are going to use a vice, place a large washer or ring over the back so that pressure is only applied to the edges, or 2) (much preferred) hand it over to a professional.

Peter L, December 2020

Put it on some wood put another on the back and hit it with a hammer. Popped in but what a stupid design!!!Had to take the strap off and now the little spring loaded lug has broken arghhh Rotary bag of rubbish will not be buying one of these heaps again….

Lee, April 2020

This is a common mistake, the backplate has bent thus increasing the circumference ,turn the plate over put it on a flat surface hit it with a flat hammer in the center ,this will bring the plate back to the correct size and should fit back on the watch with ease.

thatsandy, June 2016

Just place something soft on the watch face , and I place a brass nut on the back, and just put in a vice a turn slowly it will just pop in.

Mike C, May 2016

Thanks everyone - I couldn't get the back plate back on my rotary after changing the battery. Came here read this. Put the watch face down on a piece of thick card on top of hard surface (table top). Put plastic rule on top to distribute the weight evenly and then leaned with palm of the hand on top.

It took nearly my whole body weight before it clicked in. But it did and no damage. Thanks people

Mel, February 2016

I tried all these suggestions and could not get the cover to reseal until I taped the cover to the back of the watch (making sure that the slot engages with the winder stem). Then I placed a folded kitchen towel on the floor and set the watch face down on the towel to cushion the crystal cover. I applied a Stainless Steel 2 oz. Condiment Cup with flat bottom surface on top of the back of the taped watch and applied pressure from my foot on the condiment cup that was covering the watch back. Snapped in like a charm. I was working with a rotary watch and a different watch brand. Both covers sealed easily on first attempt using this method.

Charlene, October 2015

Never, never try to replace the back on a watch with the face up.

Put the watch with the glass face down on a very recently-cleaned flat kitchen worktop. Replace the back of the watch making sure that the slot engages with the winder stem. Then using, say the wooden handle of your largest kitchen knife or in the case of a thick piece of metal which won't bend, a thin cloth between it and the watch back and using even pressure until you hear the back snap into place. You may have to use a jerking movement. It does require a lot of pressure.

It may work better if you insert the edge of the back into the winder side of the watch first Or the other side first. Good luck!

Gordon Lissner, April 2015

Face down on table with handkerchief underneath to protect glass and press down steadily with palm using body weight worked after 30 seconds!!! Hurrah!!!

Rob, August 2014

Had same problem. Popped the back into the freezer for 15 mins, went back on no problem. Next time I will wrap it in kitchen paper, as had some condensation on inside glass.

Brian, June 2014

The guy in the shop replaced the battery but then couldn't put the back on again. I've tried all the above and nothing works. I'm left with a bruised hand and a piece of crap. Rotary should hang their heads in shame.
bernard

Bernard, May 2014

Go to a watch shop because I've tried and tried now and its taking the living piss so I'm going to just sell the bag of shit

Josh, April 2014

Whatever you do, DO NOT use a G-clamp. I just tried it and shattered the glass face. My watch is ruined :( These backs are nearly impossible to get on without damaging the watch in some way..you risk scratching it or worse..just take it to a jewellers and let a professional do it..its worth paying the small fee!

Paul, March 2013

use a G clamp & a kitchen towel to protect the face of the watch wind it up slowly till you hear a click then the back will go on.

Heather Kenny, March 2012

I struggled to get the back off mine, so I thought that I would ask a jeweller/watch repair as they would have the right tools. They were very obliging but couldn't remove it either. I persevered after trying a number of different screwdrivers. I then used the rubber handle of the effective screwdriver to push the backplate into place! I was delighted, as this was the second Rotary that had died on me in one week! I now have two fully functional watches again.

Mary, August 2010

yes i had the same problem, lay it face down on the table, i put a tshirt so i wouldnt crack the screen, press on the back with your palm and it will work!!

filipe, June 2010

I had the same problem with my watch. Most people say use thumbs but this doesnt work because it's unevenly balanced that way (and it kills your thumbs) What I did was place the watch face down on the dining room table and then used the palm of my hand to press down on it using body weight above it. Keep doing this and eventually it will snap in but you have to try and keep it evenly balanced as you do it. Good luck !

tony, May 2009