I have a Timex Expedition watch. I opened it up and put a new battery in it now I can't seem to get it closed again. Can you help?

Ginny, March 2007

James, you're a genius, worked like a charm: !

Hold the C-Clamp upright, with the non-moving side down. Lay the socket on the lower clamp surface. Lay protective material over the socket. (I used one of those rubber bottle grippers) Position watch face down over socket and material. Position back cover on watch. Screw down C-clamp until it makes contact. Make sure everything is still lined up before applying pressure. Gradually tighten C-clamp until the back clicks into place.

Tim, February 2022

Freezer didn't work. What did work was enlisting the help of my teenage son. We snapped it back on together by being able to press both sides and use it a bit more muscle.

Jock, November 2016

I have a curved back Armani i put the new battery in but couldn't snap the back on no matter how much pressure or positions it won't have it! Please help as gonna have to go to jeweller :)

tsky, November 2013

The freezer trick didn't work for me. I took Handyman's idea of using a socket, only I used a C-clamp to press them together. Get large C-clamp. Find a socket that fits the face of the watch and clears the glass.

Hold the C-Clamp upright, with the non-moving side down. Lay the socket on the lower clamp surface. Lay protective material over the socket. (I used one of those rubber bottle grippers) Position watch face down over socket and material. Position back cover on watch. Screw down C-clamp until it makes contact. Make sure everything is still lined up before applying pressure. Gradually tighten C-clamp until the back clicks into place.

James, December 2012

I tried the freezer tick and it didn't work for me. I have tried for over an hour now ... guess I am going to have to take it to the watch shop.

annie, October 2010

I had the same expierience a few months ago and all I had to do was put it in the freezer for 30 minutes and it snapped on like a charm.

Mr. Help, October 2010

putting the back cover in the freezer for 30 mins worked. It still took some force to get it to snap back on... but before the freezer attempt even a hammer did not work!

dru, July 2009

Lay the watch, back down & cover in position, on a firm flat surface, making sure the cover is in contact with the surface; if not, due to the shape of the watch or strap, pack between the cover & flat surface. Get hold of a suitably sized mechanic's socket, that clears the watch glass and bears on the surrounding watch body. Place a rag between the watch and socket to prevent scratching, put socket in position & press down hard. Mine went back on first time, good luck.

Handyman, May 2009

hey,
I had a problem with that too,just place the back cover in the deep freezer for a while,
then wipe off the moisture and then it will snap back on quickly
regards
aditya

aditya, December 2008

I had the same problem and finished up buying a special tool from a seller on Ebay, basically a clamping tool which squeezes it together with plastic washers that stop the glass breaking.

Tony, March 2007