Can’t get the back plat of your watch or pocket watch back on?
If you are having a lot of trouble getting the back of your watch or pocket watch back on, this advice may be able to help you:
My guess is that: You took your watch apart, and it almost seems that the plate of the watch is bigger than the rim it needs to fit on.
Disclaimer: I am not a watch expert. I have had this problem with my watch several times, and this is what I came up with.
First, line up the plate. Go ahead and push the top part of the watch into place leaving the bottom part still off center from the rim.
Second, take a thinner cloth (or a folded over paper towel) and place it over the watch. You are going to use this cloth to protect the watch from scratching, as you are about to take a pair of pliers to the watch.
Third, The Pliers: Grab yourself either a pair of Combination Pliers or Flat Jaw Pliers. You are going to use the pliers to snap the plate into place.
STOP! Keep reading before you go about trying to do this!
Warning 1: The plate will try and go on unevenly.
Warning 2: If your watch frame is primarily made of aluminum or a weaker metal, it may bend. Don’t force it too hard! Go slow.
Warning 3: The crystal (plastic or glass) will be right next to the pliers. Do NOT apply the pliers to the crystal.
Warning 4: Don’t use Needle Nose pliers. Too much pressure in one small area will bend things.
Now that you know all of that: From the bottom of the watch, try and snap on the plate with the pliers.
