How To Open Seiko Pilot Watch

Wondering how to open a Seiko Pilot watch? Seiko most often uses a screwed down case back on its Pilot's watches but there are some models, which may have a press fit case back. Both methods of opening a Seiko Pilot's watch will be discussed here in this article.

Items needed to open a Seiko Pilot watch:

• Adjustable case wrench
• Case holder
• Case knife
• Soft cloth

 The process of opening a Seiko Pilot watch will go as follows.

1. Determine if there is room to work.  In some cases there will not be sufficient room to either use a case knife or adjustable case wrench. Inspect the watch closely to determine if there is sufficient room to get access to the case back
2. Lay watch in case holder.  Lay the watch in a case holder if one is available, if not, lay the watch on a soft cloth to protect the crystal.
3. Remove bracelet if needed.  If there is insufficient room to work on the case back use the factory instructions and proper tools to remove the bracelet or band.
4. Determine tools needed.  Inspect the case back to determine tools needed to remove the case back. If there is a series of small slots on the case back you will need a case back wrench. If there is one slot laying along the edge of the case back and case it is a press fit case and will require the use of a case knife. If the case is press fit move to step six. If the case back is screwed down move to step five.
5. Use case back wrench and remove case back. Fit the appropriate lugs on the case tool into the slots in the case back. It will take some adjusting to get it in place correctly. Patience here will insure a proper fit, which is important. Tighten it down until it does not slip free. Take care not to slip and scratch the case back or watch. This is where proper fit of the replaceable lugs comes in. Make sure that you pick the lugs which fit into the slots. Unscrew the case back in a counter clockwise motion until it comes off. Go slow and be careful, you do not want to wreck the gasket and have to replace it . Move on to step 7.
6. Use case knife and remove case back.  Slip the edge of the case knife into the slot or gap along the edge of the case back. Make sure that the blade of the knife is away from your hand in case you slip. Gently twist the blade sideways. Apply pressure and twist the blade to pop open the case. Similar to opening an oyster. Once the case starts to open, work your way carefully around the case until the case back pops off. Take care during this procedure not to slip and cut yourself or scratch your Seiko.
7. Inspect case back gasket.  Carefully inspect the gasket of your Seiko Pilot watch if it has one. If it is damaged it will need to be replaced to retain maximum water resistance.

That is how you open up a Seiko Pilot watch. It is not an overly hard process, but must be undertaken with care. Proper use of the correct tools coupled with a bit of patience and careful work will create your best results, good luck.