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BF_Hammer
717
Jun 13, 2018
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I don't know what tools or experience you have for opening things up and doing repair and maintenance. If you are the type who takes the car to somebody to change your oil, calls a plumber to replace a garbage disposal, or takes your lawn mower to a service center for it's annual tune-up, then I recommend you also let a local jeweler handle changing the battery.
I'm a person that repairs things for a living, and I DIY most home jobs. I also have a handle on what type of jobs are over my experience level. I do my own battery changes. But I have all the right tools to do it, and feel perfectly at ease removing a watch case back. So really it is a matter of what you believe you can do.
As for that Victorinox resetting to 8 after the battery change, that is what may happen again on a DIY battery change. The service center person did a rush job without fully checking function. But quartz chronos have a simple procedure for aligning that second hand (Google it, there are videos) so it is no big deal at all to fix it. No opening the back, all done with the chrono buttons.
Jun 13, 2018
G-Deuce
308
Jun 13, 2018
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BF_HammerHammer, thanks for your input. I like to tinker, I've built computers and feel comfortable with tools. I have to admit I take my car to someone to change the oil because I have reached the point in my life where my time is worth more than my money in some cases. (And because it is harder and harder to get at the filter on newer cars) I dunno why I am concerned, I guess I am worried I will misalign a gasket and total out my 1st anniversary present (we hit 19 this summer). I ordered a set of tools and will give it a go. Adding one more set of skills to the inventory.
Jun 13, 2018
BF_Hammer
717
Jun 13, 2018
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G-DeuceIf the watch getting the battery is 18 years old, perhaps look to buy an assortment of o-rings to replace the original on the case back. I bought one mixed-size bag several years ago and replace them at least every other battery change. It won't hurt to be ready.
For backs that unscrew, the better wrench to use is the type that has 3 points of contact rather than the 2-point spanners. Also many people recommend putting scotch tape or clear shipping tape over the back before wrenching just in case you slip with the tool. Other ways that can work: there is a rubber bouncing ball method (I usually try to do that first before going to a wrench if I possible), and there is a similar method involving balling-up duct tape sticky-side-out, and using that to grip the case back and twist open. The bigger the ball or wad of tape, the more torque you can apply to turning. Look at getting a small assortment of watchmaker screwdrivers also. Sometimes it is required to loosen a screw to get a battery contact out of the way, mostly not though. But the micro-screwdrivers also are invaluable for prying out a tiny battery that is securely clamped in.
Jun 13, 2018
G-Deuce
308
Jun 14, 2018
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BF_HammerThank you for your sound advice.
Jun 14, 2018
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