Expert: Melvin Mills - 9/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: How is the battery removed and replaced in an Andre Bouchard Electric Watch. When I open the watch the case seems stuck preventing me to get to the back. This prevents me from getting to the battery. Is there some procedure I am not aware of preventing me from separating the watch eternals from the case?



ANSWER: John,

I am unclear as to the situation you are facing.  You say when you open the watch but then say that you cannot open the watch.  I don't know what you mean when you say you are prevented from getting to the back.

There are about 30 different systems for opening a watch case.  You would think the industry would standardize the practice but everyone wants to do it there own way, I guess.

The two most common are the screw off back and the pop off back.  The screw off back is just like a jar.  Screws on and off.  Lefty loosy, righty tighty.  You will likely need a device to get it off.

The pop off back should be easy.  There should not be anything preventing it from coming all the way off once you separate the back from the case.  Look all around the edges to see if anything is holding it.  Something may have caught.  

If this does not help, please send a follow up telling me step by step what you are doing and where the difficulty comes in.  

If possible, send a picture.

Kind regards,

Melvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I bought the watch on eBay knowing that this watch has been in a drawer for thirty years with the battery still in place. I open the case but the back of the case does not separate from the watch components. It is stuck on the back cover. I do not want to force the separation creating a potential problem. I have look to see if there is anything preventing it from separating and have found nothing. Would using WD 40 do damage if battery residue is casing this problem or is there something I am missing?  

Thanks again  

Answer
John,

Is there any chance you can send me a close up photo?

I don't know everything that is in WD 40 so I would say no, don't use that.

you might wind up ruining the movement.

I am sure this will be an easy fix once we diagnose the problem.

Try to send me a photo.

Kind regards,

Melvin