I read many of the mixed reviews for this item and looked over the photo carefully in trying to figure out if this case opener would work with two of my watches with notched case backs (one is a Seiko and the other a cheaper REI, both with 2mm square notches). Even though the product description/features is very sparse, I decided to purchase it, thinking with 4 different bit sets, surely one would fit my watches. Ha — not so!

Since it’s not mentioned in the description or anywhere else, let me tell you about the 4 “different” bit sets. I measured these with calipers I believe are reasonably accurate:
– one set of round bits 1.6mm in diameter in the box, plus a second set of the same already in the tool
– one set of round bits 2.4mm in diameter
– two sets of bits, that at first glance, both appear to be 5.6mm wide square bits; however, one is slightly concave and the other slightly convex. I guess this is where they get away with saying there are 4 different bits/clamps. I’m not sure what manufacturing tolerances for these are; hopefully they wouldn’t be too different from set to set (like 1.3mm instead of 1.6mm). All I can say is that this was what was in my set, but it’s still more informative than any product description so far.

I put the jaws at their maximum and minimum, and by marking on paper & pen, then using some geometry and a ruler, figured that the widest watch case you could probably use this on is a 40mm diameter case back, and the smallest would have to be at least 20mm. This is consistent with a few other reviews that mention case back diameter. Like another reviewer mentioned, to get enough tension, the bits or pegs end up kind of angled. Because of this, I’d think trying to open a 40mm or 20mm case would be difficult or perhaps impossible, so be warned if you have a case that’s near the limits of this tool.

I still gave the tool a try on my REI watch with the smallest set of round pegs, since they were the only ones close to fitting, but between the “play” in the tool itself and the wrong shape & size of bits, it would slip off before I could get enough force to twist off the case back. I gave up rather quickly, rather than scratch up the back of my watch, which I now expect to have to take to someone anyway, along with the other watch, to replace the batteries.

I did not have any issues with the condition of the tool, the bits, or the box, everything was neatly packed and arrived intact, and it did ship fast. No, there are no instructions. Although unfinished, the box my tool came in is pretty decent looking, and one could finish it to look nicer, like one reviewer did with their box. If the tool had just come with with the right-sized square bits, I probably could have used it, so I’m generously giving it two stars.

Since I only paid $4.99 for this and got it shipped free with some other stuff, I’m not bothering with trying to go the return/refund route. Maybe I’ll save it for a white elephant gift for next year’s holiday parties, or give it to someone who has watches that will work with the bits provided.

I hope some of the info in my review can help the next buyer determine if this tool has the right bits and and the correct watch size capability before they buy it. I wish I had had that information before I did.

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