Girard-Perregaux Case Back Opener & Watch Tools

Blomman Mr Blue shares his latest acquisition: a vintage Girard-Perregaux branded case back opener, sparking a discussion on the utility and risks associated with various watch tools. His post not only showcases a unique collector's item but also offers practical advice on safely opening screw-down case backs, emphasizing the value of brand-specific tools.

Friends,

I thought I should continue to share some of my Girard-Perregaux accessories…

Here is one of my later finds in the GP category: a case back opener.

A fun accessory to use as a photo props!

Some of the items I collect are basically only good for that…

But this case back opener will become very handy for what it is actually made for: a tool to open the case back of your watch.

There are a lot of “universal” case back openers and different tools to open the screw down case back on your watch.

Like this adjustable case opener:

Pros: will fit most screw down case backs.

Cons: hard to make it fit perfectly and since there is a “wiggle” the risk of scratching your watch is higher. If the case back is too tight it might be hard to get it open.

Or the ball:

Pros: the risk of scratching your watch is a minimum.

Cons: if the case back is really tight it may not work.

Make sure of cleaning the ball and the case back before using or you may scratch your watch anyway…

Personally I prefer to have the correct key opener.

The problem is to find the right one for your vintage watches.

This time I was lucky, two of my watches fits perfectly to the key!

And like it says on the key: Quartz.

Key opener,

Pros: minimum risk of scratching your watch. Even if the case back is very tight you have a better chance of succeeding open the case.

Cons: to find the right key for your watch!

How does it work? Exactly like a key!

The case back opener holds a key that fits perfectly to the watch it is made for.

So, let’s try it…

Test subject: Girard Perregaux Quartz, reference 9666.

As you can see the case back notches and the claws on the key are a perfect match.

Make sure to fit the claws correctly into the notches (otherwise you risk scratching your watch).

Turn the key until the case back comes off.

Done!

Thanks to the case back opener I am now able to share the “beauty” of the gold plated in-house GP caliber 353!

Notice the plastic gear in the middle? This was state of the art back in the 1970s!

Girard-Perregaux revolutionized the Quartz industry setting the oscillation frequency standard at 32.768 Hz, that still today is the quality benchmark of quartz movements!

Next time it is time for a battery change this one will come very handy! 

But be careful out there…

Even with the correct case back key there is a risk of scratching your watch!

Best

Blomman