Waltham Watch -- opening?

[BMW]

More than likely, the case is what is referred go as a "swing-out" style. If there is no seam evident at the back of the case, where it would thread off, then it's probably a swingout. You will need to unscrew the front (bezel) of the watch, exposing the dial and hands. Then pull up on the winding crown, you'll feel a click when it disengages. There will be a small fingernail shaped indentation at the 6 o'clock location, at the metal ring that surrounds the watch movement. Use your thumbnail to pry it up. The metal ring will come up with the watch movement. It will swing out on a hinge that's at the 12:00 location. If it seems a bit stubborn, pull on the crown and give it a little alternating twisting motion as you pull out on the bottom with your thumbnail. If it is indeed a swingout case, you should be able to see the top plate of the movement, where your serial number, etc. will be.
Be careful with the hands and the dial once you've removed the bezel, as they are a bit delicate. Good luck.

[Jerry Matthews]

Peter - There is another possibility that BMW didn't mention, which is that the back might also unscrew. In which case, the movement (works) will be in view, and with the serial number on the movement (NOT on the case) someone on here can tell you within a year or two when the movement was made.

When you said [QUOTEcan opener[/QUOTE] I am sure you didn't mean it literally. If the case doesn't budge with a bit of gentle prodding or twisting, take it to a good jeweller. Please don't go at it with a sharp object. The best tool for opening a watch case is your thumbnail.

In the photo, it looks like the bow (ring at the top) and one or more hands are missing. A good watchmaker should be able to put that right.

Good luck with your watch.

Jerry

[terry hall]

Try this link... a paper by kent singer....

http://www.knology.net/~ksinger/opencase.txt