Case Press

Specification

Technical parameters

Overview

A case press is a lever or screw press with interchangeable dies. The case sits on a lower die shaped to support it by the lugs or the case band, and an upper die pushes the back or crystal straight down. The point of the tool is that the force is axial and even — which is exactly what a thumb cannot deliver.

Die selection is the whole skill. The lower die must support the case on its strongest feature, usually the case band or the lugs, never the crystal. The upper die must be slightly smaller than the part being pressed and flat, so force goes to the part and not to the surrounding case.

It is also the correct tool for pressing crystals, bezels and some hand-fitting operations. Anything that is a friction fit in horology is designed to be installed by axial pressure, and a press is the tool that applies it repeatably.

What matters about it

• Applies even axial pressure instead of point pressure
• Interchangeable dies suit backs, crystals and bezels
• Polymer dies avoid marking finished surfaces
• Repeatable and much safer than hand pressure
• Works for crystals as well as case backs

Practical notes

• Choose the die that supports the case band, not one that touches the crystal.
• Press in short stages and check alignment between each one.
• Use a nylon die on anything polished or coated.
• If the back seats unevenly, stop — something is trapped in the seam.

Compatible with