The back doesn't seem to want to snap back in

Try hooking the edge furthest from the winder at first, then work toward the winder.

If that isn't enough... warm the back cover with a hair dryer while you chill the rest of the watch. Serious as anything - the warmed cover will expand JUST SLIGHTLY while the cooled watch will contract JUST SLIGHTLY, maybe enough to snap that cover on. You can cool the watch in a freezer, but if you do... quickly snap the cover on while you hold the watch in the still-open freezer. If you take the watch from the freezer and leave it open at room temperature, it'll get moisture condensate inside. Leave it cold until the cover's on.

It also helps to wear cotton gloves if you use the heat-and-cool approach - then your hands won't appreciably cool the warmed cover or warm the chilled watch.

The watchmakers have a special watch press that squeezes the back into place - it's padded to prevent damage to the crystal, and applies a little extra force to the center of the back to buckle the rim outward just slightly during pressing. Like the opposite of a wheel cover for a car.

Thank you for contacting FixYa.

Place the tip of your pocket knife in the slot on the back of the watch. Pry the back off.

Take your tweezers and grasp the metal piece that is hiding the battery.

Once that metal piece is out the battery should come out too.

Put the new battery in and cover it with the metal piece.

Put the back of the watch back on and snap it into place.

Best wishes. Jewel

Look at the back and you may see a small groove in the bezel. This should be located over the winder before pressing the back into position.

In many cases the back is snapped down using a rolling technique (put the back in place and then push against a hard object like a kitchen worktop and as you push, roll the edge round until it snaps into place) but in some cases with particulaly stubborn cases you will need to use a specially designed back press (available on eBay quite cheap).

Watchmakers will usually use professional equipment to get the job done.

I have an old Timberland Indiglo watch in which I had the same problem. I folded up a paper towel for padding and I used two sets of pliers, one to hold one side of the watch while I used the other set of pliers to snap the back cover closed. It took two seconds to do.

mcdevito75 here, Replaceing that back cover can be a real pain. I think I have a tip for you. Place the cover only in the Frig. for about 15--30 minutes, the cold should shrink the cover just a bit so it may be easier to snap back onto the back of your watch.---------- OR, Make sure any cutout on the back of the watch is lined up with the stem, make sure any lip used to pry the back cover off the watch is also lined up with the case of the watch if need be. Place the back cover on the watch back, place the watch on a sturdy table, counter top etc. Crystal up, now with even,even pressure useing your palm, press down on the crystal, this should get the back cover to snap back on. Remeber even, even down ward pressure useing the flat palm of your hand on the crystal, press down slowly and the back cover should snap on. If not, visit a small watch repair shop in your area as they have a special pliers just for this job.

It is either a screw on case back or a "snap-on. I suspect that it is the latter since you don't mention that you used a tool to unscrew the case back. So getting the back on sometimes is very difficult. I have a special tool for that to apply even pressue and the necessary force and does not put pressure on the crystal. You have to be careful to not damage the crystal. If you don't get it done, then suggest you take it to a shop that has the right tool. If you have very strong thumbs you might get it done.

Sorry, but your hands (especialy fingers) aren't strong enough. Nothing personal- just confirming the fact. My hands can handle 50 ATM casebacks, but I would say this is more expierence than strength.
OK, back to business: align the winder groove first and make sure this side of caseback sits in properly in case. Then use your thumbs to push the opposite side of caseback in, supporting the watch by your palms and knees. Do not try to push the caseback in bit by bit going all around the caseback. This sort of action will never work.
So, align the groove, support your palms by the knee(s) and push the opposite (to the groove) side of the caseback in to the watch case by one, but strong attempt with your thumbs. It should snap in.
If this doesn't work, you will need to ask the watchmaker to close the watch.
NB: Watchmakers are using specialized press for closing watch cases wich do not require any strength at all.

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I had the same problem. The thing that was most frustrating is that I have a standard tool to remove and install screw in watch backs, but Timex in its infintie wisdom, decided to make this model withta snap-in back.

I tired usinga a set of adjustable locking pliers with rubber claw covers. I tried holding one side with finger and thumb while using the pliers on the other to no avail.

robatbath's answer about jewelers having a special press led me to a solution. I just happened to have (2) 1.25" steel washers with 1/4 inch holes. I placed one on the face and one on the back. This way I could use the locking pliers (with rubber covers on) to press in the center of each side. The back snapped in fine. You can get washers and pliers at any hardware store.

Yeah, I had this problem on a Timex Indiglo, but didn't have it on the cheap $20 watches in drug stores and discount stores. Timex puts a tighter cap on the back, probably for quality reasons, and you cannot push it together by your thumb. --This solution should work for about anyone: 1. Put the watch face down on a hard surface, but protect the crystal from scratching by putting a piece of cardboard or cloth between them. 2. Align the back and put a socket from a socket set on it that is somewhat smaller than the back cap. 3. Tap the socket with a hammer. You don't need to tap hard--even less than what would start a small nail. It may take only one tap--getting it aligned right is the key.

Take a small thin piece of cloth or paper towel, fold it and use to cover the watch face.  Put one quarter (coin) on top and one quarter (coin) on the bottom.  Place the sandwich in a pair of pliers, center thhe pliers and press, when you hear the snap, the back is on.  Do not use on a watch with a domed crystal, or at least use a lot more padding over the face.  Takes 10 seconds.