Rubber gaskets for timex watches

That's a "REALLY TRICKY BIZ MAN !!", opening the watches is nerve racking to say the least. Just out of curiosity, was your watch a "waterproof watch" by chance? They have these intricate rubber gaskets, so small I can't think of anything to compare them to & when you go to change the battery, even when a pro does it at the store, it does not always work!(I got a free new watch when my $6 replacement battery messed up the timer, and couldn't be fixed properly !! Felt sorry for the clerk, & HAPPY for me !).

I don't men to insult you in any way, but are you 100% sure you have "ALL" the pieces, and they arer all in the right place? Of course the other obvious thing is to just go to Walmart, or some lower end jeweler, and ask for some advice, help, or even "Ya got any great deals on a watch man? "
Good Luck To You !
Geoff

The case sleeve gasket on the Timex WR50M watches should measure 16.5mm in diameter.

Yes. In your watch, as with most wristwatches that have a snap-fit case back, there's a thin neoprene gasket that sits either in a groove cast into the watch case or around the part of the case back that snaps into the watch case. Either way, the gasket is designed to further reduce the amount of moisture that can wick in between the tiny gap between the case back and the watch body.

As a matter of procedure, for maximum water resistance, this gasket is supposed to be changed every time the watch is opened (for example, when the battery is replaced). As a practical matter, however, I have often reused a gasket if it has not been distorted from pressure or mis-installation (lots of these gaskets end up crimped or pinched when they slip out of position as the case back is pressed into place). Does it provide reduced water resistance? Possibly, though moisture more often enters a watch fastest through the opening for the stem used to set the time. Leaving the back gasket out entirely, however, definitely creates an easy path for sweat and moisture to enter a watch.

You need a watch case press/pliers to do the job right without damaging the watch. You can find them on ebay or, just take it to a watch shop and let them do it. Don't forget to replace the rubber gasket if there was one. If you reuse the existing one the watch will leak and be ruined if it gets wet.

There is a special caseback prying tool for that purpose. You can find them on ebay for a reasonable cost but you just might want to let a watch shop do it for you to avoid damaging the watch. Also, once you get it off, you have to get it back on which may require the use of a case back pliers designed to prevent damage to the crystal when seating the caseback, You will also want to replace the rubber gasket on the caseback to keep it water resistant. Even if it looks OK, the gasket should not be reused as once it has been compressed and removed it will not seal properly and allow dust and water to enter. Most shops, including Sears, will change the battery and gasket for about $8 while you wait.

The best way to do it to avoid damage to the crystal is to use a case back presser which you can find on ebay at reasonable cost. Be sure to replace the rubber gasket too - even if it looks OK - to ensure water resistance. Once compressed a gasket should not be reused.

Assuming it's not a screwdown caseback make sure the gasket, if present, is properly seated. To maintain water resistance it generally takes quite a bit of force to snap the caseback on. There are special watch tools (caseback pressers) designed for this purpose to keep from damaging the crystal. Any jeweler should be able to handle this and probably will do it as a courtesy. You can buy the tool on ebay if you think it's worth the investment.

If you don't have the proper tools I recommend that you not do this yourself. You could scratch the case or damage the movement if you don't know what you're doing. If it's a water resistant watch the gasket also needs to be replaced once it is opened. DO NOT reuse a gasket! For about $8 any watch or jewelry store can change the battery and renew the gasket for you.

hi
please follow the steps to change the battery

1. Step 1 Make sure the little arrow on the back is aimed to the right. Then, insert a small flat head screwdriver into the notch on the edge, and lever the back open. Place the back to one side.
   
2. Step 2 Unscrew the clip holding the battery (if your model has a clip), and remove the battery.
   
3. Step 3 Use plastic tweezers to put in a new battery. Do not directly touch the new battery. Screw the clip (if it has one) back on.
   
4. Step 4 Replace the gasket that seals the watch. Then lightly coat the gasket with a silicone-based grease.
   
5. Step 5 Align the back with the little arrow aimed to the right again, then carefully press the watch between two pieces of wood that are being held by a small vise, until the back seats itself.
   

thank you....

hi
i am not an expert in this particular case but i followed theses below steps . here are they.....

Unscrew the case back with a case back tool (aka Jaxa wrench) which engages
the notches in the case back. I'm assuming the watch has a screw back - if
it has notches it does. Pop out the old battery.

In some watches you have to
unscrew a clip but in most the battery pops right out. Examine movement for
evidence of battery leakage or other damage. Carefully clear away any crud
at the edge of the case - the tiniest metal shaving will short out the coil.
Install new battery of same type. Handle new battery with non-metal tweezers
or rubber gloves, never bare fingers. Inspect case back gasket or preferably
just replace it with new o-ring of same size. Gasket should be lubricated
with silicone grease. Reinstall case back using wrench. If you are
concerned with water resistance the watch needs to be tested in a pressure
test machine. I'm sure the pros have more tips but this should suffice for a
Timex where it would not be a big loss to damage or break the watch.

i hope you can successfully replace the battery
thank you