Cannot re-attach back cover - WR30M

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.

I had this same problem. To reattach the back, align the arrow on the back with the center of the band (either top or bottom). The arrow points to a "lip" on the case where a small screwdriver or pocket knife may be used to pry off the back. Once in place, I pressed it firmly and then used a rubber mallet to strike the raised edge smartly and it went back together. I tried many times to use my fingers but could not apply enough pressure to connect. I tried calling Timex but they were closed for lunch 20 minutes passed the recorded time. Must be nice. Anjyway, a jewelery would use a cushioned clamp that may be tightened to snap the back in place. Perhaps a small wooden Jorgensen clamp would work too.... .

I had this problem, too. After an hour of trying, I taped the back of the watch on (so it wouldn't slip off), wrapped the watch in a tissue to prevent scratches, and then put the watch in a wooden vise clamp. I tightened the vise until I physically couldn't tighten it anymore, and then FINALLY it snapped into place! Good luck finding a vise!

Success, I finally got the back on the watch by using a 2" C-clamp and two pieces of wood to cushion the watch. Had to tighten really hard and was afraid the crystal would break but it did not. The back finally snapped into Place!!!!
OF COURSE THE WATCH NO LONGER WORKS, BUT THE *&^% BACK IS ON!

I had the same problem. Frustrated trying to put the cover back on after changing the battery on my timex indiglo fro Walmart that stopped working 105 days after the 90 day money back warranty. Tried pressing on for over 30 minutes with my thumbs, palm of hand etc. Wouldn't pop back on no matter how hard i pushed. Folded a papertowel into 4- 6 folds, reversed the strap over, put the papertowel between the glass and the strap, put it on the floor, put a large nut slightly smaller than the cover diameter, tapped on the nut with the flat head of a handless-axe. The cover snapped back on on the fourth hard tap. I did put some white vaseline jelly on the gasket and wiped it off with a papertowel.

I used a combination of the above solutions: socket from a socket wrench; cover with rubber mallet instead of sledge hammer, and hit with the palm of my hand.

I looked at the Timex web site and couldn't find any answer at all... Looking at the Problem listings above was reassuring that I wasn't the only one having a terrible time with it.

I am soooo happy I found the FixYa site for very creative solutions.... Thanks again!

I had the same exact problem. Spent almost an hour trying to reattach the back with no avail till I found this site. I used a combination of everything. I put a bit of vaseline along the gasket and placed the back in the same direction as before, i.e. the arrow pointing to 1 o'clock. I then sandwiched the watch with a towel/dish cloth and used two pairs of pliers. I'm right handed, so I held one pair with my left hand to hold it steady and in place, and the one in my right hand was to put pressure until it clicked. My trick was to put pressure not in the middle, in order to prevent the glass from breaking, but more to the edge. It kept popping back up so it was really a struggle. But after a while it worked. Note: You need a lot of perseverance!

All - thanks for sharing your frustration with Timex watches. Just discovered that using a 'robo-grip' hand vise tool - or anything that puts pressure in the center of the watch's back - will destroy the watch's mechanics. Scrap one watch. Used a wooden vise (w/a thick pamplet) on the second Timex watch I was trying to get the back on, and that worked though not perfectly.

We put s tiny amt of silicone grease on the tiny o ring and case edge(water proofing and friction reducing). We used a 11/16 socket which was the outside diameter of the case back. I lined up the case back so it was evenly flat to the watch. Face down on a rubber mat(mouse pad. One mild tap with as plastic faced lead shot filled mallet. done!!

I had the exact same problem. Finally after all day messing with it I took out the plastic rim from the inside, aligned in the back piece and then put it back together with the arrow pointing at the top center like stated above. Then I took a cloth put in on the face of the watch folded over and used one pair of pliers to push down on one side and then held in place while I used another pair of pliers to push on the other side and it finally snapped in. FYI - Walmart will put the battery in for you if you buy the battery there since they sell Timex watches. Wish I had done that instead but I didn't want to make the trip over there. Next time I will!

I had the same problem, frustrating! I used the solution posted on Oct 11, 2008 by JakeOfAllwith a 7/8" deep socket and full-sized hammer. It did not require much of a hit.

Well I use to work in a store that sold batteries and timex watches, and to be honest with you the way I use to fix this problem was with a big pair of vice grips. I'd put the watch in them and slowly turn the vice grips until I heard the watch pop back into place. I did this a ton and never broke any watches :)

I had the same problem as everybody else here, Once I replaced my battery watch I could not put the back of the watch back on, I placed a kitchen towel folded it like four fold on a flat surface found a wrench socket a little smaller than the back of the watch gave it a couple hits on the back of the watch and it was back on, I also put some oil on the groove of the the watch back, i guess that helped too, Hope this helps you too

The towel on the table, crystal side down, nut and hammer tap worked for me!

Turned a metal shot glass upside down on the counter, carefully aligned the back ont the watch and placed the watch face up on the bottom of the shot glass and pressed down firmly on the face with the palm of my hand and it snapped in. Worked for my Timex Expedition

Throw it in the trash it's a timex that's where it will end up anyways. After 2 hours I used a clamp to try to put it on..bent it so I smashed the watch with the clamp.

Yea, my whole family tried for about an hour to snap the back on so looked up this sight and folded some paper towels to put under crystal then socket, tried three medium hammer blows then knocked the hell out of it back went on but no second hand when I turned it over, threw the *^&##@ thing in the trash, NO MORE TIMEXS for me

In addition to the C-Clamp we used a metal ruler to spread the force evenly on the back of the watch and an envelope to protect the front crystal. Tighten the clamp and hear the slightest "click" and it's on!

BOBAR is exactly right. I used a socket the same size of the out side edges with layers of cotton protecting the front and one good shot with a hammer did it. Thanks Bobar

Had to replace the battery in my watch, too. Couldn't get the back on like the rest of you. I gave my watch to our maintenance manager at work. After trying feverishly for about 15 minutes, he laid the face of the watch on a heavy duty welding glove. He then took a 3# sledge hammer - - - not what you think!!!!! He put the HANDLE on the back of the watch and hit the head of the sledge with the base of his palm. He had to do this 3 times, but the back of the watch popped in place and I hope this battery lasts 5 years like the original one did.

Hey my name is Matt and I work at a small hardware store in Columbus, Ohio I had a customer bring me a Timex wristwatch and I had the same problem getting the cover back on. After playing around with it I was able to tap the cover back on using a very small lightweight ball pein hammer. On the cover there was a small arrow pointing to an impression on the side, I simply placed it in the exact position it was in originally and then gave it a firm tap with my hammer and it snapped into place.

Buy a new one. I hate Indiglo watches. They've always been a pain in the A$$.