A watch question for Todd (82-T/A [At Work]) (Page 1/2)
Patrick JUN 15, 06:03 PM

(Yes, I could've PM'd Todd, but why not share the knowledge!)

Todd, I've got a watch here that my dearly departed husky found in an open grass field about ten years ago. I'd like to fire it up and use it.

It's a black Vestal DOLBY (DBY003-01), all stainless steel (not the plastic version). Rather large, and weighs quite a bit.

CLICK FOR FULL SIZE


Two questions.

How is the back cover popped off to access the battery?

What can be used (besides the "proper" tool) to push out the pins in order to re-size the bracelet? It has the type of pins that push out in one direction only (indicated by an arrow on the back side of the links), and look like they have a "slot" on one end.

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Any advice would be appreciated!

Oh, just for fun... here's a blurb I found online for this watch.


quote

Product description
A big, thick, man-wrist calls for a watch like the Vestal Dolby Metal Watch. This retro-style watch sports more 70s style than a pron mustache or a slick polyester disco shirt, and is tougher than a muscle car thanks to its all-stainless-steel construction. An extra-large digital display allows you to confidently answer when asked the time by cute young things with flipped-back hair and short track shorts.




And by the way, I welcome advice from anyone. I addressed this to Todd simply because I'm aware that watches are a hobby of his.
IMSA GT JUN 15, 06:35 PM
For the pins, I simply use a finishing nail. Tap the tip of the nail on one side and the "crimped" end of the pin pops out just enough to remove it with needle nose pliers.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 06-15-2023).]

Patrick JUN 15, 07:18 PM

quote
Originally posted by IMSA GT:

For the pins, I simply use a finishing nail.



Hmmm... I tried pushing a straightened paperclip into several of the pins, but none would budge. Perhaps I could get better leverage if I was to hammer a very small finishing nail all the way through a piece of 1/4" plywood, so that it's poking out the other side. Then flip the plywood over so that the finishing nail is sticking straight up... and then while holding the bracelet, push one of the pins against the now vertical finishing nail, which is prevented from moving by whatever hard surface the plywood has been placed onto. Worth a shot! I'll report back after I've tried it.
IMSA GT JUN 15, 09:00 PM
You''l need to use a small hammer. They are pressed in fairly hard so trying to remove them with a paperclip or small handheld tool won't work.
Patrick JUN 15, 11:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by IMSA GT:

They are pressed in fairly hard...



Yeah, I discovered that when I was trying with the paperclip. So... when I was looking for a small finishing nail, I came across a stray thumbnail. (There's an awful lot of "stray" stuff at my place!) I pushed the thumbnail through half of a wooden clothes peg. That was now my tool. I then put the watch and bracelet on its side on a short piece of 2x4 that already had a bunch of small holes drilled in it. I located one of the pins in the bracelet over a hole, and then used a small hammer and my thumbnail tool to punch the pin out. I couldn't push it out very far, as the stem of the thumbnail was larger than the hole that the pin was in... but I was able to push it out just far enough to be able to grab it with needle-nose pliers. So thanks for the advice!

I now need to get the back off so as to change the battery. There's a spot to pry the back off, but I've yet to discover something appropriate here (so far) that I can use. I need one of these (pictured below), but I'm not going to buy a special tool for one or two uses. I'm a Fiero owner!

CLICK FOR FULL SIZE

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06-15-2023).]

maryjane JUN 16, 02:54 PM
Why is it that every 'how to..' thing on PFF OT invariably involves a hammer?
williegoat JUN 16, 04:19 PM

quote
Originally posted by maryjane:

Why is it that every 'how to..' thing on PFF OT invariably involves a hammer?


I don't know, but there's probably a website in the South Pacific that sells them.
Patrick JUN 16, 05:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by maryjane:

Why is it that every 'how to..' thing on PFF OT invariably involves a hammer?



Due to our many insecurities (associated with liking/owning/driving/fixing a Fiero), I believe PFF members wish to overcome this shame by imagining we're a god, like Thor... wielding a mighty hammer!



Patrick JUN 16, 07:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

I now need to get the back off so as to change the battery. There's a spot to pry the back off, but I've yet to discover something appropriate here (so far) that I can use.



Okay, got the back off. Used a small jewelers slotted screwdriver. Didn't bend the tip too much.

Ordered a couple of Energizer CR2016 batteries off eBay, coming from back east for a fraction of what they'd cost locally. With a battery expiry date of 2031, might as well have a spare. Could take a week to arrive, but I've had the watch sitting here for ten years. I can wait a few more days.
maryjane JUN 17, 01:14 AM
It's been a long time since I have worn an hourmeter on my wrist, but if I could find an older windup Timex (especially a late 60s very early 70s US mil issue Timex) I would probably wear one daily.

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 06-17-2023).]