WS 25 Battery change on MechaQuartz IWC Caliber 631 R397 (SR726SW) - The End!

We are done, the watch is closed and running as expected. Looking back, I would like to summarize the steps that I used to forget or the steps that I sometimes shortcut.

• Prepare the workbench, especially if you plan to take pictures, arrange for a Neon desk lamp with easy to adjust angle. You will need the full light to work and you will need to diffuse or turn the light away (I do this normally that is why the white balance is not always perfect, but it is faster).
• Use a tripod that you can shift to and from your work bench. Avoid cables around the work area, moving the tripod with the watchmaker loupe on can be risky
• Take your time to open the watch. Study the opening gap (normally in the case back, sometimes also in the watch case). Take your time to chose the right case opener. If you are not sure, go to the watch parts shop or visit your watchmaker and ask him what to buy best. The right tool is essential. Delay the work if you think you do not have the right tool. A day more for the project to be finished is nothing compared to a badly scratched watch.
• Make sure to check for battery acid residues after removing the old battery. Clean and pickup acid residues (white or green crystals) with RODICO.
• Replace the new battery and make sure you do not short the battery using metal tweezers. That is why there are tweezers with insulated tips
• Replace the battery holder and screws (Casio's have often snap on battery holders that do not require work with screws, but you will need a 0.5 mm screwdriver to open those latches nicely).
• Check the O-ring of the watch case. Also check the chronograph pushers' O-rings. Pushers can be disassembled and the O-rings replaced just like you replace the big O-ring of the watch case. Grease new O-rings with watch silicone grease. Check all areas of the watch case for residues
• Clean the edges of the watch case and the case back with a Q-tip, toothpick, sharpened peg wood or RODICO.
• CHECK WHETHER THE WATCH IS RUNNING BEFORE popping the back on.
• If you can not press the snap-on case back on with your fingers, then consult a watch parts shop for a tool or your local watchmaker for help. Do not try to press too hard and end up with a scattered crystal.

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Finally, the guy messing with those tools in front of my villa is gone and I can have some rest too! (picture credit to IWC owner Kritaya, shot with 6.5MB Pentax, no tripod)