Back of watch won't snap back on

Some of these watches have a notch where the stem goes. If you don't have the back in place it will not snap back into place. Also some are a slight screw back and will snap off, but when putting them back you must kind of screw it back in place. Good luck.

I used a four inch "C" clamp and a large washer about diameter of back, to get my Timex back snapped back on. Place the watch face side down on a flat surface cushioning the crystal with soft rubbery material like shelf liner or anti skid material used under rugs (the kind used to also line tool chest drawers - black). Place the washer between the watch back plate and the "C" clamp screw plate. Align the back plate of the Timex as evenly on watch as possible while gradually tightening the "C" clamp. Keep turning down the "C" clamp ever so slowly until you hear the plate snap back on.

Yes, the battery for this watch can be replaced. Timex estimates that the battery should last 2-3 years, but that assumes an "average" use of the Indiglo backlight. If you never use the backlight or audible alarms, your batteries would have lasted longer; heavy use of both would have run the battery down more quickly.
If you want to replace the watch battery yourself, you'll need a very fine philips or flathead screwdriver, the new battery, and a bit of patience. It would also be helpful to have a pair of tweezers, but that's not absolutely necessary. If you carefully look on the back of your watch, Timex usually lists the battery type so that you can buy a replacement battery without first opening the watch. If you can't figure out what the numbers mean, take it to a jewelry counter at Target or Walmart, and they should be able to help you decipher it. I don't know which battery this specific watch takes, but many Timex watches use a #1620 or #2016 3v battery. Look for a number like that on your watch back.
To open up the back of the watch, open the strap so that you have good access to the back. If you have a steel band, you might need to slip out one of the adjustment pins to separate the band into halves. Yes, you might be able to take the back off without this step, but it makes it a lot easier.
Place the watch face down onto a soft surface. I like to use a dark towel, so that if I drop one one of the tiny screws you'll be dealing with in a minute, they won't bounce and you can easily find them again.
Use your screwdriver to loose the back of the watch, one screw at a time. I find it very helpful to loosen a screw, then use the tweezers to pick it up out of the hole. These guys are tough to grab with your fingers! Put the screw in a safe place, then carefully remove the back of the watch. A little black neoprene gasket may be stuck to the back or be floating around--don't lose that!
You should be able to see where the battery is kept. On most Timex watches, there's a metal shield covering the watch and completing the power circuit. Using your screwdriver, gently pry the tabs of this shield away from the watch movement, one tab at a time. Try very hard not to snap off any of the little plastic anchors. On a Casio watch I recently serviced, I had to remove the movement from the watch to get at these little tabs; I don't remember ever having to do that with a Timex.
Once the shield is loose or removed, the battery should slide right out. Replace the battery, and gently snap down the metal shield. Turn the watch over to check whether it's working again. If it's not, you may have to push a little "reset" pin on the watch movement to clear the registries. The back of the metal shield usually has instructions on where that little pin is located. If the watch is already working, you won't need to do this.
Closing up the watch is the reverse of what you did to get it open. Make sure the neoprene gasket is back in place--that's what's keeping sweat and water out of the watch--and carefully set the cover back in place. Tighten the screws in an "X" pattern--i.e., top left, then bottom right, then bottom left, then top right. I get all the screws loosely screwed in before tightening them down in earnest. This watch has a plastic case, so you want to tighten the screws snugly, but not over-tighten them so that they strip out the screw hole.

To be properly replaced, many friction backs cannot be snapped back in place without using a crystal press.

I recommend visiting your local Certified Master Horologist to clean the connections of the battery and install a premium Energizer silver oxide battery that will not leak. We emphasize these batteries because many other brands leak and ruin movements, costing 100.00+ in repair or replacement many times.

Many jewelry stores may also own a crystal press if it may be more convenient for you to visit them, but remember that they are not necessarily watch professionals, and if the caseback is improperly installed, your stem (which sets your watch) or your crystal may break.

For both the screw and snap backs, make sure the battery is exactly the same as was in the watch. Although they look the same, these batteries vary in thickness. With the battery installed, sight across the watch bottom to ensure the battery (or no other component) rises above the level of the watch case. Once all is level, replace the watch back (making sure the gasket is properly placed.

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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

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Most Skagen watches have a snap-in, snap-out back. You will need a case back opening tool ($3 to $14) or a slotted jeweler's screw driver or knife blade to pry it open. Do this over a counter or towel in case the battery pops out. Examine and make note of which side of the battery is up. Get the number off the battery, better yet take it with you to Wal-Mart, Radio Shack or anywere else they sell batteries. Buy a replacement, install it, and try to reinstall the back. Good luck!
Do not try placing your Skagen watch face down on a soft towel, on a hard surface, and then then try to mussle in the back, or tap it with a mall or hammer. You very likely will break the crystal.
Without a Case Closing Plier ($15 to $20) or a Case Closing Press ($15 to $50) you will not be able to get the back to snap back in. You could try a conventional vise and size some vinyl or plastic washer to to fit the bezel and protect the crystal/face of the watch, and some flat vinyl/plastic that covers the back of the watch. Align the front and back plastic pieces with the back, carefully insert it in your vice, and tighten until the back snaps in. This could be fatal if you mess up!
A simpler solution is to take your watch to a place that specializes in selling and servicing a variety of watches, hopefull Skagens, maybe a jewelry store, and have them replace the battery. They should have the closing tool and you can expect to pay $10 to $15 for the battery and installation.
If you like Skagens, you can go on-line and find the appropriate tools to do this. Or, pay the watch store. Many Skagens use up batteries at the rate of every 10 to 15 months. Also, you can look up Skagen on line and see if they will service your watch. They are located in Reno, Nevada

You need either a caseback knife or caseback wrench depending on whether it's a screwdown or snap-on back. If it's a snap-on, you'll also need a caseback presser to put it back on. Using the wrong tools can easily cause damage to your watch. If the watch is "water-resistant" be sure to replace the gasket as well or it will leak - you cannot reuse the gasket. You best bet to do this without having to buy tools, find the correct battery and gasket and risking scratching the watch is to let a watch shop or jeweler do it. Most places will charge about $8 to replace the battery and gasket. Sears sometimes charges only $4 so either way it's worth it. Even though I have the tools myself I usually bring my watches in and have it done since I'd have to go out and buy the battery & gasket anyway.

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.

izzi, I assume you have a snap back back that won't snap back in place. I had the same problem with a Timex EXpedition. The solution should be similar. See my post" http://www.fixya.com/support/t190459-watch_battery_replacement and also the site I reference there. http://www.online-batteries.co.uk/whichbattery.shtml Good luck, Richard