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30 July 2007, 07:51 AM | #1 |
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Question re Rolex case backs
Did Rolex ever make an oyster model with a see-through case back?
I heard of one today but I am assuming it is a fake. I read a previous thread about custom made backs but the one I am inquiring about has engraving on it. Thanks. Last edited by mrchronoman; 30 July 2007 at 08:10 AM.. Reason: to show I am aware of previous posts |
30 July 2007, 08:04 AM | #2 |
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I have never heard of an Oyster case with a display back.
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30 July 2007, 08:12 AM | #3 |
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A fellow member of this forum, Al, has a Rolex with a see through caseback I believe. He had it put on the watch- not original to the watch. I believe he had it pressure tested and just did it because he just liked the look. He had a picture somewhere on this forum but I couldn't find it.
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30 July 2007, 08:18 AM | #4 |
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To my knowledge Rolex never made a production reference with an exhibition caseback.
These casebacks are available on an aftermarket basis, so don't assume that because the Rolex you're looking into has one that it's not authentic, but it's never a good sign ESPECIALLY if the seller is claiming that the exhibition caseback is Rolex OEM.
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30 July 2007, 08:19 AM | #5 |
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Here is a view through the clear case back of a RQLEX Oyster Case Submariner.
Looks pretty good doesn't it ? I don't know who made it, but it sure was not Rolex.. |
30 July 2007, 08:27 AM | #6 |
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Thanks for replies folks.
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30 July 2007, 09:44 AM | #7 |
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A german company makes the clear glass caseback, it has been posted on this forum in the past, for now go to this site for a photo ect.
http://www.oysterworld.de/1/index.htm look under the heading glasscaseback. |
30 July 2007, 11:28 AM | #8 |
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I passed some pictures and your replies to my son. I'll let you know if its the real thing. I told him to put it next to a real one and he will soon know what he has. It is quite old and was given to him!
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30 July 2007, 11:40 AM | #9 |
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I read a Rolex FAQ before and it said that for a very long time,
there were only two known see-through casebacks made by Rolex and one of them is owned by Mr. James Dowling himself. This info may not be accurate though since I'm only trying to recall it from memory. The see through casebacks made by Rolex are in the Cellini line and not the Oyster line. They are on the Cellini "Prince" model.
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30 July 2007, 11:42 AM | #10 |
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It's funny you ask this as only today I was walking past my local AD before it was open, in place of the watches were brocures and one was the rolex prince , here is a link to the page on the website, i think this is the only official see-through caseback for Rolex!
http://www.rolex.com/en/collection/r...y/prince/index PS, why is it we never here of these models on the forum, they look pretty smart IMHO Does anyone on the forum own one? |
30 July 2007, 01:20 PM | #11 |
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No serial# on the case between the lugs so I guess that puts an end to the speculation. He will check with a watch repair shop to see what kind of movement it is. He says it is very smooth and the screw down crown is very solid. Perhaps an Italian fake with the ETA. We'll see.
Thanks for all the help. |
30 July 2007, 04:32 PM | #12 |
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HI!
People who fit transparent backs normally retain the original case back so there are no awkward questions if the watch is resold. Regards Tim |
30 July 2007, 05:33 PM | #13 | |
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Quote:
Daniels.A few proto types had display backs,but Rolex decided it was too costly to re-tool to install the escapement in there watches,these are as far as I know owned by Rolex.Same for when Patek was doing tests,with the Daniels escapement.They had a watch on test for 12 years before it stopped,because it was not serviced.And Patek went against the advice of Daniels about the oiling of escapement,and they fell out.But then Omega took on the escapement the rest now is history.And a few of the experimental watches made for Panerai in 1938 had the Rolex 16 ligne 15 Jewel Corrtebert ebauche by Rolex for Panerai they had a display back.
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30 July 2007, 07:52 PM | #14 |
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You CAN have a custom made see-through sapphire crystal fitted on the back of your Rolex.
BUT: It will NOT be original, and might void the guarantee. IMHO, it is also bad taste Anyway, as "Tombstone" writes: http://www.oysterworld.de/1/index.htm has pics of those crystals
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30 July 2007, 08:45 PM | #15 |
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