The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex Reference Library

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 17 October 2009, 02:16 AM   #1
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Daytona - Transparent Caseback Review/Install.. (part I)

The 4130 is a great looking movement.. It can be displayed with an aftermarket transparent Case-back.

Let's review one in this part.

this case back is from Mr. Thomas Preik, German Master Watchmaker.

Here is what it looks like:
IMG_0234.JPG

Here is the candidate for the transplant... a modern 116520 SS Daytona..

IMG_0232copy.JPG

The clear case back has a clear viewing area that is 1.100"/28mm in diameter. That is similar to the Dial which is 1.200"/30.48mm in diameter.

The Sapphire thickness is .038"/.96mm - this compares exactly to the thickness of the Daytona case back which is also .038"/.96mm at the center.
IMG_0241.JPG

The machine work is excellent, threads are clean, and the inside diameter is nicely finished too.


I've polished up the glass, and set it aside until I get the old back off and things cleaned up and ready:

IMG_0243copy.JPG


Maybe next time, we'll actually put it on......
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member

Last edited by Tools; 7 October 2019 at 01:51 PM..
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 October 2009, 02:22 AM   #2
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Daytona Transparent Caseback..Install (part II)

If you have been following, we have taken a look at a transparent case-back for the Daytona in part 1, and are installing that case-back in part II

This is the candidate watch and clear case-back:
IMG_0232copy.JPG

The first step is to take off the bracelet so we can work without any additional fuss or interference:

IMG_0244copy.JPG

Once we have our parts accessible and our tools on hand, we need to remove the old case-back. Here I have mounted it in a case-back removal tool and will install and use the 29.5mm case-back socket:
IMG_0245copy.JPG

With the case-back off, we can see any build-up of grit, dirt, and residue around where the original back was.. this will need to be cleaned up before installing the transparent back.. Here it is all cleaned up.
IMG_0246copy.JPG


After a bit of clean-up, and fitting a good O-ring that has been lightly coated with silicone grease, we finger tighten our new transparent case-back into place:

Not a bad look at all:
IMG_0256acopy.JPG

Let's shine a light on our movement:

IMG_0256bcopy.JPG

With the proper tools, the whole operation is less than 5 minutes... then it's down to the local watchmaker for a pressure check..

...........Everything is OK................
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member

Last edited by Tools; 7 October 2019 at 01:59 PM..
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 October 2009, 02:29 AM   #3
the KING
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Paris
Posts: 218
Awesome looking watch!!!
the KING is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 October 2009, 02:45 AM   #4
Tony-GB
"TRF" Member
 
Tony-GB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: Tony
Location: Oxfordshire, UK
Watch: 116680 & 116622
Posts: 3,953
Larry, stunning as usual.

That caseback really suits the Daytona.

Thanks for sharing

__________________
"...why oh why, didn't I take the blue pill...?"

http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/

www.cheetah.org
Tony-GB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 October 2009, 10:11 AM   #5
hsung
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Melbourne
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 288
Thanks Larry for the step by step workshop pics

Are the gold painted letters real or just normal paint?
hsung is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 October 2009, 09:48 PM   #6
Lol-x
Facilitator
 
Lol-x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Real Name: Steve
Location: Omnipresent
Posts: 33,457
Fantastic work Larry
I think this looks great, and Rolex has helped out with that red printing on the rotor. Maybe Rolex knew this movement was destined for a clear caseback

Does the clear caseback increase the thickness of the watch? If so did you have to do a bracelet adjustment?

__________________

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy

ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim
Lol-x is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 October 2009, 12:56 AM   #7
jmsrolls
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 3,185
Looking good, Larry!

How's the fit and feel on the wrist?

I finally gave up on the display back on my EXPII. I never got accustomed to the added size and extra weight on my round wrist. Now another forum member will give it a go.

On the other hand, I love the way Thomas's back wears on my Omega 2254.50 SMP. I plan to add one to my 2255.80 as soon as funds in the watch account permit.

Fr. John†
jmsrolls is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 October 2009, 02:12 AM   #8
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lol-x View Post
Fantastic work Larry
I think this looks great, and Rolex has helped out with that red printing on the rotor. Maybe Rolex knew this movement was destined for a clear caseback

Does the clear caseback increase the thickness of the watch? If so did you have to do a bracelet adjustment?


Quote:
Originally Posted by jmsrolls View Post
Looking good, Larry!

How's the fit and feel on the wrist?

I finally gave up on the display back on my EXPII. I never got accustomed to the added size and extra weight on my round wrist. Now another forum member will give it a go.

On the other hand, I love the way Thomas's back wears on my Omega 2254.50 SMP. I plan to add one to my 2255.80 as soon as funds in the watch account permit.

Fr. John†
All of the casebacks seem to add about a half mm to the thickness. It is extremely slight.. Where you notice it is that the thickness of the clear case-back extends more broadly across the back... In other words, it doesn't taper as much near the edges, and as Fr. John mentions, he finds that extra width uncomfortable.. Personally, I do not and do use a clear caseback on one of my Exp II's..

Neither watch needed a bracelet adjustment for the same fit........
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 October 2009, 10:46 AM   #9
Bon Temps
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Real Name: Brian
Location: LA
Watch: SD43
Posts: 360
That is one gorgeous watch. I think the movement is beautiful. Very nice work Larry.
Bon Temps is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 October 2009, 10:49 AM   #10
Pep04
"TRF" Member
 
Pep04's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Real Name: Pep
Location: Miami
Watch: GMTIIc, Pam320
Posts: 2,773
Can you do that clear back to any rolex?
Pep04 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2009, 06:43 AM   #11
meshari
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: Meshari
Location: USA
Watch: Rolex 1016
Posts: 31
That is Amazing Thanks For Sharing
meshari is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 November 2009, 06:15 PM   #12
Nicko16
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: The World
Posts: 55
Looks good! Love seeing that Bleu hairspring lol!
Nicko16 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 November 2009, 08:32 PM   #13
Alsey
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bangkok
Watch: GMT II C
Posts: 217
I've often thought it would be great to see that beautiful movement inside..
Great job and thankyou for sharing this..

Any chance we can see the EXP II you mentioned?
Alsey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 November 2009, 03:25 AM   #14
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alsey View Post
I've often thought it would be great to see that beautiful movement inside..
Great job and thankyou for sharing this..

Any chance we can see the EXP II you mentioned?
The EXP II is showcased here in the Reference Library under the Amateur Watchmakers Corner..........
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 November 2009, 05:17 AM   #15
Alsey
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bangkok
Watch: GMT II C
Posts: 217
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
The EXP II is showcased here in the Reference Library under the Amateur Watchmakers Corner..........
Alsey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 November 2009, 11:15 AM   #16
TSW
"TRF" Member
 
TSW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: TSW
Location: Le Brassus
Watch: Rolex & AP's
Posts: 27,449
Looks awsome Larry!!! May i ask what the price is for the caseback??
__________________

AP Owners Club
IG @swiss.watch.connection
TSW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 December 2009, 09:12 AM   #17
HunterST
"TRF" Member
 
HunterST's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: Eli Weisman
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: 1675/3, 79090
Posts: 442
Wow - when I read the top of the post I really had my doubts about it, but it really does look great.
HunterST is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 December 2009, 09:23 AM   #18
p-hunter
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Thomas
Location: Sweden
Watch: 116509 Panda Dial
Posts: 109
http://www.uhrarmbandonline.de/epage...lasboden/Rolex
p-hunter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2009, 12:50 PM   #19
R S
"TRF" Member
 
R S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Robert
Location: N.O.LA.
Posts: 475
Larry, the Daytona looks great. I ordered a transparent caseback from Mr. Preik for my speedmaster, but my local watchmaker says it sits 3-4mm above the case when screwed down and he wouldn't suggest leaving it like that. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. RS
__________________
R S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 December 2009, 09:44 PM   #20
vitix
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: magneeleVE
Location: Usa
Watch: magneeleVE
Posts: 2,030
que belleza Larry!!!
vitix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 February 2010, 04:43 AM   #21
MagedMS
"TRF" Member
 
MagedMS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Real Name: Maged
Location: Egypt
Watch: SUBMARINER 114060
Posts: 514
Great workshop detailed pics... Thanks Larry for sharing.
__________________
ROLEX SUBMARINER-114060/116610 LN/116613 LB
ROLEX DEEPSEA-116660/116660 DBL/SD43-126600
ROLEX GMT II C-116710 LN/EXPLORER II-216570 BK
ROLEX DAYTONA-116503 BLABR
ROLEX MILLGAUSS-116400 GV
MagedMS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 May 2010, 11:45 AM   #22
tachif
"TRF" Member
 
tachif's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Real Name: Roberto
Location: Puerto Rico
Watch: ALL MY 15 WATCHES
Posts: 33
Does applying this caseback any warranty would be gone??????
tachif is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 May 2010, 12:29 PM   #23
SubKing
"TRF" Member
 
SubKing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: USA
Watch: where do i start??
Posts: 3,254
hey larry,
i was just wondering, what made you choose this caseback over swiss watch customs case, which looks closer to factory with the same kind of teeth the rolex casebacks have? i just ordered on from them, but now im thinking, is your better? i was wondering how much the caseback costs because swiss watch customs are going for 275, ouch.

looks amazing btw
SubKing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 May 2010, 12:52 PM   #24
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by SubKing View Post
hey larry,
i was just wondering, what made you choose this caseback over swiss watch customs case, which looks closer to factory with the same kind of teeth the rolex casebacks have? i just ordered on from them, but now im thinking, is your better? i was wondering how much the caseback costs because swiss watch customs are going for 275, ouch.

looks amazing btw
If I had a caseback from Swiss Watch Customs, I would do a review of theirs too.. I understand that the teeth are for looks only and so you cannot use a caseback tool to torque them down like you can with the Preik version ..
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 May 2010, 01:20 PM   #25
SubKing
"TRF" Member
 
SubKing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: USA
Watch: where do i start??
Posts: 3,254
i just went to the swiss watch customs site. it said in small small print,
"Our sapphire casebacks cannot be installed using the standard Rolex tool. A rubber tool or a ball opener should be used to install your caseback. Click here to learn more about the installation of our Sapphhire Casebacks for Rolex."

i hope it works bc i just bought one so i hope its not down the drain.

omg i just checked out the Preik cases, they cost a small fortune probably for a good reason.. i feel like mines cheap now. i hope it works out.

larry, do you think my LG case rench would work on it? it has different heads.
SubKing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 June 2010, 03:24 PM   #26
Stipey
"TRF" Member
 
Stipey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Norway
Posts: 187
Looks great Larry. Just a question... how much torque is necessary for tighten the caseback?
Stipey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 June 2010, 09:53 AM   #27
bewithabob
"TRF" Member
 
bewithabob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Bob
Location: Dallas, Texas
Watch: Daytona Meteorite
Posts: 3,417
the movement is so beautiful, it is a shame not to be able to see, with the Rolex approved case back, it as you have demonstrated here. I guess you would have to change it back to the original case back in order to send it in for warranty service... I wish I could have this view of my Daytona every day....
__________________
meteor flying to Earth onto my wrist...

116509 Daytona Meteorite, 116520 Daytona Black, 116710 GMTIIC, 16013 DATEJUST,
CARTIER SANTOS 100 W20090X8, IWC Big Pilot, IWC Top Gun



"Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."
bewithabob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 June 2010, 10:24 PM   #28
Andrew Bailey
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Real Name: Andrew Bailey
Location: England
Watch: IWC Da Vinci 1754
Posts: 1
Hi Thomas, does this fit 16520 'E' series as well ?
Andrew Bailey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 June 2010, 07:26 AM   #29
jenzo
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sherman Oaks
Watch: White SS Daytona
Posts: 4
Larry,

i got the caseback installed but before i pressure tested my watch guy asked for the thickness of the crystal. do you happen to know? he didnt feel too confident testing for fear the crystal would break and damage the movement.

he said anything short of 1MM would be insufficient.

any idea?

-jenzo
jenzo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 June 2010, 09:12 AM   #30
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenzo View Post
Larry,

i got the caseback installed but before i pressure tested my watch guy asked for the thickness of the crystal. do you happen to know? he didnt feel too confident testing for fear the crystal would break and damage the movement.

he said anything short of 1MM would be insufficient.

any idea?

-jenzo
The crystal is Sapphire, the same as the front crystal.. It is 1mm thick....
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

Asset Appeal

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.