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Old 2 October 2011, 08:58 AM   #1
Mondo
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How many of you open your rolex backs (for whatever reason)?

I have a Pepsi coming in from an Internet purchase and am wanting to open it up once it arrives to ensure it's authenticity.

Should I gobto my ad or open it up myself.

What are the dangers if I do it myself?
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Old 2 October 2011, 09:11 AM   #2
smallcandle
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If you don't have the proper tool or experience I would suggest going to an AD or well-respected watchmaker.
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Old 2 October 2011, 09:16 AM   #3
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I wouldn't do it.

If you don't have the right tool, I could see you chewing up the teeth on the caseback. Would you know what to look for if you were to open up the watch?
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Old 2 October 2011, 09:33 AM   #4
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Without the right tools, you risk damaging the caseback. You also risk damaging the caseback gasket. You'll also need to check water resistance of the reassembled case. Unless you're ready to sink $5k+ on tools, take it to a watchmaker.
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Old 2 October 2011, 09:39 AM   #5
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I always open up my vintage watches - no reason on modern ones IMHO.
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Old 2 October 2011, 09:44 AM   #6
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Quote:
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without the right tools, you risk damaging the caseback. You also risk damaging the caseback gasket. You'll also need to check water resistance of the reassembled case.
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Old 2 October 2011, 09:54 AM   #7
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Only on my Seiko's where any margin of error is less dramatic.
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Old 2 October 2011, 09:56 AM   #8
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PS- Having the right tools and knowing what you are doing is a given!
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Old 2 October 2011, 12:02 PM   #9
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Take it to AD
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Old 2 October 2011, 12:05 PM   #10
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Does the back open?
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Old 2 October 2011, 12:14 PM   #11
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I have a case opener set and checked the movement number on my '71 DJ.
I also swapped my Pepsi to a clear caseback and took some pix of my SD movement.
Pressure testing the SD was a problem - that water sure was DEEP.
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Old 2 October 2011, 12:32 PM   #12
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Take it to your AD, it will take a moment or two and no questions or concerns
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Old 2 October 2011, 12:36 PM   #13
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There is no good reason for anyone to be opening the caseback of their rolex.
You're asking for trouble. Somethings are better left alone or to the pros.
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Old 2 October 2011, 02:27 PM   #14
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Thanks for all the info. The AD it is.

Thanks again
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Old 2 October 2011, 02:44 PM   #15
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Better off taking it to the AD of a watchmaker
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Old 2 October 2011, 08:40 PM   #16
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You're smart to check out a new purchase, but unless you have the tools and know-how...


get thee to a professional!
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Old 2 October 2011, 08:58 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mondo View Post
I have a Pepsi coming in from an Internet purchase and am wanting to open it up once it arrives to ensure it's authenticity.

Should I gobto my ad or open it up myself.

What are the dangers if I do it myself?
If you bought though a reliable sourse even via the Internet cannot see any point in getting the back of now as you have paid for the watch.Has the person you bought it from promised you a refund if anything is wrong with your watch.Getting the back of a Rolex is not rocket science with the correct tool,most any good watchmaker will have those.And the pressure check after well again most watchmakers on the high street could do that.Now watches like the SD although rated at extreme depth,if it passes a normal 200-300m test then it would be fine for all normal scuba and water activities.
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Old 2 October 2011, 09:02 PM   #18
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best to take it to an AD or an authorised and trusted watchmaker.
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Old 2 October 2011, 09:05 PM   #19
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Quote:
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Pressure testing the SD was a problem - that water sure was DEEP.


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Old 2 October 2011, 09:21 PM   #20
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I don't even open the bonnet of the car, why would I open my watch?
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Old 2 October 2011, 10:30 PM   #21
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I guess if I had the proper tools I would but since I don't I won't... Hey I made a funny...
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Old 2 October 2011, 10:40 PM   #22
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Do NOT do it yourself..

Take it to your AD or experienced watchmaker.
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Old 3 October 2011, 01:25 AM   #23
tictic
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Opening is not the issue...

making sure it is waterproof after closing it up is another matter.
Are you willing to take that chance?
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Old 3 October 2011, 01:41 AM   #24
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When I bought my T-Bird recently from ebay I also got online and ordered an LG Openall. We don't exactly have AD's and watch repair shops over here, so I was on my own. I paid real close attention to what I was doing, and once it was open I snapped some pics to post in Watchout, then closed it back up real carefully. T-Bird proved to be real, and it's no worse for the experience.

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Old 3 October 2011, 01:53 AM   #25
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No way.
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Old 3 October 2011, 05:28 AM   #26
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Not unless you know what you are doing, and what you are looking for once opened. Otherwise, risks are not necessary. Leave it to the pros.
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Old 4 October 2011, 02:00 AM   #27
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Without the right tools, which are fairly costly, you'll probably never even get it open. The backs are on very tight. Of course, opening the case is the best way to insure it's got a real movement, any watchmaker should have the tools to open it, and should know what a real one looks like. I doubt an AD would open it for you just to verify.

That said, I have opened mine. I don't go with the "Only Rolex can open it" thing. It's mine, if I wanna pop it open, I will. Did it with an Exp II that I got in a trade, just to be 100% sure. But I have the tool and the movement holder. And I make sure the seal is clean before closing it. No, it's not pressure tested, but for what I use it for, I'm 99.999% sure it will survive till the next maintenance.
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Old 4 October 2011, 02:15 AM   #28
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Sure, but let's put it this way, my friendly Rolex watchmaker is the only tool i need. I've seen my Daytona in hundreds of bits, as the crystal was broke prior to my ownership. It was just far easier to observe.
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Old 4 October 2011, 03:40 AM   #29
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Quote:
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Without the right tools, which are fairly costly, you'll probably never even get it open. The backs are on very tight. Of course, opening the case is the best way to insure it's got a real movement, any watchmaker should have the tools to open it, and should know what a real one looks like. I doubt an AD would open it for you just to verify.

That said, I have opened mine. I don't go with the "Only Rolex can open it" thing. It's mine, if I wanna pop it open, I will. Did it with an Exp II that I got in a trade, just to be 100% sure. But I have the tool and the movement holder. And I make sure the seal is clean before closing it. No, it's not pressure tested, but for what I use it for, I'm 99.999% sure it will survive till the next maintenance.
Have to agree its not rocket science to get the back off a Rolex with the correct tools.Fact its quite simple to do, I am sure that most could do it quite easy.Myself have had more problem trying to get the top off a pot of jam,than getting the back off a Rolex watch.And pressure check again not rocket science most high street watchmaker could do test to 200-300m.And if it passes that test all the oyster range will be find for scuba and all other water like shower etc.But today reading the many posts on TRF many are afraid to even get there watches wet.
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Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again.

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Old 4 October 2011, 03:44 AM   #30
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i'd rather leave it to an expert
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