Speedmaster sapphire caseback fitting

[DiamondJack]

Just thought I would share with you my Speedy caseback transformation utilising a Thomas Preik sappire caseback.

This is an easy DIY job and all you need is a tool that has an end like this:



You simply adjust to size and unscrew the existing caseback. Here's mine from 1969 for anyone that hasn't seen a pre-moon Speedy caseback obviously lacking the "FIRST WATCH ON THE MOON" wording





When the caseback is removed you will be faced with a shiny dust cover which just needs prising off with something sharp to get into the join.



After having removed this you will need to sit the spacer provided with the caseback on top of the movement edge.

The spacer looks like this:



And when in place like this:



Next is to make sure the new caseback is clean so careful of finger marks. This is the inside of it.



And simply screw it back in place, initially finger tight and then with the tool.

I absolutely love it since it seemed such a shame to keep the glorious 861 manual wind movement under wraps.






The website for anyone interested is http://www.thomas-preik.de/

[dysondiver]

that looks great , very open and clean and simple looking.
i thought there would be square lugs on the case tool though.

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

that looks great , very open and clean and simple looking.
i thought there would be square lugs on the case tool though.

Thanks Tom. Yes there are different fittings that come with the caseback remover. This was the photo I took before I realised I needed to change them over to the square ones

[alanski]

hey steve

im sending my one down to you to do that to one i got :)

might make me actually wear it more often lol

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by alanski

hey steve

im sending my one down to you to do that to one i got :)

might make me actually wear it more often lol

Hey Al..... Definitely looks the business and really shows off that beautiful mechanism.

But you'll be able to do it with your eyes closed

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Thanks Tom. Yes there are different fittings that come with the caseback remover. This was the photo I took before I realised I needed to change them over to the square ones

lol , square peg round hole ,,, bigger hammer needed.......

[dddrees]

Great instructions, thanks for sharing Steven.

Excellent decision, as the movement on these Speedies are truly amazing and beautiful. They definitely should be seen so they can be enjoyed.

This is one of the reasons I decided to go with the saphire sandwhich.

[Cabaiguan]

Fantastic! I should look into one of those.

[jmsrolls]

Nice job!

I've installed Preik backs on my SMP, 16570 EXPII, and GMTII. All three were automatics and the rotor blocks too much of the view. On the other hand, display backs are great with the manual wind Lemania movements.

Here's my cal 321 105.012:



And my custom cal 861 145.022:



Both of these backs are OEM Omega with the engraving polished off the cal 321 back.

Someone once said that a watch with a display back is like having two watches. I love 'em.

Fr. John+

[TSW]

Very nice mod buddy!

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

Nice job!

I've installed Preik backs on my SMP, 16570 EXPII, and GMTII. All three were automatics and the rotor blocks too much of the view. On the other hand, display backs are great with the manual wind Lemania movements.

Here's my cal 321 105.012:



And my custom cal 861 145.022:



Both of these backs are OEM Omega with the engraving polished off the cal 321 back.

Someone once said that a watch with a display back is like having two watches. I love 'em.

Fr. John+

Looks fantastic John....... And you're right about the two watches..... I keep taking mine off just to gaze into the back

[teamlam]

anyone ever try installing one on an omega 3575.20? ive seen mods with casebacks on them but when i contacted omega, they said they didnt have casebacks for this model..

any insight would be appreciated as i prefer a caseback with the engraving.

[dalip]

Great job Steve.

[azguy]

That's the most beautiful movement I have ever seen

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by teamlam

anyone ever try installing one on an omega 3575.20? ive seen mods with casebacks on them but when i contacted omega, they said they didnt have casebacks for this model..

any insight would be appreciated as i prefer a caseback with the engraving.

I would have a word with Thomas Preik as he clearly has his own workshop manufacturing these and I'm sure some engraving would be pretty standard and if he couldn't do it himself, he would probably know someone. Anyway, that's what i would do.....

Originally Posted by dalip

Great job Steve.

Thx Dalip....

Originally Posted by azguy

That's the most beautiful movement I have ever seen

You're right John it does look pretty good. But you should pop along to a A. Lange & Sohne dealer and look in the caseback of something like a Datograph Flyback...... It's like looking into another world of pure heaven. Absolutely stunning..... here's a taster until you can get along to see the real thing

[FeelingTheBlues]

Very nice pictures Steve! Enjoy the view!

[teamlam]

wow....stunning

[Kringkily]

I love decorated movements :)

[s.justinlee]

these pieces are truly art pieces that should be on display.

beautiful

[Maxtor]

Stunning.

[Andad]

Nice pix Jim and good to see the Delrin brake. Omega dosn't fit this to their OEM sapphire sandwich as they don't want buyers to see plastic parts.

Note the steel brake on mine.

I must find a 321 like your other picture. Love the column wheel.