Sapphire Caseback for Vintage GMT 16750?

[crash_c]

Hi all,

I did some searching before posting but no luck so my apologies if I'm duplicating here. Also apologies if this is sacrilege.

(1) do any members here have exhibition backs on their vintage pieces?

(2) if so, is there a particularly reputable manufacturer?

Pics please! I'm considering this for my 16750 to be swapped on during my next service. Thanks!

[springer]

Are you referring to the Custom Watch Concept sapphire case backs advertised at the bottom of the home page here on TRF?

[crash_c]

I hadn't even seen them! Thanks for pointing my attention that way. I'll have a look

[gsg]

I wouldn't think a Rolex movement is worthy of a sapphire case back, in my opinion. They are well build, sturdy movements but do not offer much in terms of finishing.

[Richard Carver]

The GMT and the EXII are the German ones. Very well made and rated to 300m

[iliketime]

they are solid workhorses, but not very pretty

[Vincent65]

To each his own; any movement is a thing of beauty, IMO. Doesn't have to have fancy engravings to be worth looking at. I like looking under the bonnet of my Audi, and that's also rather utilitarian. I won't get a clear hood on it, though...

[crash_c]

Love it!

[GGGMT]

Any leakage etc issues with these case backs? Void a warranty? Etc.


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[jban5]

Two crystals to be in jeopardy of getting smashed. One will send little pieces of sapphire into the dial and ruin it, the other will send little shards of glass into the movement.

I would never go out of my way to put a window over my movement, if I picked up a watch with one, I would go out of my way to find an original, correct back and replace it.

JMPO

[Bob the brush]

Each to their own, but I really can't see the point.

[Richard Carver]

I'm a vintage guy so of course the movement is as big a part of the passion as the rest of the watch. The precision, quality and endurance are breathtaking. At 19800 bph multiply out how many times that black dial 1603 has ticked in it's 49 years, staggering. I'm not so concerned with the appearance as with the pure function of some of the best watch movements ever designed.

Of course I want to see these engineering miracles do their eternal job. A lack of curiosity about the engine of Rolex success is strange to me indeed. :)

Addressing some of the questions raised; these glass backs have been in use on my watches for about two years with no issues at all. The depth rating is 300m on them. If I get into a situation that shattered the case back I will most likely be more concerned with the location of my arm than any potential damage to the movement. :)

I have them on all my watches that I could find them for. Lol, I bought one for my imaginary 16520 Daytona because it was so well priced. Who knows, I may trade a fist full of DJs for one someday.

16520 Daytona back.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

I'm a vintage guy so of course the movement is as big a part of the passion as the rest of the watch. The precision, quality and endurance are breathtaking. At 19800 bph multiply out how many times that black dial 1603 has ticked in it's 49 years, staggering. I'm not so concerned with the appearance as with the pure function of some of the best watch movements ever designed.

Of course I want to see these engineering miracles do their eternal job. A lack of curiosity about the engine of Rolex success is strange to me indeed. :)

Addressing some of the questions raised; these glass backs have been in use on my watches for about two years with no issues at all. The depth rating is 300m on them. If I get into a situation that shattered the case back I will most likely be more concerned with the location of my arm than any potential damage to the movement. :)

I have them on all my watches that I could find them for. Lol, I bought one for my imaginary 16520 Daytona because it was so well priced. Who knows, I may trade a fist full of DJs for one someday.

16520 Daytona back.

Richard: Like you, I am fascinated by the workings of these machines. (1) From what company have you purchased your glass backs; (2) did you install them yourself?


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[Richard Carver]

The GMT and EXII case backs are both from our sponsor located at the bottom of every page. :) The DJs are from Hong Kong and exhibit excellent quality as well.

I do install them myself with this LG case opener purchased from one of the supply houses. They are available on ebay as well.

[rafi_16610]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

To each his own; any movement is a thing of beauty, IMO. Doesn't have to have fancy engravings to be worth looking at. I like looking under the bonnet of my Audi, and that's also rather utilitarian. I won't get a clear hood on it, though...

love this one. for someone with limited mechanical ability, i do feel the same way in that most watch movements look attractive to me even without the most rudimentary finishing

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[rafi_16610]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

I'm a vintage guy so of course the movement is as big a part of the passion as the rest of the watch. The precision, quality and endurance are breathtaking. At 19800 bph multiply out how many times that black dial 1603 has ticked in it's 49 years, staggering. I'm not so concerned with the appearance as with the pure function of some of the best watch movements ever designed.

Of course I want to see these engineering miracles do their eternal job. A lack of curiosity about the engine of Rolex success is strange to me indeed. :)

Addressing some of the questions raised; these glass backs have been in use on my watches for about two years with no issues at all. The depth rating is 300m on them. If I get into a situation that shattered the case back I will most likely be more concerned with the location of my arm than any potential damage to the movement. :)

I have them on all my watches that I could find them for. Lol, I bought one for my imaginary 16520 Daytona because it was so well priced. Who knows, I may trade a fist full of DJs for one someday.

16520 Daytona back.

i love the optimism about the daytona, and the part about trading for a fistful of datejusts....

on the subject, am fence-sitting in that 1. i am in favor of an all-original watch (except when a part breaks and originals are no longer available) but 2. It would be great on dress models to show off (with a bit of finishing) . i do understand though, that Rolex is REALLY conservative and would probably veto any "upskirt" shots (exhibition casebacks)

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[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by rafi_16610

i that Rolex is REALLY conservative and would probably veto any "upskirt" shots (exhibition casebacks)

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It takes 2 min to put the original back on.

[rafi_16610]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

It takes 2 min to put the original back on.

true, too. just a matter of having the right case opener, gaskets that fit, and some silicon grease.

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[seattleal]

I'd encourage you to do this. Being able to see the movement adds to the enjoyment of the watch. Here is my 5513 with a clear case back-

[datejust24]

Wow Al....that is a truly stunning gilt 5513 you have there my friend....you are a braver man than I trusting that sapphire caseback....

[seattleal]

Originally Posted by datejust24

Wow Al....that is a truly stunning gilt 5513 you have there my friend....you are a braver man than I trusting that sapphire caseback....

Thanks for the compliment, but there's really not that much to trust. The case back is gasketed and the watch passed a pressure test.

Since the case back is against your wrist when wearing the watch this seems less risky than the exposed sapphire crystals on modern watches.