Will opened caseback affect water resistance?

[llvhhui]

I've seen some sellers include a picture of the watch with its caseback open to show movement. I understand that is a way to verify authenticity. Will that completely zero out its water resistance? Only talking about modern ones like 5 digit reference. Only talking about daily activities, not talking about diving water and pressure resistance.

[Tools]

Only if you leave it off.

[llvhhui]

Originally Posted by Tools

Only if you leave it off.

So if the seller "screw" it back on, it wouldn't be a problem for activities say near the sink?

[Guybrush]

If the person didn't kink or otherwise damage the seal and the caseback is screwed on properly, it should be fine. But would I take a chance like that on an expensive watch?--no way. Whenever a good watchmaker opens up a watch that's meant to be water-resistant, the work is followed up with a pressure test to ensure a good seal. So if you're considering such a watch that includes movement pics, I think it's perfectly appropriate to ask the seller to verify (ideally with a receipt of some kind) that a pressure test was performed after service/photographing. Ideally, the movement pics were taken during a recent service, but if it was just the seller him/herself unscrewing the back to take some pics and then screwing it back on (assuming the seller doesn't have the equipment/knowledge to do a pressure test), I'd move on. The watch might be just fine. But if it's not, do you want to deal with the consequences?

I do see your additional commentary re: only daily activities. Understood, but why take that chance? You're washing dishes and accidentally get more than a casual splash on it---could happen. Or you decide to re-sell the watch to someone else and their use is different and then they come back on you saying you didn't disclose an issue... Unlikely, I know, but again, why risk it when there's no shortage of watches to choose from?

[bondtoys]

The issues start if you have to send a watch for warranty to the RSC.

And I wouldn‘t want to have a discussion with Rolex why a third party and not an AD opened the caseback and who ultimately is responsible for the warranty issue.

For new watches removing the caseback bears a massive risk imo

[Guybrush]

I totally get an honest, forthcoming seller wanting to include movement pics in a listing to give potential buyers peace of mind about authenticity/originality, and with a vintage piece where water-resistance is less of an expectation or concern, it's fine. But with a modern piece (which is what you're asking about), I think it's actually less desirable to me as a buyer than a return policy that includes an inspection period where I myself can take the watch to a trusted watchmaker who can authenticate for me and can then follow that up with a proper pressure test. Just my 2 cents.

[911991]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

The issues start if you have to send a watch for warranty to the RSC.

And I wouldn‘t want to have a discussion with Rolex why a third party and not an AD opened the caseback and who ultimately is responsible for the warranty issue.

For new watches removing the caseback bears a massive risk imo

Why would Rolex ask that question? If its opened and sealed correctly I dont think they can tell it was opened

[Guybrush]

Originally Posted by 911991

Why would Rolex ask that question? If its opened and sealed correctly I dont think they can tell it was opened

I think what's meant here is a warranty issue from a bad seal caused by a non-AD putting the caseback on improperly..?

In other words, if it's a watch that still has warranty coverage and someone messes up the seal, RSC might void the warranty. Don't know if that's true, but I imagine it might be.

[llvhhui]

The watches I've seen with caseback open weren't under warranty. Most of them are 5 digit subs or explorers between 2000-2010. Some of them are from well known sellers. That's what got me curious.

[Simon_jrees]

Originally Posted by Guybrush

If the person didn't kink or otherwise damage the seal and the caseback is screwed on properly, it should be fine. But would I take a chance like that on an expensive watch?--no way. Whenever a good watchmaker opens up a watch that's meant to be water-resistant, the work is followed up with a pressure test to ensure a good seal. So if you're considering such a watch that includes movement pics, I think it's perfectly appropriate to ask the seller to verify (ideally with a receipt of some kind) that a pressure test was performed after service/photographing. Ideally, the movement pics were taken during a recent service, but if it was just the seller him/herself unscrewing the back to take some pics and then screwing it back on (assuming the seller doesn't have the equipment/knowledge to do a pressure test), I'd move on. The watch might be just fine. But if it's not, do you want to deal with the consequences?

I do see your additional commentary re: only daily activities. Understood, but why take that chance? You're washing dishes and accidentally get more than a casual splash on it---could happen. Or you decide to re-sell the watch to someone else and their use is different and then they come back on you saying you didn't disclose an issue... Unlikely, I know, but again, why risk it when there's no shortage of watches to choose from?

Pretty much this.

[bondtoys]

Originally Posted by 911991

Why would Rolex ask that question? If its opened and sealed correctly I dont think they can tell it was opened

I bet you that Rolex will see it!
And if Rolex has no record having opened themselfs - good luck for your warranty claim!

[jackjack]

As mentioned above make sure the seller has a watchmaker who can properly seal the case. There is a small rubber casket and the case needs to be locked back on with a screw down tool to get it water tight. I’ve seen this done wrong where it slips and messes up the edges of the case back.


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[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by jackjack

As mentioned above make sure the seller has a watchmaker who can properly seal the case. There is a small rubber casket and the case needs to be locked back on with a screw down tool to get it water tight. I’ve seen this done wrong where it slips and messes up the edges of the case back.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The rubber caseback o ring should be lubricated with Fomblin grease as a lubricant to keep it from deforming and also to help with waterproofness. The caseback should be properly torqued to 5 Newton meters which is Rolex spec. The watch should additionally have a pressure test using the proper tester.

[Moondoggy]

I never ever would buy a watch with the knowledge that "someone" removed the case back. Period.

[Likestheshiny]

I bet you that Rolex will see it! And if Rolex has no record having opened themselfs - good luck for your warranty claim!

I replaced the caseback of my GMT with a clear one, then put the original back on to send it in for timing regulation under warranty. No issues.

[Chopped54]

I have opened dozens, never had an issue with water resistance or RSC service.

[Subguy88]

Originally Posted by Chopped54

I have opened dozens, never had an issue with water resistance or RSC service.

How do you make sure you are tightening to the proper torque when reinstalling case back?

[Calatrava r]

I too would not want to buy a Rolex still under warranty where the watch was opened by a non-Rolex certified third party. But then authentication can be hard without opening, so there really is no easy solution.

[gerry100]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I too would not want to buy a Rolex still under warranty where the watch was opened by a non-Rolex certified third party. But then authentication can be hard without opening, so there really is no easy solution.

agree, No reason to buy a watch opened by an unqualified amateur

[padi56]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

The issues start if you have to send a watch for warranty to the RSC.

And I wouldn‘t want to have a discussion with Rolex why a third party and not an AD opened the caseback and who ultimately is responsible for the warranty issue.

For new watches removing the caseback bears a massive risk imo

How would they know as long as it was tightened back down with the correct tool,it's only like unscrewing a jar,it's not rocket science with the correct case back tool..

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by padi56

How would they know as long as it was tightened back down with the correct tool,it's only like unscrewing a jar,it's not rocket science with the correct case back tool..

And the most important thing that many forget is that it should be screwed with the correct torque.

[TunaTuna]

It should be like closing the pickle jar, make sure it's closed nicely before you put it back in the fridge

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by TunaTuna

It should be like closing the pickle jar, make sure it's closed nicely before you put it back in the fridge

Unfortunately not something just anyone knows how to do.
Has to be torqued.

[painexpert]

Originally Posted by llvhhui

I've seen some sellers include a picture of the watch with its caseback open to show movement. I understand that is a way to verify authenticity. Will that completely zero out its water resistance? Only talking about modern ones like 5 digit reference. Only talking about daily activities, not talking about diving water and pressure resistance.

As long as the gasket is good, no problem. If the watch is old maybe a gasket change.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by 911991

Why would Rolex ask that question? If its opened and sealed correctly I dont think they can tell it was opened

They can't. And it wouldn't affect the water resistance either

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Jocke

And the most important thing that many forget is that it should be screwed with the correct torque.

Finger tight and then a 1/4 turn Jocke?

Just like a flexi water connector?

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by Andad

Finger tight and then a 1/4 turn Jocke?

Just like a flexi water connector?

I have the feeling but not everyone does.