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rolepam312 · 2 November 2011, 11:15 AM

Wondering how you feel about sapphire caseback on rolex? I've never seen one on any models, please correct me if I'm wrong... I think it would be nice to be able to see the movement..As long as they don't charge couple more grand that is... Is there any specific reason Rolex doesn't use them? Is it more a philosophical decision on their part?

MoBe · 2 November 2011, 11:21 AM

I doubt that you will see a sapphire back on any Rolex any time soon.

moviefreak · 2 November 2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoBe

I doubt that you will see a sapphire back on any Rolex any time soon.

Rolex Cellini....
and there was a GMT with sapphire case back once...

watchwatcher · 2 November 2011, 11:26 AM

No.

nauticajoe · 2 November 2011, 11:35 AM

I thought the reasoning for the solid caseback was to provide the customer with the option to add engraving. Besides, the 3135 isn't the most beautiful movement. Although, I wish they provided the option on the 4130 movement.

rolepam312 · 2 November 2011, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

I thought the reasoning for the solid caseback was to provide the customer with the option to add engraving. Besides, the 3135 isn't the most beautiful movement. Although, I wish they provided the option on the 4130 movement.

While I love the idea of engraving on the solid caseback, will that make it harder/ devalue the watch if one wishes to sell?

karmatp · 2 November 2011, 11:41 AM

If you are looking for a clear case back, I would look towards other brands that come that way. I don't know if you have ever seen a Rolex movement because they are nothing to look at.

rolepam312 · 2 November 2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karmatp

If you are looking for a clear case back, I would look towards other brands that come that way. I don't know if you have ever soon a Rolex movement because they are nothing to look at.

I own a pam 312, my first watch with a sapphire caseback .. I thought it was really cool! I'm not really familiar with movements but the fact that I could see it was appealing... I've never seen any Rolex movement...I just know it works!Thanks..

nauticajoe · 2 November 2011, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolepam312

While I love the idea of engraving on the solid caseback, will that make it harder/ devalue the watch if one wishes to sell?

Re-sell? That's a no-no in rolex country.

Alcan · 2 November 2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolepam312

While I love the idea of engraving on the solid caseback, will that make it harder/ devalue the watch if one wishes to sell?

Not by much. A couple of weeks ago I recently acquired an unworn GMT II presentation watch with 4 lines of engraving on the case back. Sent it to Rolex Canada for a new back ($200 installed). They responded that they could refinish the back for $75. Here's the result, as returned from Rolex.

Duck9000 · 2 November 2011, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcan

Not by much. A couple of weeks ago I recently acquired an unworn GMT II presentation watch with 4 lines of engraving on the case back. Sent it to Rolex Canada for a new back ($200 installed). They responded that they could refinish the back for $75. Here's the result, as returned from Rolex.

That was very nice from them

Timber Loftis · 2 November 2011, 11:38 AM

The aftermarket ones are pretty cool.

Like To Watch · 2 November 2011, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

The aftermarket ones are pretty cool.

Some are.

Tudor66 · 3 November 2011, 12:04 AM

I like the look, but I put a thin piece of black felt on my caseback, which created the perfect fit for my small wrist...So no glass on the back for me...

This small piece of felt seems to work both as a sizing and a comfort function. Has anyone else put a something like this on their caseback....?

unlisted · 3 November 2011, 12:10 AM

In addition to all the good information and opinions others have stated, I was told the caseback has quite a lot to do with the water-resistance of the watch, beyond the obvious roll it plays. I was told that the one of the main differences between say a GMT-II, Sub, and Sea-Dweller/Deep Sea (Again other than the obvious differences) is that under their pressure limits the caseback will start to bow. Playing more into making a Sub more water-resistant than A GMT-II, than the Triplock does. I don't know this information for a fact, but was told this by a very intelligent Rolex enthusiast that hasn't ever steered me wrong. I would think that a glass or display caseback would result in further design obstacles for Rolex, since the Oyster was built around their metal casebacks. Not the glass/crystal/what-have-you material lacking resistance, but more the distribution or deflection of pressure versus their metal ones. Just an idea. However, I know nothing to very little about what I am talking about.

moviefreak · 2 November 2011, 11:52 AM

People forget that Rolex makes non SS watches.... wow and you can see the movement...

sleddog · 2 November 2011, 12:05 PM

Who said the 3135 movement isn't beautiful/nothing to look at?!?!?!

nauticajoe · 2 November 2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleddog

Who said the 3135 movement isn't beautiful/nothing to look at?!?!?!

I stand corrected, Rob.

sleddog · 2 November 2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

I stand corrected, Rob.

EE33 · 2 November 2011, 01:32 PM

Got a clear caseback from Thomas Preik afew months back but havn't installed it on my GMT II yet. (Slack)

oneillba · 2 November 2011, 01:36 PM

I don't mind the idea.

azguy · 2 November 2011, 01:56 PM

Nice change actually and any movement is

George Ab · 2 November 2011, 02:29 PM

Rolex movements are like going to the beach ....... some folks look better with more clothes on. The 4130 is probably the exception.

For people with minor allergies to metal it is an outstanding idea.

dddrees · 2 November 2011, 10:37 PM

It's not something they are known for, at least when it comes to their professional line of watches. These movements are not as highly finished. They are more known for toughness and durability.

Some have purchased display backs, but I doubt that we will see Rolex offer this anytime soon.

Rags · 2 November 2011, 11:06 PM

I prefer the regular caseback.

Le Chef · 2 November 2011, 11:45 PM

It would mean Rolex would have to spend a lot more money on finishing their movements for it to be worth looking at them. And I suspect that the majority of Rolex owners wouldn't know what a Rolex movement was if it hit them so of no interest. They probably think it's quartz anyway.

Mickey® · 3 November 2011, 12:14 AM

It's cool to look at but it's not decorated/pretty...

psv · 3 November 2011, 12:21 AM

I don't see the point as the movements aren't really decorated for enhanced viewing and it may end up jeopardizing the specs of the watch, e.g. I wouldn't do it on a diving watch. But whatever floats your boat, there are a number of after-market backs available.

2 November 2011, 11:15 AM	#1
rolepam312 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: arizona Posts: 415	Sapphire caseback on Rolex ? Wondering how you feel about sapphire caseback on rolex? I've never seen one on any models, please correct me if I'm wrong... I think it would be nice to be able to see the movement..As long as they don't charge couple more grand that is... Is there any specific reason Rolex doesn't use them? Is it more a philosophical decision on their part?

2 November 2011, 11:41 AM	#7
karmatp "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Trevor Location: Arizona Posts: 5,740	If you are looking for a clear case back, I would look towards other brands that come that way. I don't know if you have ever seen a Rolex movement because they are nothing to look at. __________________ My grails:

3 November 2011, 12:04 AM	#14
Tudor66 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Al Location: California, USA Watch: GMT- Pepsi Posts: 3,462	Felt on the caseback... I like the look, but I put a thin piece of black felt on my caseback, which created the perfect fit for my small wrist...So no glass on the back for me... This small piece of felt seems to work both as a sizing and a comfort function. Has anyone else put a something like this on their caseback....? Attached Images __________________ -NAWCC Member

2 November 2011, 11:52 AM	#16
moviefreak "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: in my house... Posts: 5,524	People forget that Rolex makes non SS watches.... wow and you can see the movement... __________________ Cheers, Eduardo Be a WIS not a WUSS... and remove all the stickers..

2 November 2011, 12:05 PM	#17
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,931	Who said the 3135 movement isn't beautiful/nothing to look at?!?!?! __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

2 November 2011, 11:21 AM	#2
MoBe "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 6,773	I doubt that you will see a sapphire back on any Rolex any time soon.

2 November 2011, 11:26 AM	#4
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,047	No.

2 November 2011, 11:35 AM	#5
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	I thought the reasoning for the solid caseback was to provide the customer with the option to add engraving. Besides, the 3135 isn't the most beautiful movement. Although, I wish they provided the option on the 4130 movement.

2 November 2011, 11:38 AM	#12
Timber Loftis "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Jon Location: Chicago Watch: IIc,DJII,P244,A1-Z Posts: 2,857	The aftermarket ones are pretty cool.

3 November 2011, 12:10 AM	#15
unlisted "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: California Posts: 101	In addition to all the good information and opinions others have stated, I was told the caseback has quite a lot to do with the water-resistance of the watch, beyond the obvious roll it plays. I was told that the one of the main differences between say a GMT-II, Sub, and Sea-Dweller/Deep Sea (Again other than the obvious differences) is that under their pressure limits the caseback will start to bow. Playing more into making a Sub more water-resistant than A GMT-II, than the Triplock does. I don't know this information for a fact, but was told this by a very intelligent Rolex enthusiast that hasn't ever steered me wrong. I would think that a glass or display caseback would result in further design obstacles for Rolex, since the Oyster was built around their metal casebacks. Not the glass/crystal/what-have-you material lacking resistance, but more the distribution or deflection of pressure versus their metal ones. Just an idea. However, I know nothing to very little about what I am talking about.

2 November 2011, 01:32 PM	#20
EE33 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Des Location: China Watch: 16613 16710 116520 Posts: 2,841	Got a clear caseback from Thomas Preik afew months back but havn't installed it on my GMT II yet. (Slack) __________________ *TRFs "after Dark" bar and NightClub Addict* Punctuality is the courtesy shown only by Kings Dalip: "GTG posts are worthless without pics, absolutely worthless"

2 November 2011, 01:36 PM	#21
oneillba "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Hamilton, MI USA Watch: My beloved TT DJ Posts: 3,831	I don't mind the idea. __________________ My Trusty TT DJ

2 November 2011, 01:56 PM	#22
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Nice change actually and any movement is

2 November 2011, 02:29 PM	#23
George Ab "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: George Location: Seattle Watch: One of Them Posts: 6,924	Rolex movements are like going to the beach ....... some folks look better with more clothes on. The 4130 is probably the exception. For people with minor allergies to metal it is an outstanding idea. __________________

2 November 2011, 10:37 PM	#24
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	It's not something they are known for, at least when it comes to their professional line of watches. These movements are not as highly finished. They are more known for toughness and durability. Some have purchased display backs, but I doubt that we will see Rolex offer this anytime soon. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

2 November 2011, 11:06 PM	#25
Rags 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chuck Location: SW Florida Watch: 16233,16610,214270 Posts: 11,196	I prefer the regular caseback. __________________ 16233 Y Serial Datejust 16610 Z Serial Submariner 214270 Explorer *114300 Oyster Perpetual* *76200 Tudor Date+Day*

2 November 2011, 11:45 PM	#26
Le Chef "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,005	No It would mean Rolex would have to spend a lot more money on finishing their movements for it to be worth looking at them. And I suspect that the majority of Rolex owners wouldn't know what a Rolex movement was if it hit them so of no interest. They probably think it's quartz anyway.

3 November 2011, 12:14 AM	#27
Mickey® Banned Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Mickey® Location: Atlanta, GA Watch: Swiss Made Posts: 5,801	It's cool to look at but it's not decorated/pretty...

3 November 2011, 12:21 AM	#28
psv 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA & France Posts: 11,078	I don't see the point as the movements aren't really decorated for enhanced viewing and it may end up jeopardizing the specs of the watch, e.g. I wouldn't do it on a diving watch. But whatever floats your boat, there are a number of after-market backs available.

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