Removing A Rolex Case-Back.....!!!

[Tools]

Some of you guys have inspired me....

So, let's open a case-back and look inside.....

First, we're gonna' need some tools:
A Bergeon 6111 to take off the bracelet and the right size socket for the case-back...and of course, my trusty EXP II.


And, we'll need a case wrench. I use the LG open-all.


Using the 6111, and the small forked end, we pull the bracelet.



Then we attach the proper size socket to the opener. In this case a 29.5mm Rolex socket. (There are 6 different Rolex sizes).

[Tools]

This is how the watch head fits into the LG opener:


Although the opener jaws are soft metal and not likely to do much damage to a SS Case, you can put a cloth in place as an extra precaution:
The socket is screwed down to engage the teeth in the caseback, then a short half turn and the case back is opened slightly.


I like to open the case back only partially and take a look. As you can see, there is some dirt and stuff on the "O" ring gasket.


A gentle brush with a soft brush and some dry air and the gasket is as clean as can be:


With the area clean so nothing will inadvertently find it's way into the movement, we can take the back completely off:

[Tools]

Now that we have the case back off our Rolex, we can see what is inside. In this case a beautiful cal 3185 resides with it's famous red gears and peacefully ticks away at it's 28,800 beats per hour rate:


A quick hi-speed flash of the hairspring stops it so we can get a better view:


And a bit closer in:


But, we can't leave it open forever.... Let's put the case back, back in place and snug it down: (45 inch lbs)


And, not a scratch to be seen anywhere.....At least, not from this operation.


Thanks for taking this little adventure with me...



..........Markings Found Inside Your Rolex Caseback............

[SLS]

Nicely done! BTW, what is the refernce for the case holder in your second post, last pic? Will that fit into the open all?
Thanks,
~Scott

[Tools]

Originally Posted by SLS

Nicely done! BTW, what is the refernce for the case holder in your second post, last pic? Will that fit into the open all?
Thanks,
~Scott

That's a Bergeon 5090 Waterproof case holder. It will fit, just barely, but it sits way high and without a shim at the middle notch it doesn't hold it as secure as I would like..

[SLS]

Originally Posted by Tools

That's a Bergeon 5090 Waterproof case holder. It will fit, just barely, but it sits way high and without a shim at the middle notch it doesn't hold it as secure as I would like..

Thanks!
~Scott

[Watch Collector]

Originally Posted by Tools

That's a Bergeon 5090 Waterproof case holder. It will fit, just barely, but it sits way high and without a shim at the middle notch it doesn't hold it as secure as I would like..

Larry: Just wondering how much that case holder costs?? Just curious.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Watch Collector

Larry: Just wondering how much that case holder costs?? Just curious.

I don't recall the exact price... Around 50 bucks. there are others that are much cheaper..

.
They are available at Otto Frei, along with practically anything else you might need..

http://www.ofrei.com/

[marshallr47]

Awesome stuff Larry. Very informative. This is the stuff I like to see. Thanks greatly.

[bfh]

Thanks for a nice vicarious experience Larry! I've opened cheaper watch backs but have never been brave enough to open one of my Rolexes...

[Wacker23]

Nicely done. Great picture tutorial.

[Fagin]

great info, thanks

[Duc-904]

Great info! I think I need to stock up on some good tools. Thanks for sharing!

[Art161]

Very interesting. Thanks, Larry.

[johnflorida]

Amazing!!!!

Thanks for the great photos and info.

* I have the same EXP II but wouldn't dare try to crack it open.

[drifter01]

Originally Posted by Duc-904

Great info! I think I need to stock up on some good tools. Thanks for sharing!

Definately! It really makes watch work much easier, more fun, and a hwole lot cleaner, language-wise. I have a pretty comprehensive set of hand and bench tools due to having worked in the business for years. When I ended my career in watchwork, I sold many items, but kept the most needed ones, since I always planned to keep my hand in it and, if nothing else, work on my own watches. I sold my bench (regrets!) but have a nice roll top desk to use in its place now. Al 3 of my cleaning machines have died (one motor and 2 need complete rewiring), but a nice, fully rebuilt one is on its way cheaoper than I could have rebuilt mine.
The right tools for the right job is a MUST!

Dave

[tomc1944]

Great Shots!!! Very interesting.

[arttay10]

Larry - Great tutorial

Do you have tutorial on swapping a dial??

[James T]

Originally Posted by arttay10

Larry - Great tutorial

Do you have tutorial on swapping a dial??

x2

[steelrolex]

Originally Posted by arttay10

Larry - Great tutorial

Do you have tutorial on swapping a dial??

I've swapped a dial on my Datejust myself. Obviously you have to be very careful handling the movement otherwise it may put its accuracy out as well as getting dust particles on it. As well as the case back removing tool, you will need a small set of watchmakers screwdrivers and a hand removing and hand setting tool (cheap from ebay). You have to remember to set the hands at 12 o' clock before removing them and then put them back on again at 12 o' clock (those with date windows).
Simon

http://www.watchgeek.com/rolexservice.htm

[MartinK]

Really informative, thanks for taking the time...

[Bobareno]

Very nice, thanks. Great photos!

[JJ Irani]

Good stuff, Larry.

But how can you be 100% sure of the waterproofness of the watch just in case you've squeezed the gasket too much or mis-aligned it?

Just wondering!!

[Baptistman]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Good stuff, Larry.

But how can you be 100% sure of the waterproofness of the watch just in case you've squeezed the gasket too much or mis-aligned it?

Just wondering!!

x2 plus When the case back is removed at an RSC, it is done in a "Clean Air" environment to prevent micro dust particles enteing the movement. I would not think for one minute the average person would have this capability. However, thanks for an interesting post Larry

[jasonbellevue]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Good stuff, Larry.

But how can you be 100% sure of the waterproofness of the watch just in case you've squeezed the gasket too much or mis-aligned it?

Just wondering!!

Good stuff, Tools, very visually informative.

Like JJ, I thought about the same thing... ...perhaps you have a watch waterproof tester too...

[goss810]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Good stuff, Larry.

But how can you be 100% sure of the waterproofness of the watch just in case you've squeezed the gasket too much or mis-aligned it?

Just wondering!!

before opening the case it is good idea to mark the caseback with a CD Marker pen starting from case back till case of the watch and 2 or 3 marks are enough I think and while squizing the case back better to stop at the point where marks will match like a smooth line so case will be closed like closed in factory.

[DSJ]

Nice show-n-tell Larry!

[Irish Dan]

Thanks for the vicarious adventure.
I keep telling myself,"It's not a 58 Chevy,
stay out of there".

[kcmo]

Cool! Thanks Larry!

[Green Sub]

Thanks for posting