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

[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...

[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...

[Nigel Tufnel]

Larry, do you have to replace the gasket every time you open it?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Nigel Tufnel

Larry, do you have to replace the gasket every time you open it?

No, you don't.. But you could...gaskets are readily available through Otto Frei and the like.

The two mating surfaces are machined flat, so when screwing it down it pretty much stops once the surfaces are contacted.. If you are concerned about water-tightness then most watchmakers will pressure check your watch for a nominal charge.. This is something you should do once a year if you spend time in the water a lot..

[Letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by Tools

No, you don't.. But you could...gaskets are readily available through Otto Frei and the like.

The two mating surfaces are machined flat, so when screwing it down it pretty much stops once the surfaces are contacted.. If you are concerned about water-tightness then most watchmakers will pressure check your watch for a nominal charge.. This is something you should do once a year if you spend time in the water a lot..

When I screw down the crown it is the same way. There is a definite stopping point and you feel it. In the past with other watches I was somewhat worried about that because there was a progressive tightening of the crown but with my SD it just stops.

[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/

[gmt master x]

Thanks, i may need supervision when i try that,,,,,,
Great pictures.

[caribouhouse]

Excellent pics Larry

[James T]

Originally Posted by arttay10

Larry - Great tutorial

Do you have tutorial on swapping a dial??

x2

[toph]

expertly explained and demonstrated. Thanks Larry

[akhamdani]

Very nice pics Larry.Thanks for sharing this adventure .

[SS Oyster]

Is there a corresponding video tutorial with audio? I would also like to see a tool list, where to purchase them and an approximate cost.

Thank you for the excellent post --- very informative.

[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

[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.

[wmthedirector]

wow, thats what i call watch collecting, very nice, once i tried to see the serial number on the lugs of the watch, and i ended up scratching my watch, good job, and thanks for posting,

[Erix]

Very nice, thanks for sharing.

[golfball123]

well done..........

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Jedi

Excellent stuff Larry.

To echo Steve's question.. how snug is snug?

Rolex Oyster case back torque is 5 Newton meters or 44.25 inch pounds.

[mpkRolex]

Thanks for the post Larry. I looks so simple from the pictures but I am damn sure that it isnt. I admit that it is not my cup of tea. If I have to see the movement in my watch I will spend some take it to my AD to pop it open. But great to see the 3185 in your post because I too have ExpyII.

[marshallr47]

Nicely done Larry.

[RLX-lvr]

Originally Posted by goss810

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.

Good call. Or a pencil mark would do just fine.

Originally Posted by Alcan

Rolex Oyster case back torque is 5 Newton meters or 44.25 inch pounds.

Where on earth did you get that info from Alcan.? Nice.

Jeff

[CJO]

Do these things actually work well?
http://www.ofrei.com/page1226.html

CJ

[feudallordcult]

thanks for sharing! great pics

[alohanakoni]

great stuff larry!!!

[ROLEX MAN]

Thank-you for showing us!

[mauryca]

I do this every time I Purchase a watch, ( just to be sure) an old school Cuban watchmaker friend of mine gave me a hands on lesson. IT IS AMAZING.....

[tthopp05]

Very cool,cant wait till I get the tools

[sheldonsmith]

Very cool...

I have a similar tutorial posted at http://www.minus4plus6.com/caseback.htm

-Sheldon

[gregdolley]

Thanks for the awesome tutorial, Larry!