Why do Rolexes have such plain casebacks?

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by moby33

Sapphire case backs will never be found on any type of true dive watch as they significantly limit the depth rating...so all sport models shouldn't be equipped IMO.

That being said, I do think Omega & Breitling have great case backs and I do kind of wish Rolex would embrace a mild version of this type of case back. Just a simple Rolex Crown centered would be pretty cool IMO...nothing more, nothing less. But in the end, this is the least of my concerns and not really losing much sleep over it...if they want to stay "Plain Jane" then so be it. God knows if they did start to make some type of stamped/engraved case back it would just give them ANOTHER reason for price increases.

I don't understand how this can be true? There is a sapphire crystal on the front of a watch, how would it affect its water rating if there were one on the back? It just doesn't make sense to me.

[Atlanta]

Originally Posted by walds11

I love the flat, brushed oyster caseback :)

x2 I bought mine for the view from the top.

[marshallr47]

I know Rolex has beautiful movements but I guess Rolex wants you to focus on the face...not the back of a watch. Just my 2c.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by Maz25

I don't understand how this can be true? There is a sapphire crystal on the front of a watch, how would it affect its water rating if there were one on the back? It just doesn't make sense to me.

I'm not a watch engineer and I'm sure there are many on this forum w/ a lot more technical detail that would love to help out...but in general, a watch is rated at 1000+ ft because it doesn't have two 'Achilles Heals' only one (the face crystal). If you double that weak point (ie - put two crystals - both front AND back) then the watch water resistance to pressure will drop significantly. Cheers.

[ttannert]

Who looks at the back???

[cody p]

Originally Posted by SLS

Then buy a SD or Milgauss! They both have writing on the caseback!
In most cases, sapphire casebacks and decorated movements just add to the price of the piece and IMHO have no function at all.
~Scott

unfortunately, i can't afford another luxury watch at the moment, so i'll just grin and bear it.

[mickeydainish]

Interesting... although I do like the plain caseback style. I would like to engrave mine to remember the special occasion I bought mine for.. :-)

Hopefully the OP would agree.... what about posting a few pics of engraved Rollie casebacks to see what that would look like?!?!? Thanx.... :-)

[astcell]

This was the proposed caseback for the Clownmaster II.

[ttannert]

Originally Posted by astcell

This was the proposed caseback for the Clownmaster II.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by ttannert

Who looks at the back???

Depends on what you're looking at. I think many like to look at "the back".

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by walds11

I love the flat, brushed oyster caseback :)

X2.

It looks classy and un-ostentatious.

I think originally Rolex kept clear of saphire casebacks because thay would have compromised the integrity of the impregnable Oyster case.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by walds11

I love the flat, brushed oyster caseback

I agree 100%.

There's nothing wrong with watch companies putting all sorts of engraving on their case backs or having exhibition backs, but the plain Rolex case backs have a strong appeal to me.

If you want a Rolex with an engraved case back, as someone noted, buy a Milgauss or an DSSD, or just have the case back engraved yourself.

At least, it would be unique.

[DaveInLA]

I think display backs are nice on some models, but might be a bit extreme for a Rolex. However, I think an engraved logo or some text would be nice. The Speedmaster Pro has an awesome caseback.

[xtra3cats]

I don't have anything against Rolex plain caseback but I think it would be nice to see it engraved or laser-etched with the old green plastic sticker design. I'd still be simple yet distinctive IMO. Just my .02.

[SS Oyster]

How about just something simple like "{crown}Rolex{crown} 116710LN 3186" around the caseback with the crown rolex crown at the top and the other writing around the bottom (like the SD engraving). Leave the center part flat brushed (like the SD) in case someone wants it engraved? I think this would be one more way for Rolex to stop the counterfeiters.

Thoughts?

[SS Oyster]

Like this ? Before you laugh your @$$ off, please just look at this as if it were done by someone who knows how to do these things.

[James T]

hahahh! how'd you know wer gonna laugh our as$e$$$ off!

[SS Oyster]

Just a hunch I guess ...

[moby33]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Like this ? Before you laugh your @$$ off, please just look at this as if it were done by someone who knows how to do these things.

Now that my friend is some quality photoshopping!!!