Customizing case back

[theunionjack]

Hi guys, I have a sort of odd question. My husband mentioned that he thought it would be neat to be able to modify the back of one of his watches to hold a small metal coin of sentimental value given to him by his mother. The coin is quite thin, and he thought a jeweler or watch maker might be able to hollow out the case back in order to seat the metal in a little milled pocket.

I just got the call for a surprise VTNR for him for his birthday next month so would be neat to surprise him with the watch and a modified case back.

Has anyone done something like this to a Rolex case back? Alternatively, has anyone done any unique modifications of any kind (outside of basic engraving) to a case back? I assume the back is too thin to do what he would like. Thanks for your help.

[garyk]

Strangest thing I’ve heard but seems possible to have a coin welded on? Might be uncomfortable to wear? If my wife did this to my new VTNR, 50 years together would possibly come to a close

[tifosi]

Short answer: I do not believe there is enough material on a GMT caseback for this type of modification.

[tifosi]

I'd look into getting a necklace made with this coin, maybe.

[watchwatcher]

I think I would consult with the jeweler to see if the project would work on one of his other watches. If not, the necklace idea above sounds good.

Not the Rolex.

[theunionjack]

Originally Posted by tifosi

Short answer: I do not believe there is enough material on a GMT caseback for this type of modification.

Thank you, first bit of info I was looking for. That's what I thought.

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I think I would consult with the jeweler to see if the project would work on one of his other watches. If not, the necklace idea above sounds good.

Not the Rolex.

Yes, perhaps a Tudor would make a better victim, but I also don't think it would be too difficult to get an extra GMT case back. He is most certainly not a necklace guy.

[George58]

Maybe on a sub with thicker case back gmt not thick enough.

[brandrea]

You could see about having the coin detail engraved on the caseback. I know it’s not quite the same, but engraving has advanced a lot theses days

[Agamemnon]

It is rather unlikely, as, however thin the coin is, it would certainly be thicker than the case back.
Furthermore, the coin should fit into the case back, since it cannot be welded to it, with the fear that it will detach.
Consult a professional, however.

[Number3]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You could see about having the coin detail engraved on the caseback. I know it’s not quite the same, but engraving has advanced a lot theses days

This is a brilliant idea as he would have the sentimental attachment to the watch without the potential security risk if it were ever lost or stolen.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You could see about having the coin detail engraved on the caseback. I know it’s not quite the same, but engraving has advanced a lot theses days

Agree engraving is best option. Allows you to have your cake and eat it too. Hollowing out a case back will disturb integrity of any casebook, assuming enough room. Welding to case back would prohibit the watch from sitting flush or comfortable on the wrist.

[Ironworker]

It all depends on the thickness of the coin vs. the thickness of the case back.

[theunionjack]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You could see about having the coin detail engraved on the caseback. I know it’s not quite the same, but engraving has advanced a lot theses days

Great compromise! I will inquire with the local jewelers...

Thanks to all for the info and suggestions.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by theunionjack

Great compromise! I will inquire with the local jewelers...

Thanks to all for the info and suggestions.

Good luck, and please post pictures if you decide to do this

[cdmorenot]

I have an idea .. if the coin is thin, it could be placed dead center on the case back, laser weld around the coin to hold it in place and build up material. You'd be adding thickness to the case back but I don't think it would be noticeable to point it becomes uncomfortable to wear.

Not cheap! But it would be a great option!

[Polarexplorerii]

Originally Posted by tifosi

Short answer: I do not believe there is enough material on a GMT caseback for this type of modification.

This

[Ron P]

How skinfriendly is the metal of the coin, will it irritate the skin, will it turn green if it is a copper ally due to salt sweat?
If it is silver how quickly will it wear being “rubbed” all day by the skin?

[skipstar]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You could see about having the coin detail engraved on the caseback. I know it’s not quite the same, but engraving has advanced a lot theses days

This and good luck and post photos if you have it done.

[gerry100]

removing material from the caseback will effect the structural integrity of the case.

May not pass a pressure test, if that matters.

[Zerouali]

I’d suggest buying a replacement case back and trying out the modifications on that first, leaves the watch in perfect condition if it doesn’t work out.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by tifosi

Short answer: I do not believe there is enough material on a GMT caseback for this type of modification.

+1


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