Clear Case-back, Thomas Preik New Generation Review

[Tools]

Thomas Preik is a Master Watchmaker located in Germany. He has carved out a niche in the Horological Community with his custom manufactured Clear Case-backs.

We reviewed and installed his First Generation case-back last year here: This year Thomas has developed an exciting New Generation case-back that looks almost factory direct. This new case-back uses a standard 29.5mm Rolex case-back socket. Let's get the advertised specs out of the way:
- High quality Stainless Steel construction
- Sapphire Crystal
- Guaranteed Waterproof and acid proof
- Same height as original

Well, let's spend some time looking over this New Generation case-back and see if the advertised claims hold up.

For our review we have acquired an example that fits the Sub, GMT, Exp II, and a few others... He also has case-backs that will fit a variety of other models. Check out all his offerings here: http://www.customwatchconcepts.com/

Here is the one we will be using:





Fit and finish are excellent. The sapphire crystal is press fit into the case-back from it's face using a composite gasket. You can see the gasket around the edge of the crystal. This fitment is quite secure and is the same as that used to fit the sapphire crystal on the front of your watch..

Looking at the face we can see the ridges that mate perfectly with the Rolex case-back socket:
- Sapphire thickness - .035"/.900mm
- Sapphire diameter -- 1.025"/26.04mm
- Overall diameter ---- 1.38"/35.05mm

Flipping the case-back on it's back, we can see the generous lip that the crystal and gasket fits up against. This lip keeps the crystal where it belongs and prevents any pressure from pressing it in further protecting the movement from damage. Crystal thickness is similar to the dial crystal and so it should be able to hold up to the same surface/atmospheric pressures that the watch encounters.



Thomas advertises that it is the same "height" as an original case-back.. We found this to be true when compared with the Sub case-back. When comparing it with the slightly smaller GMT case-back, you can see that it is slightly less than a half mm taller. On the wrist, this is unnoticeable for this model.


As mentioned, one of the exciting aspects of this New Generation design is it's use of the standard socket for installation and removal. I use an LG Openall case back tool (see the first gen review for use of this tool). Installation is straightforward and simple to do by any watchmaker.. The standard LG 29.5mm Rolex Socket was used.



Here is what the final installation looks like on a Sub-c 116610. Measurements of the thickness of the Sub with an original case-back is .505"/12.83mm , and the measurement with the Preik case-back measured the same:



This example is destined for a GMT 16710. Installation was easy and fit was perfect. A pressure check showed the clear case-back to be as watertight as the original steel back. Claims of acid proof were not tested....

After installation and pressure test, which it easily passed:



Clear case-backs aren't for everybody. However, if you want to show off that Rolex movement, and you want a bit of customization, this one comes highly recommended..

Thomas on-line sales site: http://www.customwatchconcepts.com/

Neither TRF nor the author have any affiliation with Mr. Preik or his enterprise. This review is for the enjoyment of, and information to, the members of TRF..