Transparent Casebacks????

[Chewbacca]

any thoughts on which companies should or should stop using transparent casebacks?

i personally think blancpain and breguet should start across the board since they do a good job of decorating and such... but rolex should stay out of it.

[shnxx]

Does Rolex ever have open casebacks?

[427shark]

I agree rolex should stay out of it. IMO rolex is more of a tool watch, just can't warm up to an exhibition case back on any of the rolex models

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by shnxx

Does Rolex ever have open casebacks?

not factory spec. some offer them in the aftermarket but they could void warranties...

[rr-nyc]

I love looking at my Cartier Pasha movement through the exhibition back. My Panerai as well. But unless Rolex started decorating the movement, I'd rather it be hidden the way it is

[HRV]

Tool watch or not, If I was spending the money on a SKD I wouldnt mind it having a exhibition case-back, any mechanical watch movement is a thing of beauty IMO

[cop414]

Originally Posted by HRV

Tool watch or not, If I was spending the money on a SKD I wouldnt mind it having a exhibition case-back, any mechanical watch movement is a thing of beauty IMO

Have to agree. While not "decorated" I'd love to see mine. A modern marvel that I wouldn't mind taking a look at every once in a while!

[dddrees]

The Rolex Cellini line has some watches that use exhibition case backs.

[applebook]

Any of the lower-to-mid range watches shouldn't have display-backs, IMO. If you have a basic 7750 or ETA automatic (TAG), please don't show it off unless you're doing some seriously beautiful decorating.

All of the higher tier, boutique brands like Patek, Lange, Vacheron should have display backs.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by applebook

Any of the lower-to-mid range watches shouldn't have display-backs, IMO. If you have a basic 7750 or ETA automatic (TAG), please don't show it off unless you're doing some seriously beautiful decorating.

All of the higher tier, boutique brands like Patek, Lange, Vacheron should have display backs.

I have a Speedy Pro which you may or may not consider low end and the movement looks beautiful.

[Lion]

I really like the idea of exhibition display backs because I have always been fascinated with a watches' movement. I really like pocket watches and collect Railroad Grade Hamilton's and I also like the Illinois brand of pocket watches as well. I know you should not unscrew the back of these pocket watches to observe the running movement due to dust and moisture from your breath getting in. But it is really fun and enjoyable to spend a little time watching the movement work.....

Take it easy.....Leo

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by Lion

I really like the idea of exhibition display backs because I have always been fascinated with a watches' movement. I really like pocket watches and collect Railroad Grade Hamilton's and I also like the Illinois brand of pocket watches as well. I know you should not unscrew the back of these pocket watches to observe the running movement due to dust and moisture from your breath getting in. But it is really fun and enjoyable to spend a little time watching the movement work.....

Take it easy.....Leo

I agree leo, I've been thinking about buying one for my oyster, but it's not a perpetual so it's actually a fairly nice movement to look at (IMO) and i'll be able to see any moisture if it shall ever intrude. but the other week at a garage sale I found an old Movado watch movement and dial. guy wanted $1 for it, so i bought it, I couldn't wind the watch at first so I spun the balance and she started ticking. then once it stopped i got 2 winds, then waited a few hours for it to stop then i got 8 winds, waited til the next morning and got it to fully wind. now I just keep it on my nightstand and wind it whenever I wanna see watch mechanics in motion!

[applebook]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I have a Speedy Pro which you may or may not consider low end and the movement looks beautiful.

I have one too, and I don't consider it low-end. The 1863 Lemania is a very interesting looking movement even though it doesn't sport the prettiest decoration out there --it's special because of its heritage. The automatic 7750 Speedmasters, I wouldn't want to see their movements.

[The GMT Master]

Anything with a lack of decoration isn't really worth looking at. Rolex's movements, compared to their rivals, are plain to say the least. I think a manual wind chronograph is always wonderful to look at, so even though the cal. 1861/1863 in the Speedmaster isn't hi tech or high end, it is a thing of beauty. Omega's 2nd generation movements are gorgeous, and Panerai (although quite industrial), have a certain charm about them.

The one exception to the Rolex case back rule is the Prince, which has a really well finished movement. If Rolex could have that same attention to detail aesthetically across the range, then they should have display case backs. If I'm honest, at the price point they have now, the movements really should have a higher level of finishing

[subtona]

Only Patek for me.


But there are exceptions:

Originally Posted by applebook

I have one too, and I don't consider it low-end. The 1863 Lemania is a very interesting looking movement even though it doesn't sport the prettiest decoration out there --it's special because of its heritage. The automatic 7750 Speedmasters, I wouldn't want to see their movements.

Exception noted

[cstone28]

It isn't a Patek or ALS but I've been known to be bored in a meeting and take this off to look at the movement.
IMG-20121017-00141.jpg

[cop414]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I have a Speedy Pro which you may or may not consider low end and the movement looks beautiful.

Ahhh, one of my grails!

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by cop414

Have to agree. While not "decorated" I'd love to see mine. A modern marvel that I wouldn't mind taking a look at every once in a while!

I agree.

[Darlinboy]

I find there is beauty even in a simple movement - as on my son's Seiko 5 for example.

Exhibition casebacks are a nice OEM or aftermarket addition on just about any mechanical watch.

[drockadam]

Originally Posted by Darlinboy

I find there is beauty even in a simple movement - as on my son's Seiko 5 for example.

Exhibition casebacks are a nice OEM or aftermarket addition on just about any mechanical watch.

YES! All movements, I am interested in seeing, no matter how expensive or decorated. Cool to see!

[shnxx]

Even though only a panerai decorated ETA I still prefer looking at my watch's movement than listen to this god awful meeting.

[Sherwooddavid]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I have a Speedy Pro which you may or may not consider low end and the movement looks beautiful.

Agree Dan !

[votepresident]

I have no clue with movements and stuff - just getting into watches in that way - but I
have a Tiffany&Co Gents Coupe with case back (I called it glass bottem until now LOL).
Pretty fascinating

[Alcan]

I kinda like the Preik caseback on my Sub.

[Watchdog]

Even though Rolex movements are not the most refined, I would still enjoy seeing them through an exhibition back.

[withthesword]

i like em :)

[shnxx]

i'm really sorry to say this but those rolexes with casebacks are an abomination...

[withthesword]

Originally Posted by shnxx

i'm really sorry to say this but those rolexes with casebacks are an abomination...

you're right.

here's my sub sans caseback. better? hahaha

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by shnxx

i'm really sorry to say this but those rolexes with casebacks are an abomination...

Lol why does it even make a difference. Looking at it from the top you can't tell. I think any clockwork movement is nice enoug to display. Just because it's a cheap automatic dosnt take from the fact you can see the movement in motion

[cop414]

Originally Posted by withthesword

i like em :)

Matte,
I think that looks amazing! Wow!
I assume that it still pressure checks okay?