16610 caseback

[Guybrush]

Knowledgeable forumgoers,

I’m considering trying to find a spare caseback for my Sub; the idea is that I’d like to have the spare engraved but keep the original clean so that if my passing-down plans unexpectedly changed, I can still offer a clean, all original piece.

I’m looking around and seeing a few 16610 casebacks for sale but prices vary widely from 150 or so up to 1500. Just wondering where you’d look for one of these and what you’d consider a realistic price. Is this yet another arena where one confronts a minefield of fakes?

Thanks!

[khalifam]

Originally Posted by Guybrush

Knowledgeable forumgoers,



I’m considering trying to find a spare caseback for my Sub; the idea is that I’d like to have the spare engraved but keep the original clean so that if my passing-down plans unexpectedly changed, I can still offer a clean, all original piece.



I’m looking around and seeing a few 16610 casebacks for sale but prices vary widely from 150 or so up to 1500. Just wondering where you’d look for one of these and what you’d consider a realistic price. Is this yet another arena where one confronts a minefield of fakes?



Thanks!

Hey, I don't have a definitive answer but what if you call RSC ask them the price as well as if you can keep your current one... If so, then engrave your current one and have them swap it out and keep the engraved out, I suspect it will be way cheaper, but not 100% if they will allow it.

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[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by khalifam

Hey, I don't have a definitive answer but what if you call RSC ask them the price as well as if you can keep your current one... If so, then engrave your current one and have them swap it out and keep the engraved out, I suspect it will be way cheaper, but not 100% if they will allow it.

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I think the way to do that would be to remove the case back yourself and then take it in for a service without a case back.


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[77T]

An option might be buying an exhibition sapphire caseback and have it laser engraved.

You get a 3-way win...


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[khalifam]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

I think the way to do that would be to remove the case back yourself and then take it in for a service without a case back.


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Great, so a case back would cost you £700+ and an unwanted polish.

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[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by khalifam

Great, so a case back would cost you £700+ and an unwanted polish.

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Assuming the watch hasn’t been serviced for a few years and you have enough nouse to request ‘no polish’.


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[Guybrush]

Appreciate the responses here.

I admit I kind of like the exhibition caseback (one of the things I like about some of the Omegas I’ve had) but it also feels like I’m somehow dishonoring the Rolex code by installing one. ...Suppose engraving the caseback is no less irreverent...

[Tools]

Rolex has kept clean case backs, as opposed to some of the more garish brands, just so they can be presentation/memorated pieces.

Engraved case backs is a time honored tradition.

Todays case backs are generic, so have yours engraved and when it comes time to retire it, then buy a new one. There is never a time to buy one of the many overpriced baubles on bid-sites.

[Guybrush]

Guess part & parcel to my question is whether we think it will ever be difficult to obtain a caseback for the 16610. Would I be doing myself a favor getting the spare now, if they’re only going to get rarer and pricier? But some of the ideas mentioned above re: getting one from Rolex make me think I might not need to worry. I gather the RSCs stock parts for older models.

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by Guybrush

Guess part & parcel to my question is whether we think it will ever be difficult to obtain a caseback for the 16610. Would I be doing myself a favor getting the spare now, if they’re only going to get rarer and pricier? But some of the ideas mentioned above re: getting one from Rolex make me think I might not need to worry. I gather the RSCs stock parts for older models.

They stock them until they run out. They’re not making anymore. You will need one eventually. It’ll never be easier or cheaper to come by than today. Seems like a no brainier to me.


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[Guybrush]

That’s where I’m leaning...

[AzHadEnuf]

Last time LA Watchwerks serviced my 16610 it had the back engraved with a bunch of references to a previous marriage. I asked about a new case back and they suggested just removing it. Came back looking perfect. I’m pretty sure the engraving is less than a mm deep and thats a pretty beefy case back. I don’t even think they charged me with the service.

[Nikrnic]

You can have your caseback lightly engraved or etched with no harm done and it can be easily removed when you want. I did it years ago on a DJ. My AD at that time offered and did it on site when new then removed it a few years later when I decided to sell it.

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[Likestheshiny]

I admit I kind of like the exhibition caseback (one of the things I like about some of the Omegas I’ve had) but it also feels like I’m somehow dishonoring the Rolex code by installing one. ...Suppose engraving the caseback is no less irreverent...

It takes about as long to put switch casebacks as it does to switch straps, so it's hardly a permanent change to throw on a clear caseback if you think you might enjoy it. I got one from Custom Watch Concepts (the guy in Germany who gets mentioned every time this comes up) and it both looks great and WR tested to 110%. Obviously the sapphire takes up much of the back, but there's plenty of room for engraving as well.

Of course, a regular caseback is perfect for engraving, so I'm certainly not trying to steer you away from that. But a sapphire back is kinda neat, easily available, and relatively inexpensive. Sounds like it might be a solid option for you.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Guybrush

. . .
I admit I kind of like the exhibition caseback (one of the things I like about some of the Omegas I’ve had) but it also feels like I’m somehow dishonoring the Rolex code by installing one. ...Suppose engraving the caseback is no less irreverent...

Dishonor this !!

[Guybrush]

I’m warming to this exhibition/engraved caseback idea. :)

[fskywalker]

Exhibition case is the way would suggest to go as well


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