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theken · 20 April 2009, 03:23 AM

Recently I received a pepsi GMT2 in a trade. This GMT2 joins a coke GMT2 in my collection. I am considering replacing the back of one of these watches with an aftermarket sapphire case back. I have read several posts from others who have done this. Anyone wish to offer advise either way on making this change? Currently a sapphire case back is selling for about $175.

padi56 · 20 April 2009, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theken

Recently I received a pepsi GMT2 in a trade. This GMT2 joins a coke GMT2 in my collection. I am considering replacing the back of one of these watches with an aftermarket sapphire case back. I have read several posts from others who have done this. Anyone wish to offer advise either way on making this change? Currently a sapphire case back is selling for about $175.

Its not a problem to do if you have the correct tool but got to ask why.The Rolex movement is very plain Jane and not the best to look at,but excellent in all other departments.If you do change it just keep your other back safe to change when watch requires a service,as Rolex will not service with aftermarket case back fitted.

TheVTCGuy · 20 April 2009, 05:15 AM

Padi, here's probably a stupid question: If you put the saphire back on, does that affect the water tightness?

allanofcalifornia · 20 April 2009, 05:26 AM

Stupid question - Why? Since the back will be on your wrist, then why put a sapphire case on the back? I prefer not to have aftermarket parts on my Rolex. I just like my watches pure.

Allan

JNOV · 20 April 2009, 05:31 AM

Good call Allan. There is nothing like the original. So, why do you want to switch the back Mark?

theken · 20 April 2009, 06:25 AM

Why a sapphire back you ask? I would never remove the back from one of my watches. Consequently, I have not seen the movement of any of my Rolex Sports watches (GMT2, SUB, EXP2, Daytona). It is interesting to me for my own "education". The fact that it is not "decorated" does not matter to me.

abr68 · 20 April 2009, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theken

Why a sapphire back you ask? I would never remove the back from one of my watches. Consequently, I have not seen the movement of any of my Rolex Sports watches (GMT2, SUB, EXP2, Daytona). It is interesting to me for my own "education". The fact that it is not "decorated" does not matter to me.

Are you kidding

The watch won´t be serviced anymore

2nd NO WARRANTY on any single piece of the watch anymore by ROLEX

3rd the ROLEX movements are not that "decorated" and builded for good quality and long life. So there is really not anything visible you could see in a 50$ Swatch

Hopefully you let your nice watches in the ORIGINAL way they are!

Rhodan · 20 April 2009, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abr68

Are you kidding

The watch won´t be serviced anymore

2nd NO WARRANTY on any single piece of the watch anymore by ROLEX

3rd the ROLEX movements are not that "decorated" and builded for good quality and long life. So there is really not anything visible you could see in a 50$ Swatch

Hopefully you let your nice watches in the ORIGINAL way they are!

As long as the OP changes the caseback to the original before taking the watch in for servicing/warranty I don't think Rolex would be able to know...

So warranty and service should not beaffected by this change.

landroverking · 20 April 2009, 07:24 AM

Why?

SubKing · 20 April 2009, 07:32 AM

see, I would never put one of these on my rolex, I like to leave my watches the way they were made... if you want a saphire caseback then pick up a panerai 112 base like I did and then u can have the best of both worlds

sheldonsmith · 20 April 2009, 09:10 AM

Oh pleeease....

The sapphire casebacks are relatively to install if you have the tools and have worked with watches before. If one hasn't, a watch maker can install it quickly as well as insure that it is water tight to 100M, the same depth rating as the original caseback if the caseback is purchased from a reputable dealer (typically Germany)...

If the watch has to go back to an RSC, simply remove the sapphire caseback (simple tool) and reinstall the original before shipping...

Rolex even made a sapphire caseback back in the 50's (only one though)

Plenty of info at http://www.minus4plus6.com/caseback.htm

-Sheldon

TempoKing · 20 April 2009, 09:36 AM

An Opera window or see-through crystal back is easy to make
But
You will most definately own a "monkey" than a Rolex watch.
Open backs are reserved for "Calibres magnifique" and not
"Plane Jane" Rolex movements, like my friend Padi56 suggests and rightly so.

scottjal · 20 April 2009, 11:21 AM

Strange we had to wait for the 11th post before someone posted the -4+6 site on this.

Personally I wouldn't just because it makes the watch thicker and who knows about the water tightness. Especially on the newer ones with the recessed case backs.

bodybump · 20 April 2009, 01:40 PM

ooopsss sorry i thought i was in the panerai section when you guys talking about clear back casing...

postiff · 20 April 2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

Its not a problem to do if you have the correct tool but got to ask why.The Rolex movement is very plain Jane and not the best to look at,but excellent in all other departments.If you do change it just keep your other back safe to change when watch requires a service,as Rolex will not service with aftermarket case back fitted.

How is the below not pretty? I was just gonna start a thread about this. I have heard they are not pretty to look at. I beg to differ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by theken

Why a sapphire back you ask? I would never remove the back from one of my watches. Consequently, I have not seen the movement of any of my Rolex Sports watches (GMT2, SUB, EXP2, Daytona). It is interesting to me for my own "education". The fact that it is not "decorated" does not matter to me.

Never seen the movement huh?

Lets change that right now.

Pretty enough for me to take my caseback off and photograph. I got some good shots burning a hole in my pocket.

Danny

<>

Alcan · 20 April 2009, 08:32 PM

Here's my take on it.

1. No its not original, but its also not the Holy Grail. Its a wristwatch.

2. Yes, its as waterproof as the original.

3. Does it sit higher on the wrist? Marginally, but not enough that I notice any difference.

4. If the watch needs to go back to the RSC, the original caseback can be re-installed in 5 minutes, as I did with mine last month.

We're not talking major irreversible changes like chopping off the crown guards here, just swapping out a caseback.

Andad · 20 April 2009, 08:53 PM

x2 Al.

5 minutes to open the bracelet and change the back. It is just a simple 'o' ring seal.

20 April 2009, 03:23 AM	#1
theken "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA Watch: GMT-Master II Posts: 3,417	GMT2 with sapphire back Recently I received a pepsi GMT2 in a trade. This GMT2 joins a coke GMT2 in my collection. I am considering replacing the back of one of these watches with an aftermarket sapphire case back. I have read several posts from others who have done this. Anyone wish to offer advise either way on making this change? Currently a sapphire case back is selling for about $175.

20 April 2009, 09:10 AM	#11
sheldonsmith 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Member 202♛ Posts: 1,815	Geez...... Oh pleeease.... The sapphire casebacks are relatively to install if you have the tools and have worked with watches before. If one hasn't, a watch maker can install it quickly as well as insure that it is water tight to 100M, the same depth rating as the original caseback if the caseback is purchased from a reputable dealer (typically Germany)... If the watch has to go back to an RSC, simply remove the sapphire caseback (simple tool) and reinstall the original before shipping... Rolex even made a sapphire caseback back in the 50's (only one though) Plenty of info at http://www.minus4plus6.com/caseback.htm -Sheldon __________________

20 April 2009, 11:21 AM	#13
scottjal "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Scott Location: SC Watch: GMT II Posts: 464	Strange we had to wait for the 11th post before someone posted the -4+6 site on this. Personally I wouldn't just because it makes the watch thicker and who knows about the water tightness. Especially on the newer ones with the recessed case backs. __________________ sj

20 April 2009, 01:40 PM	#14
bodybump ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 SubLV41 Sponsor & Boutique Seller Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Oscar Location: Florida Watch: Me!!! Posts: 23,233	ooopsss sorry i thought i was in the panerai section when you guys talking about clear back casing... __________________

20 April 2009, 08:32 PM	#16
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Here's my take on it. 1. No its not original, but its also not the Holy Grail. Its a wristwatch. 2. Yes, its as waterproof as the original. 3. Does it sit higher on the wrist? Marginally, but not enough that I notice any difference. 4. If the watch needs to go back to the RSC, the original caseback can be re-installed in 5 minutes, as I did with mine last month. We're not talking major irreversible changes like chopping off the crown guards here, just swapping out a caseback. Attached Images __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

20 April 2009, 05:15 AM	#3
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,540	Padi, here's probably a stupid question: If you put the saphire back on, does that affect the water tightness?

20 April 2009, 05:26 AM	#4
allanofcalifornia "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Allan Location: California Posts: 3,210	Stupid question - Why? Since the back will be on your wrist, then why put a sapphire case on the back? I prefer not to have aftermarket parts on my Rolex. I just like my watches pure. Allan

20 April 2009, 05:31 AM	#5
JNOV Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Johnathon Location: NY Watch: GMT 16710 SS Posts: 48	Good call Allan. There is nothing like the original. So, why do you want to switch the back Mark?

20 April 2009, 06:25 AM	#6
theken "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA Watch: GMT-Master II Posts: 3,417	Why a sapphire back you ask? I would never remove the back from one of my watches. Consequently, I have not seen the movement of any of my Rolex Sports watches (GMT2, SUB, EXP2, Daytona). It is interesting to me for my own "education". The fact that it is not "decorated" does not matter to me.

20 April 2009, 07:24 AM	#9
landroverking "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Jay Location: TEXAS Watch: Daytona Posts: 7,648	Why?

20 April 2009, 07:32 AM	#10
SubKing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Watch: where do i start?? Posts: 3,254	see, I would never put one of these on my rolex, I like to leave my watches the way they were made... if you want a saphire caseback then pick up a panerai 112 base like I did and then u can have the best of both worlds

20 April 2009, 09:36 AM	#12
TempoKing Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Anastasios Location: Athens Greece Watch: Rolex GMT 1675 Posts: 8,497	An Opera window or see-through crystal back is easy to make But You will most definately own a "monkey" than a Rolex watch. Open backs are reserved for *"Calibres magnifique"* and not "Plane Jane" Rolex movements, like my friend Padi56 suggests and rightly so.

20 April 2009, 08:53 PM	#17
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,534	x2 Al. 5 minutes to open the bracelet and change the back. It is just a simple 'o' ring seal. Attached Images __________________ E

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