Removing the case back .. is this true?

[SSdayton]

Hi all,

So I purchased a brand new unworn piece from a grey dealer. I checked the watch over and all seemed fine. I asked if we could remove the case back to inspect the movement, and was told I can but the seller would not be able to pressure test it to ensure it’s water tight, so it was my choice?

I opted to not open it, as everything else appeared as expected including the dealer.

But just wondered if what he said was actually accurate?

[ArtNouveau]

Should be tested after opening it up, yes.
The old adage applies, Buy the Seller. If you are unsure, shop elsewhere.

[Tools]

A good watchmaker can, indeed, open and close a case back without pressure testing with a very good likelihood that it is properly sealed.

However, if you don't do the test, you don't actually know.

[Token74]

Sounds reasonable. Will almost certainly be fine, but without pressure testing, how can you expect them to be sure. Equally, you only need pressure testing if you’re going deep, surely?? If you do what most of us do, a bit of swimming and maybe some basic scuba, surely pressure isn’t an issue??


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[Jas14]

I would always have that doubt in my mind if did not get it water tested.

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by SSdayton

Hi all,

So I purchased a brand new unworn piece from a grey dealer. I checked the watch over and all seemed fine. I asked if we could remove the case back to inspect the movement, and was told I can but the seller would not be able to pressure test it to ensure it’s water tight, so it was my choice?

I opted to not open it, as everything else appeared as expected including the dealer.

But just wondered if what he said was actually accurate?

a pressure test cost me 70 quid from an independent dealer on top of some work he was doing which is probably expensive so dont sweat it. if you want it opened do it and take it to someone who has the right equipment to pressure test it afterwards/

[Ihatecheese]

Yep fair statement on the waterproofing. Even if you opened it. Unless you are a professional at spotting fakes then a good fake would still looks legitimate and have the typical Rolex Stamped stuff

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by Tools

A good watchmaker can, indeed, open and close a case back without pressure testing with a very good likelihood that it is properly sealed.

However, if you don't do the test, you don't actually know.

Exactly
But I would not dive with such a watch

[WatchGuy1966]

If the Grey Dealer is a trusted seller here (or equivalent reputation in the watch world), I think you can trust it. They will stand behind it.

If it's truly a grey watch from a trusted seller, I think it's a 100% safe bet.

If it's a trusted seller selling a secondhand watch, I think their descriptions of condition are more than fair. It's just my observation and experience. I wouldn't open a caseback in this situation. I think they'll be generously reasonable if anything goes wrong here too.

However, I applaud your caution. If you were one of my real-life watch buddies and wanted to open the back, I'd support you.

Cheers and I hope it all works out for you

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by SSdayton

Hi all,



So I purchased a brand new unworn piece from a grey dealer. I checked the watch over and all seemed fine. I asked if we could remove the case back to inspect the movement, and was told I can but the seller would not be able to pressure test it to ensure it’s water tight, so it was my choice?



I opted to not open it, as everything else appeared as expected including the dealer.



But just wondered if what he said was actually accurate?

In such a situation you could apply a small piece of tape to the perimeter of the case back, taking note of its orientation, then count revolutions required to unscrew it and tracking the orientation of the tape when you lift the back off. Reversing the process will be a pretty good bet that you have achieved the same tightening torque and thus water resistance as you had previously. Of course, if you mess up a gasket or something along the way all bets are off, but barring that this would get you closer than simply "screwing it on tight". And you can do all this with a cheap rubber ball opener. No fancy tools, no chance of scratching. That said if the seller was legit you are likely ok. And if anything it might be a good sign that water resistance was on his radar to begin with, indicates at least some level of being detail oriented.

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[ltmgeller]

Should be tested after opening.

[RJRJRJ]

He probably just doesn't want to break the factory seal and then be responsible for it in the future.

[Jack T]

Maybe I’m thinking too deeply, but if you’re purchasing a brand new, unworn watch from a grey dealer, and you feel the need to open the case to inspect the movement for authenticity, I wouldn’t even buy the watch.