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Tools · 17 October 2009, 02:16 AM

The 4130 is a great looking movement.. It can be displayed with an aftermarket transparent Case-back.

Let's review one in this part.

this case back is from Mr. Thomas Preik, German Master Watchmaker.

Here is what it looks like:
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Here is the candidate for the transplant... a modern 116520 SS Daytona..

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The clear case back has a clear viewing area that is 1.100"/28mm in diameter. That is similar to the Dial which is 1.200"/30.48mm in diameter.

The Sapphire thickness is .038"/.96mm - this compares exactly to the thickness of the Daytona case back which is also .038"/.96mm at the center.
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The machine work is excellent, threads are clean, and the inside diameter is nicely finished too.

I've polished up the glass, and set it aside until I get the old back off and things cleaned up and ready:

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Maybe next time, we'll actually put it on......

Tools · 17 October 2009, 02:22 AM

If you have been following, we have taken a look at a transparent case-back for the Daytona in part 1, and are installing that case-back in part II

This is the candidate watch and clear case-back:
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The first step is to take off the bracelet so we can work without any additional fuss or interference:

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Once we have our parts accessible and our tools on hand, we need to remove the old case-back. Here I have mounted it in a case-back removal tool and will install and use the 29.5mm case-back socket:
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With the case-back off, we can see any build-up of grit, dirt, and residue around where the original back was.. this will need to be cleaned up before installing the transparent back.. Here it is all cleaned up.
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After a bit of clean-up, and fitting a good O-ring that has been lightly coated with silicone grease, we finger tighten our new transparent case-back into place:

Not a bad look at all:
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Let's shine a light on our movement:

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With the proper tools, the whole operation is less than 5 minutes... then it's down to the local watchmaker for a pressure check..

...........Everything is OK................

the KING · 17 October 2009, 02:29 AM

Awesome looking watch!!!

Tony-GB · 17 October 2009, 02:45 AM

Larry, stunning as usual.

That caseback really suits the Daytona.

Thanks for sharing

hsung · 17 October 2009, 10:11 AM

Thanks Larry for the step by step workshop pics

Are the gold painted letters real or just normal paint?

Lol-x · 18 October 2009, 09:48 PM

Fantastic work Larry

I think this looks great, and Rolex has helped out with that red printing on the rotor. Maybe Rolex knew this movement was destined for a clear caseback

Does the clear caseback increase the thickness of the watch? If so did you have to do a bracelet adjustment?

jmsrolls · 19 October 2009, 12:56 AM

Looking good, Larry!

How's the fit and feel on the wrist?

I finally gave up on the display back on my EXPII. I never got accustomed to the added size and extra weight on my round wrist. Now another forum member will give it a go.

On the other hand, I love the way Thomas's back wears on my Omega 2254.50 SMP. I plan to add one to my 2255.80 as soon as funds in the watch account permit.

Fr. John†

Tools · 19 October 2009, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Fantastic work Larry

I think this looks great, and Rolex has helped out with that red printing on the rotor. Maybe Rolex knew this movement was destined for a clear caseback

Does the clear caseback increase the thickness of the watch? If so did you have to do a bracelet adjustment?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

Looking good, Larry!

How's the fit and feel on the wrist?

I finally gave up on the display back on my EXPII. I never got accustomed to the added size and extra weight on my round wrist. Now another forum member will give it a go.

On the other hand, I love the way Thomas's back wears on my Omega 2254.50 SMP. I plan to add one to my 2255.80 as soon as funds in the watch account permit.

Fr. John†

All of the casebacks seem to add about a half mm to the thickness. It is extremely slight.. Where you notice it is that the thickness of the clear case-back extends more broadly across the back... In other words, it doesn't taper as much near the edges, and as Fr. John mentions, he finds that extra width uncomfortable.. Personally, I do not and do use a clear caseback on one of my Exp II's..

Neither watch needed a bracelet adjustment for the same fit........

Bon Temps · 19 October 2009, 10:46 AM

That is one gorgeous watch. I think the movement is beautiful. Very nice work Larry.

Pep04 · 19 October 2009, 10:49 AM

Can you do that clear back to any rolex?

meshari · 23 October 2009, 06:43 AM

That is Amazing Thanks For Sharing

Nicko16 · 24 November 2009, 06:15 PM

Looks good! Love seeing that Bleu hairspring lol!

Alsey · 24 November 2009, 08:32 PM

I've often thought it would be great to see that beautiful movement inside..
Great job and thankyou for sharing this..

Any chance we can see the EXP II you mentioned?

Tools · 25 November 2009, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alsey

I've often thought it would be great to see that beautiful movement inside..
Great job and thankyou for sharing this..

Any chance we can see the EXP II you mentioned?

The EXP II is showcased here in the Reference Library under the Amateur Watchmakers Corner..........

Alsey · 25 November 2009, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

The EXP II is showcased here in the Reference Library under the Amateur Watchmakers Corner..........

TSW · 25 November 2009, 11:15 AM

Looks awsome Larry!!! May i ask what the price is for the caseback??

HunterST · 19 December 2009, 09:12 AM

Wow - when I read the top of the post I really had my doubts about it, but it really does look great.

p-hunter · 25 December 2009, 09:23 AM

http://www.uhrarmbandonline.de/epage...lasboden/Rolex

R S · 31 December 2009, 12:50 PM

Larry, the Daytona looks great. I ordered a transparent caseback from Mr. Preik for my speedmaster, but my local watchmaker says it sits 3-4mm above the case when screwed down and he wouldn't suggest leaving it like that. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. RS

vitix · 31 December 2009, 09:44 PM

que belleza Larry!!!

MagedMS · 10 February 2010, 04:43 AM

Great workshop detailed pics... Thanks Larry for sharing.

tachif · 27 May 2010, 11:45 AM

Does applying this caseback any warranty would be gone??????

SubKing · 27 May 2010, 12:29 PM

hey larry,
i was just wondering, what made you choose this caseback over swiss watch customs case, which looks closer to factory with the same kind of teeth the rolex casebacks have? i just ordered on from them, but now im thinking, is your better? i was wondering how much the caseback costs because swiss watch customs are going for 275, ouch.

looks amazing btw

Tools · 27 May 2010, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SubKing

hey larry,
i was just wondering, what made you choose this caseback over swiss watch customs case, which looks closer to factory with the same kind of teeth the rolex casebacks have? i just ordered on from them, but now im thinking, is your better? i was wondering how much the caseback costs because swiss watch customs are going for 275, ouch.

looks amazing btw

If I had a caseback from Swiss Watch Customs, I would do a review of theirs too.. I understand that the teeth are for looks only and so you cannot use a caseback tool to torque them down like you can with the Preik version ..

SubKing · 27 May 2010, 01:20 PM

i just went to the swiss watch customs site. it said in small small print,
"Our sapphire casebacks cannot be installed using the standard Rolex tool. A rubber tool or a ball opener should be used to install your caseback. Click here to learn more about the installation of our Sapphhire Casebacks for Rolex."

i hope it works bc i just bought one so i hope its not down the drain.

omg i just checked out the Preik cases, they cost a small fortune probably for a good reason.. i feel like mines cheap now. i hope it works out.

larry, do you think my LG case rench would work on it? it has different heads.

Stipey · 6 June 2010, 03:24 PM

Looks great Larry. Just a question... how much torque is necessary for tighten the caseback?

bewithabob · 8 June 2010, 09:53 AM

the movement is so beautiful, it is a shame not to be able to see, with the Rolex approved case back, it as you have demonstrated here. I guess you would have to change it back to the original case back in order to send it in for warranty service... I wish I could have this view of my Daytona every day....

Andrew Bailey · 15 June 2010, 10:24 PM

Hi Thomas, does this fit 16520 'E' series as well ?

jenzo · 16 June 2010, 07:26 AM

Larry,

i got the caseback installed but before i pressure tested my watch guy asked for the thickness of the crystal. do you happen to know? he didnt feel too confident testing for fear the crystal would break and damage the movement.

he said anything short of 1MM would be insufficient.

any idea?

-jenzo

Tools · 16 June 2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenzo

Larry,

i got the caseback installed but before i pressure tested my watch guy asked for the thickness of the crystal. do you happen to know? he didnt feel too confident testing for fear the crystal would break and damage the movement.

he said anything short of 1MM would be insufficient.

any idea?

-jenzo

The crystal is Sapphire, the same as the front crystal.. It is 1mm thick....

17 October 2009, 02:16 AM	#1
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Daytona - Transparent Caseback Review/Install.. (part I) The 4130 is a great looking movement.. It can be displayed with an aftermarket transparent Case-back. Let's review one in this part. this case back is from Mr. Thomas Preik, German Master Watchmaker. Here is what it looks like: Here is the candidate for the transplant... a modern 116520 SS Daytona.. The clear case back has a clear viewing area that is 1.100"/28mm in diameter. That is similar to the Dial which is 1.200"/30.48mm in diameter. The Sapphire thickness is .038"/.96mm - this compares exactly to the thickness of the Daytona case back which is also .038"/.96mm at the center. The machine work is excellent, threads are clean, and the inside diameter is nicely finished too. I've polished up the glass, and set it aside until I get the old back off and things cleaned up and ready: Maybe next time, we'll actually put it on...... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member Last edited by Tools; 7 October 2019 at 01:51 PM..

17 October 2009, 02:22 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Daytona Transparent Caseback..Install (part II) If you have been following, we have taken a look at a transparent case-back for the Daytona in part 1, and are installing that case-back in part II This is the candidate watch and clear case-back: The first step is to take off the bracelet so we can work without any additional fuss or interference: Once we have our parts accessible and our tools on hand, we need to remove the old case-back. Here I have mounted it in a case-back removal tool and will install and use the 29.5mm case-back socket: With the case-back off, we can see any build-up of grit, dirt, and residue around where the original back was.. this will need to be cleaned up before installing the transparent back.. Here it is all cleaned up. After a bit of clean-up, and fitting a good O-ring that has been lightly coated with silicone grease, we finger tighten our new transparent case-back into place: Not a bad look at all: Let's shine a light on our movement: With the proper tools, the whole operation is less than 5 minutes... then it's down to the local watchmaker for a pressure check.. ...........Everything is OK................ __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member Last edited by Tools; 7 October 2019 at 01:59 PM..

17 October 2009, 02:45 AM	#4
Tony-GB "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: Oxfordshire, UK Watch: 116680 & 116622 Posts: 3,953	Larry, stunning as usual. That caseback really suits the Daytona. Thanks for sharing __________________ "...why oh why, didn't I take the blue pill...?" http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/ www.cheetah.org

18 October 2009, 09:48 PM	#6
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,587	Fantastic work Larry I think this looks great, and Rolex has helped out with that red printing on the rotor. Maybe Rolex knew this movement was destined for a clear caseback Does the clear caseback increase the thickness of the watch? If so did you have to do a bracelet adjustment? __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

25 November 2009, 11:15 AM	#16
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	Looks awsome Larry!!! May i ask what the price is for the caseback?? __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

17 October 2009, 02:29 AM	#3
the KING "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Paris Posts: 218	Awesome looking watch!!!

17 October 2009, 10:11 AM	#5
hsung Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne Watch: Daytona Posts: 288	Thanks Larry for the step by step workshop pics Are the gold painted letters real or just normal paint?

19 October 2009, 12:56 AM	#7
jmsrolls Banned Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 3,185	Looking good, Larry! How's the fit and feel on the wrist? I finally gave up on the display back on my EXPII. I never got accustomed to the added size and extra weight on my round wrist. Now another forum member will give it a go. On the other hand, I love the way Thomas's back wears on my Omega 2254.50 SMP. I plan to add one to my 2255.80 as soon as funds in the watch account permit. Fr. John†

19 October 2009, 10:46 AM	#9
Bon Temps "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: LA Watch: SD43 Posts: 360	That is one gorgeous watch. I think the movement is beautiful. Very nice work Larry.

19 October 2009, 10:49 AM	#10
Pep04 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Pep Location: Miami Watch: GMTIIc, Pam320 Posts: 2,773	Can you do that clear back to any rolex?

23 October 2009, 06:43 AM	#11
meshari Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Meshari Location: USA Watch: Rolex 1016 Posts: 31	That is Amazing Thanks For Sharing

24 November 2009, 06:15 PM	#12
Nicko16 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The World Posts: 55	Looks good! Love seeing that Bleu hairspring lol!

24 November 2009, 08:32 PM	#13
Alsey "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bangkok Watch: GMT II C Posts: 217	I've often thought it would be great to see that beautiful movement inside.. Great job and thankyou for sharing this.. Any chance we can see the EXP II you mentioned?

19 December 2009, 09:12 AM	#17
HunterST "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Eli Weisman Location: Los Angeles Watch: 1675/3, 79090 Posts: 442	Wow - when I read the top of the post I really had my doubts about it, but it really does look great.

25 December 2009, 09:23 AM	#18
p-hunter "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Thomas Location: Sweden Watch: 116509 Panda Dial Posts: 109	http://www.uhrarmbandonline.de/epage...lasboden/Rolex

31 December 2009, 12:50 PM	#19
R S "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Robert Location: N.O.LA. Posts: 475	Larry, the Daytona looks great. I ordered a transparent caseback from Mr. Preik for my speedmaster, but my local watchmaker says it sits 3-4mm above the case when screwed down and he wouldn't suggest leaving it like that. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. RS __________________

31 December 2009, 09:44 PM	#20
vitix Banned Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: magneeleVE Location: Usa Watch: magneeleVE Posts: 2,030	que belleza Larry!!!

10 February 2010, 04:43 AM	#21
MagedMS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Maged Location: Egypt Watch: SUBMARINER 114060 Posts: 514	Great workshop detailed pics... Thanks Larry for sharing. __________________ ROLEX SUBMARINER-114060/116610 LN/116613 LB ROLEX DEEPSEA-116660/116660 DBL/SD43-126600 ROLEX GMT II C-116710 LN/EXPLORER II-216570 BK ROLEX DAYTONA-116503 BLABR ROLEX MILLGAUSS-116400 GV

27 May 2010, 11:45 AM	#22
tachif "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Roberto Location: Puerto Rico Watch: ALL MY 15 WATCHES Posts: 33	Does applying this caseback any warranty would be gone??????

27 May 2010, 12:29 PM	#23
SubKing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Watch: where do i start?? Posts: 3,254	hey larry, i was just wondering, what made you choose this caseback over swiss watch customs case, which looks closer to factory with the same kind of teeth the rolex casebacks have? i just ordered on from them, but now im thinking, is your better? i was wondering how much the caseback costs because swiss watch customs are going for 275, ouch. looks amazing btw

27 May 2010, 01:20 PM	#25
SubKing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Watch: where do i start?? Posts: 3,254	i just went to the swiss watch customs site. it said in small small print, "Our sapphire casebacks cannot be installed using the standard Rolex tool. A rubber tool or a ball opener should be used to install your caseback. Click here to learn more about the installation of our Sapphhire Casebacks for Rolex." i hope it works bc i just bought one so i hope its not down the drain. omg i just checked out the Preik cases, they cost a small fortune probably for a good reason.. i feel like mines cheap now. i hope it works out. larry, do you think my LG case rench would work on it? it has different heads.

6 June 2010, 03:24 PM	#26
Stipey "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Norway Posts: 187	Looks great Larry. Just a question... how much torque is necessary for tighten the caseback?

8 June 2010, 09:53 AM	#27
bewithabob "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Bob Location: Dallas, Texas Watch: Daytona Meteorite Posts: 3,417	the movement is so beautiful, it is a shame not to be able to see, with the Rolex approved case back, it as you have demonstrated here. I guess you would have to change it back to the original case back in order to send it in for warranty service... I wish I could have this view of my Daytona every day.... __________________ meteor flying to Earth onto my wrist... 116509 Daytona Meteorite, 116520 Daytona Black, 116710 GMTIIC, 16013 DATEJUST, CARTIER SANTOS 100 W20090X8, IWC Big Pilot, IWC Top Gun "Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."

15 June 2010, 10:24 PM	#28
Andrew Bailey "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Andrew Bailey Location: England Watch: IWC Da Vinci 1754 Posts: 1	Hi Thomas, does this fit 16520 'E' series as well ?

16 June 2010, 07:26 AM	#29
jenzo Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Sherman Oaks Watch: White SS Daytona Posts: 4	Larry, i got the caseback installed but before i pressure tested my watch guy asked for the thickness of the crystal. do you happen to know? he didnt feel too confident testing for fear the crystal would break and damage the movement. he said anything short of 1MM would be insufficient. any idea? -jenzo

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