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Old 17 October 2009, 02:16 AM   #1
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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:
IMG_0234.JPG

Here is the candidate for the transplant... a modern 116520 SS Daytona..

IMG_0232copy.JPG

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.
IMG_0241.JPG

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:

IMG_0243copy.JPG


Maybe next time, we'll actually put it on......
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Old 17 October 2009, 02:22 AM   #2
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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:
IMG_0232copy.JPG

The first step is to take off the bracelet so we can work without any additional fuss or interference:

IMG_0244copy.JPG

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:
IMG_0245copy.JPG

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.
IMG_0246copy.JPG


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:
IMG_0256acopy.JPG

Let's shine a light on our movement:

IMG_0256bcopy.JPG

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................
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Old 17 October 2009, 02:29 AM   #3
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Awesome looking watch!!!
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Old 17 October 2009, 02:45 AM   #4
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Larry, stunning as usual.

That caseback really suits the Daytona.

Thanks for sharing

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Old 17 October 2009, 10:11 AM   #5
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Thanks Larry for the step by step workshop pics

Are the gold painted letters real or just normal paint?
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Old 18 October 2009, 09:48 PM   #6
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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?

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Old 19 October 2009, 12:56 AM   #7
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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†
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Old 19 October 2009, 02:12 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lol-x View Post
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 View Post
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........
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Old 19 October 2009, 10:46 AM   #9
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That is one gorgeous watch. I think the movement is beautiful. Very nice work Larry.
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Old 19 October 2009, 10:49 AM   #10
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Can you do that clear back to any rolex?
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Old 23 October 2009, 06:43 AM   #11
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That is Amazing Thanks For Sharing
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Old 24 November 2009, 06:15 PM   #12
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Looks good! Love seeing that Bleu hairspring lol!
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Old 24 November 2009, 08:32 PM   #13
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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?
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Old 25 November 2009, 03:25 AM   #14
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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..........
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Old 25 November 2009, 05:17 AM   #15
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The EXP II is showcased here in the Reference Library under the Amateur Watchmakers Corner..........
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Old 25 November 2009, 11:15 AM   #16
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Looks awsome Larry!!! May i ask what the price is for the caseback??
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Old 19 December 2009, 09:12 AM   #17
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Wow - when I read the top of the post I really had my doubts about it, but it really does look great.
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Old 25 December 2009, 09:23 AM   #18
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Old 31 December 2009, 12:50 PM   #19
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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
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Old 31 December 2009, 09:44 PM   #20
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que belleza Larry!!!
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Old 10 February 2010, 04:43 AM   #21
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Great workshop detailed pics... Thanks Larry for sharing.
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Old 27 May 2010, 11:45 AM   #22
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Does applying this caseback any warranty would be gone??????
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Old 27 May 2010, 12:29 PM   #23
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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
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Old 27 May 2010, 12:52 PM   #24
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Quote:
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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 ..
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Old 27 May 2010, 01:20 PM   #25
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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.
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Old 6 June 2010, 03:24 PM   #26
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Looks great Larry. Just a question... how much torque is necessary for tighten the caseback?
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Old 8 June 2010, 09:53 AM   #27
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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....
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Old 15 June 2010, 10:24 PM   #28
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Hi Thomas, does this fit 16520 'E' series as well ?
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Old 16 June 2010, 07:26 AM   #29
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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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Old 16 June 2010, 09:12 AM   #30
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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....
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