Removing A Rolex Case-Back.....!!!

[bry1975]

Imo if you want to remove a rollie caseback best using the right tools.

Reasonable bit of kit:-



Even better:-



The second one is a peach to use :D

[gregdolley]

Thanks for the awesome tutorial, Larry!

[gregdolley]

Originally Posted by RLX-lvr

Good call. Or a pencil mark would do just fine.



Where on earth did you get that info from Alcan.? Nice.

Jeff

Jeff - Rolex's site has the 45 Newtons info.

[Flyin_V]

That seemed like fun!

[elijahenoch]

your kiling me larry ! that was cool!

[adam69sun]

This is professional the technique.

[miamiman]

well I guess the best way to know if its sealed is not to take it to the ocean. or take a shower with it.

[HunterST]

Larry - you're a braver man than me. Thanks for the great tutorial.

[David Woo]

very nice tutorial Larry, thank you.
One thing I do when removing any caseback, have a moistened q tip handy, and clean the mating surfaces as the caseback is carefully pulled up and away from the case. This helps prevent any foreign objects from falling onto the movement.
I was one of the architects for the BH RSC when it was built 10 years ago, and I got a tour of the watch repair floor when the Rolex factory guys had finished installing their equipment, a very impressive environment.
DW

[Numismatist]

Awesome tutorial, I wish I had the guts to try that on my own!

[Safetrends]

Thanks for the education, great layout!

[andrew_uzio]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[JEC]

If you don't feel like getting the tool set, I have a trick I learned a while ago to open any screw back without leaving a mark.

Gorilla Tape.

Wipe the case thoroughly to get rid of the grease from your arms. Take a strip of tape and roll it into a sausage. Firmly press it onto the centre of the case back and grab on tight. I usually hold the watch in my hand with a soft cloth and twist while pressing down firmly. It will open up a lot easier than you think most of the time - the only time it doesn't work is if some overzealous person previously overtightened it, then you need to break out the tools. It also works to close it very firmly, but of course you will want to have it checked by a watchsmith for water seal if you actually subject your watch to water.

The advantage is a roll of Gorilla Tape costs 8$ and can be found anywhere, and it won't leave a mark on your watch. I use this technique when opening vintage watches to verify the movements and numbers.

[sheldonsmith]

Very cool... I would like to see an image if you ever get the chance...

-Sheldon

[dr_bypass]

Im preety sure the torque stated in the post (45 inch lbs)
assures both gasket integrity & absolute waterproofness. About
the missalignment well, its a concern and a potentially catastrophic
one for sure

[mpkRolex]

Do you have to change the gasket and seals everytime you open the case back? That is what my watchmaker told me. He had to do so when I had him open my Daytona yesterday to look at the parachrome blue hairspring. It took him 2 minutes to open but almost 20 minutes to close after replacing the gaskets and seals. He also did the pressure test after. +2 secs and 50 hrs of power save was his findings about the watch.

[bewithabob]

awesome post.

[rva33145]

Thanks for the info.

[skyedog]

Great Post Larry ! Thanks for sharing!

[SWIMPRUF]

Nicely done and nice thread.

[Wacker23]

Nicely done. Great picture tutorial.

[Fagin]

great info, thanks