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Anyone else not a fan of display backs?

texasmade
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Depends on the watch for me. I don’t care for it on a Rolex since they don’t bother decorating the movement or Omega Seamaster since it makes the watch thicker than it needs to be. On brands like PP, AP, VC, or ALS, they better have a clear case back.
 
Mad Dog
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Well...I’m definitely not a fan of display backs that are on watches that I built...because I get to see the damage that I did during assembly...I was in a hurry and the screwdriver slipped...and I scratched the plate...DOH! 😲

ETA 6497-1 built [and scratched] at AWCI “Build & Scratch A Watch” school...

147B6FC6-3E8E-4304-BB42-3ECFAF66B4C3.jpeg
 
DaveK
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@Vercingetorix , interesting, the display back crystal sticks to your skin?

I wish more pocket watches had display backs, that’d be supa kool. I don’t have any display back watches, but I do have a display front watch

5D10D505-CC46-41F6-87BC-1262186752AB.jpeg
 
Spruce
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I read this thread and was all set to side with the closed-back cohort until I recalled how pleased I’d been with my red rotor Oris Pilots, when I first got them.
F9796B2C-7269-4725-B266-B20A593FB5C3.jpeg

(Although I rarely notice them now)
 
Engee
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Mad Dog Mad Dog
Well...I’m definitely not a fan of display backs that are on watches that I built...because I get to see the damage that I did during assembly...I was in a hurry and the screwdriver slipped...and I scratched the plate...DOH! 😲

ETA 6497-1 built [and scratched] at AWCI “Build & Scratch A Watch” school...

147B6FC6-3E8E-4304-BB42-3ECFAF66B4C3.jpeg
Make a virtue of it - engrave the word “scratch” just next to it!
 
nobbylon
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The only one I have is my Panerai 111 which I do like but Omega for me shouldn’t have them and it’s the one thing that’s stopped me getting an sm300mc. Display backs and that aweful mucky orange lume that some call ‘patina’. The 300mc is better imo than the 57 300 in that regard. Is there a solid back that would fit the MC?

7A34B046-A5D2-4192-98F2-95A7F8C881E7.png
 
Caliber561
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The whole "mechanical movement" part of watches is what got me into watches, so I love having exhibition casebacks on my timepieces. Some things are too beautiful to be kept in the dark.
Back.jpg
 
Martin_J_N
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I would like a good movement to view, one that is well decorated, and pleasing on the eye, it seems logical to see how a watch ticks and watch all those wheels, springs, cogs and levers all working in harmony. Still looking for the right watch to make this happen.
 
kboyle
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I wouldn't go out of my way looking for one, but it wouldn't steer me away from a purchase either.
 
Evitzee
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I started collecting in 1979 and the top watches of that era; PP, AP, VC, Breguet all had solid backs, that's just the way it was. The great Patek Philippe's of that era like the Ref 2499 and 3450 had solid backs. Then about 1985, as prices started ramping up and more collectors appeared they started to want display backs. For awhile Patek Philippe, Roger Dubuis and maybe a couple of others included a clear and solid back in the package, but I don't remember seeing anyone swapping the clear back to the solid back. I don't care one way or the other, I seldom look at the back of the watch, I don't need visual confirmation that I spent my money well.
 
BrianPankow
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Twocats Twocats
I purchased this Bremont Wright Flyer For the tiny piece of the first powered aircraft the rotor contains. That and the fact it’s the first Bremont in house developed movement ::facepalm1::::facepalm1::::facepalm1:: sorry , couldn’t resist.

A solid case back wouldn’t help me admire my fingernail section of the aircraft that started it all.


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One of the things I love about this forum is that I find out about watches I’ve never heard of before. (See above) Then I hit the internet to get an idea of the selling price. After I say to myself, ‘Jesus, Mary and Joseph’ I sit back and admire an amazing piece of engineering I will never own.
 
Thrasher36
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I love a display case back, What offends me very much is when they cut a hole in the dial so u can see the movement, to me that is obscene!
Tourbillon...There must be a better way?
Seiko 5 so you would deprive a young person seeing the movement, this early exposure may lead them into watch making.
Accutron Spaceview Ok as the movement can be the dial
Edited:
 
Bugbait
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Thrasher36 Thrasher36
I love a display case back, What offends me very much is when they cut a hole in the dial so u can see the movement, to me that is obscene!

Unless it's to show off a tourbillon. Why wouldn't you want to see that beauty?
 
Thrasher36
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KGrHqVg8FDfHnTziBQ9W9U7n60_57641a96044c986a13.jpg
 
Scooterino36
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Evitzee Evitzee
I don't care one way or the other, I seldom look at the back of the watch, I don't need visual confirmation that I spent my money well.

Some people just like to look at the movement in action, not to confirm that they spent their money well.

It seems you do very much care in one specific way. 😀
 
Pazzo
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Evitzee Evitzee
......

I don't care one way or the other, I seldom look at the back of the watch, I don't need visual confirmation that I spent my money well.


I honestly don't get this part of your comment. ... 😵‍💫

So, is it something like, as long as I got what I wanted, I don't ........
 
amcclell
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I'm not a fan of display backs, although if a watch that I wanted had one that was part of the design, it would not deter me. I would never modify one to add a display back.
 
Pazzo
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bigsom bigsom
.....

...To say that a watch with a simple movement which is targeted towards a person who is buying a watch at a lower price point shouldn't have its movement displayed because it's not a "luxury item" is asinine.

The way I see it, it's a marketing trick that works.
 
Evitzee
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Pazzo Pazzo
I honestly don't get this part of your comment. ... 😵‍💫

So, is it something like, as long as I got what I wanted, I don't ........
It's not complicated, if I spend my money on a particular watch from a certain manufacturer I expect to get the appropriate finishing. I don't need visual confirmation to that fact. Some people do, that's fine.
 
P
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I hate them. I like many of the new models, but won't ever have one with a glass back. My other watches are Bremonts and it's the same story; I'd like one of their chronographs but they all have glass backs.
 
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