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Putting a display caseback on a vintage speedmaster... thoughts?

S
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What are thoughts about putting a display caseback on a vintage Speedmaster? (like a pre '68 321)?
My thinking is that it would preserve the Hippocampus caseback (seeing as it wouldn't be getting worn smooth by the wrist contact) and one can see the movement in action, as well as show off what it is.

Is this cheesy? I do like the idea of preserving the original caseback as much as possible - but I also see the irony of doing so by keeping it stored away from sight...
 
SkunkPrince
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There are makers of aftermarket casebacks and of course genuine Omega parts... but the caseback is not the only part you have to change. Underneath the caseback is a magnetic shield (no, it's not a "dust cover"!) and that helps to hold the movement in as it was designed to. Therefore, additional parts are required. One of the local watchmakers will be along shortly to elaborate.
 
marco
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I have no problem with this idea and have done do so on my 2998.5.
Just make sure the original case back is safe and secure and to be extra cautious your next of kin should also know where it is !
Edited:
 
20180202_074100~2.jpg 20170312_100345.jpg
Evitzee
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marco marco
Just make sure the original case back is safe and secure to be extra cautious your next of kin should also knows where it is !
Unfortunately, most next of kin will not bother to reattach the original case back, or even make sure the watch is sold with it. Those kind of facts used to bother me but as I get older I can't let those eventualities bother me. I have instructions and numbers on all of my watches so that a complete package can be sold afterward but I never assume it will happen.
 
sxl2004
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It is your watch do what you want to.
I have display case backs on my two Speedies and enjoy the movements every time.
 
machamp6650
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Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
I have a much later 861 Speedy and I have a aftermarket sapphire caseback from here (He offers one for the 321):
http://www.customwatchconcepts.com/index.php?cPath=2_14

As @SkunkPrince mentioned, this one comes with the movement spacer, which allows you to correctly make the swap.
Here is my 861
IMG_1888.JPG

Love the look of these copper 861s. I have a clear caseback on an 1861 (sorry I don't have any photos at hand) but it's just not in the same league.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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machamp6650 machamp6650
Love the look of these copper 861s. I have a clear caseback on an 1861 (sorry I don't have any photos at hand) but it's just not in the same league.
Agreed! I love the color of them too. While my 861 was off getting serviced, I put the caseback on my 1861 and it really isn’t the same. Still fun to watch the movement though. Here was my 1861 with it

ECB5E076-B550-4135-94F3-9D5686F296DC.jpeg
 
marco
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Evitzee Evitzee
Unfortunately, most next of kin will not bother to reattach the original case back, or even make sure the watch is sold with it. Those kind of facts used to bother me but as I get older I can't let those eventualities bother me. I have instructions and numbers on all of my watches so that a complete package can be sold afterward but I never assume it will happen.
I have made arrangements with my watchmaker to be the selling agent on my exit. He obviously will take a commission but thats the price of no mistakes being made.
 
jaegodylan
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marco marco
I have made arrangements with my watchmaker to be the selling agent on my exit. He obviously will take a commission but thats the price of no mistakes being made.
what if he dies first?
 
marco
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jaegodylan jaegodylan
what if he dies first?
He's 30 years younger than myself.
If he has very bad luck I have a reserve guy a friend of his not in the same league technically but his connections are exemplary.
 
Willi
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From a purely aesthetic standpoint, these case backs look amazing. I have been contemplating one for my humble seamaster 1963.
Those speedmaster movements though🥰
 
Barking mad
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Here you go. I like them😀 It is a different spacer thickness for 321 compared to 861.
DSC_7414.JPG
 
S
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Great to see such positive response! And yes, the customwatchconcepts caseback is what I'm specifically looking at.
There are no (known) next of kin so... lol.
 
perks713
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S stefan_in_LA
Great to see such positive response! And yes, the customwatchconcepts caseback is what I'm specifically looking at.
There are no (known) next of kin so... lol.
Papa!? Is that you?
 
sxl2004
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customwatchconcepts Watchbacks is what I use. Very happy user.
 
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