How important is a display caseback for you when buying a mechanical watch?

It's cool to see the movement moving, but most watches aren't finished to a degree that makes you want to look all that often.

I answered "C" because I feel more strongly than B but less strongly than D.  😜

For me, a huge part of the reason to own a mechanical watch over a quartz comes down to the engineering and manufacturing of the movement. Ergo, I like to gaze upon that engineering from time to time.

That being said, I won't turn down a watch that doesn't use an exhibition case, but I do strongly prefer when they have it.

Hate them. Uncomfortable glass adds thickness and I never look. There's never much to see anyway. Very little moves appreciably, and I'm not that wowed by frippery. The mystery is better than the revelation. If anyone knows how I can get a solid case back for my Seiko SNK, I'd be glad to be rid of the stupid rear window.

Yep that’s pretty much how I feel to 

If the movement is nicely decorated, I want to see it. Otherwise…plug it up. 😂

For me it’s a nice to have and shows that the maker feels that there is something worth showing.

It’s correct to say that many manufacturers don’t finish their movements to a degree that is all that remarkable…but a collector that is early on in their ‘career’ might feel that it’s a dealbreaker…. I still remember my first automatic watch (Tissot Le Locle Automatic) and I loved the look and the wording was tout en Francais 🧐 

Even though I don't own any high end watches with beautifully hand finished movements, I still appreciate having a display caseback.

I currently have 4 watches with exhibition case backs and on only one did it factor into the decision making, so I could have one watch with it. 

Other than that, having/not having an exhibition case back hasn't mattered to this point. It's a cool to have feature, but it's not going to make/break a watch buying decision if the watch in question has or doesn't have it. So I voted B as the closest option to my feelings on it.

I like an engraved back, but I’m not too fussed about exhibition casebacks. 

It'a nice, but not really that important. Heck, the only reason I like sapphire caseback displays are because it's cooler on the skin compared to hesalite, mineral or hardlex. 

Also too poor to own something with one of those fancy movements you like to peekaboo with

Those are some beauties. 😍

If anyone knows how I can get a solid case back for my Seiko SNK

A "Seiko SKX slim caseback" from a modding part seller should do the trick.

Oh yeah...really hate it when it sticks to your wrists after you get sweaty.

An exhibition case can be exciting like seeing a lover’s bits and bobs for the first time. Sadly, though…familiarity breeds boredom and ultimately contempt. 

I’m a B bordering to an A. I have just 1 when I thought it was justified. When I bought my Speedmaster I thought it would have been nice to have but the hesalite glass was what I wanted and between the two the display caseback added height to the watch.

I want to be able to see the movement. I don't care how well decorated it is. It amuses me. No, I don't look often. That said, the caseback would never be the deciding factor.

Apropos of nothing, here's a cheap watch with a cheap movement that looks pretty cool. 

I don't own any. I also don't think that I am missing anything.

Not a deal breaker but love to see the working mechanism and appreciate the art and engineering. I have Got 8 with display case backs and spend hours looking at them.  Also becomes a piece of conversation when you start showing your watch even if the person in front of you thinks you are an idiot for spending so much money. 

I don't own one yet and my next purchase should have one. I have one automatic and 2 kinetics, and I still put them close to my ear to hear the rotors. So, I'll probably hypnotize myself LOOKING at a movement.

I almost bought a Maen Hudson until they ditched the display back for a higher water resistance rating. Got a Vaer D5 instead. I like things that have lots of parts

To me, it does not influent me much unless it is a high decoration movement. It will add your watch thickness, that is bothering me the most 😩😩

Display backs are awesome if you enjoy seeing the movement. Many watch movements aren't worth looking at.  Some movements have a bridge which covers the balance wheel and ruins the view.  If that's the case I would prefer a nice engraved solid back.

I honestly don't see the point of having a display back. Most movements aren't much to look at from the back and there is even less to see if they are automatic. The glass add thickness and vulnerability, which in my opinion are more important issues.

I get it that watching the movement in action can be mesmerizing but people seldom wear their watches face down and you can always spend some time watching the laundry tumble in a front loading washer if the experience is of such importance to you. 

Love open caseback but i have others closed..

I have display casebacks on a couple of my watches - the only one I value is the Breguet, as the movement finishing is a work of art in itself (even the automatic works rotor has been guilloched) - otherwise, it's interesting, but not that stimulating