Mechanical with Closed Case-Back
Hi All,
I am looking for a mechanical watch (can be hand wind or automatic) with a closed case back that can be engraved.
Price range is below $500 and I would prefer it to be a dress watch but am open to other options as well.
This would be a gift for my 13 year old son who is a budding watch enthusiast.
I am having a hard time finding something with a closed case back in this price range.
Any help would be greatly appreciated .
Thanks !
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Ezra
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Howell, NJ, USA
Member since
Last active: 4 months ago
The Hamilton Mechanical Field fits the bill very well. I own one but it's locked in a safe right now with the collection. Not sure what's on the case back. Not a ton of text as I recall
The Hamilton Mechanical Field fits the bill very well. I own one but it's locked in a safe right now with the collection. Not sure what's on the case back. Not a ton of text as I recall
Will check it out .
Are they usually below $500?
Thank you !
Have you checked out the used market? Older Seiko divers? Some of them have a wave caseback though, so you’d need to swap it out for an aftermarket one if you go that route.
Does your son like the ocean, etc or more land based activities?
The Hamilton khaki is a decent choice. There’s also a bunch of micro brands available
Rze makes some pretty cool pieces, solid titanium with a closed Ti caseback.
https://www.rzewatches.com/collections/resolute-collection/products/resolute-2022-medallion-yellow
Or there’s the Boldr Venture, also Ti
https://www.boldrsupply.co/collections/venture-automatic?page=1
Edit: I just realised you're looking for a dress watch. I’ll leave the previous suggestions here though. In case they help.
Edit II: it’s quite the challenge finding a mechanical dress watch under $500 with a closed caseback.
How about the Vario 1918 Trench? It’s technically a field watch, but since it’s modeled after the field watches of the Great War, it’s rather dressy.
https://vario.sg/collections/1918-trench-medic
I actually have this watch, and I love it.
One thing to be aware of, is it has fixed lugs/wire lugs.
This means that in general you can only ever put a nato/single pass/one piece strap on it.
Vario actually sells clip on leather straps for the 1918, of you don’t like the look of a pass-through.
Mine came with a beautifully engraved caseback, however the option of an empty caseback and bespoke laser engraving is available also.
Might also want to check out About Vintage. They also offer an engraving service.
Will check it out .
Are they usually below $500?
Thank you !
Will be right in there. If you are in the US (maybe even if you are not) contact Monica Barrett at Righttime Watch in Denver. Let her know Fred from CA in Watch Crunch recommended you. She will work with you on price
Hamilton is good and so is Baltic.
Lorier has a few options right at $500 plus engraving can be done by them so it arrives ready to go.
Lorier has a few options right at $500 plus engraving can be done by them so it arrives ready to go.
Yeah I was going to say Lorier as well. Baltic HMS also has a closed caseback at 360 euro.
Lorier.
Sub $500 dress watch, that can survive the calamities of a 13 year old? May I suggest:
Tissot Gentleman Swissmatic or
Seiko Presage (variety of dial colors)
Citizen Tsuyosa (variety of dial colors)
DIY, a father/son build project. Purchase kits from various companies
Have you checked out the used market? Older Seiko divers? Some of them have a wave caseback though, so you’d need to swap it out for an aftermarket one if you go that route.
Does your son like the ocean, etc or more land based activities?
The Hamilton khaki is a decent choice. There’s also a bunch of micro brands available
Rze makes some pretty cool pieces, solid titanium with a closed Ti caseback.
https://www.rzewatches.com/collections/resolute-collection/products/resolute-2022-medallion-yellow
Or there’s the Boldr Venture, also Ti
https://www.boldrsupply.co/collections/venture-automatic?page=1
Edit: I just realised you're looking for a dress watch. I’ll leave the previous suggestions here though. In case they help.
Edit II: it’s quite the challenge finding a mechanical dress watch under $500 with a closed caseback.
How about the Vario 1918 Trench? It’s technically a field watch, but since it’s modeled after the field watches of the Great War, it’s rather dressy.
https://vario.sg/collections/1918-trench-medic
I actually have this watch, and I love it.
One thing to be aware of, is it has fixed lugs/wire lugs.
This means that in general you can only ever put a nato/single pass/one piece strap on it.
Vario actually sells clip on leather straps for the 1918, of you don’t like the look of a pass-through.
Mine came with a beautifully engraved caseback, however the option of an empty caseback and bespoke laser engraving is available also.
These are great suggestions, thanks !
Sub $500 dress watch, that can survive the calamities of a 13 year old? May I suggest:
Tissot Gentleman Swissmatic or
Seiko Presage (variety of dial colors)
Citizen Tsuyosa (variety of dial colors)
DIY, a father/son build project. Purchase kits from various companies
These are great.
But i think all of these in automatic versions have open casebacks.
Might also want to check out About Vintage. They also offer an engraving service.
About vintage looks perfect. I will be ordering this ! i had never heard of this brand before, thank you so much for the recommendation.
About vintage looks perfect. I will be ordering this ! i had never heard of this brand before, thank you so much for the recommendation.
No problem I had a good experience with them and have only heard good things. Good luck 🍀.