Display Casebacks... Yea or Nay?
I'll admit it. The first time I saw a display caseback, I was pretty geeked.
I've mentioned before that one of the reasons I enjoy watches was the impressive engineering and the thought of a tiny little machine on my wrist. I mean during a time people were struggling to make indoor toilets a common thing, we were producing watches that could keep time to within seconds. All those tiny little gears, pivots and springs (alright mostly one spring) working together. And to be able to get a little glance at just the rotor and the balance wheel was heaven!
But a little like a kid who gorged on candy and now just wants to a little of Mom's meatloaf, I'm over it.
I want to say that I don't understand the appeal, but that's a lie. I totally get it. I remember that moment of excitement looking through the back and pretending like I knew how it worked. A little like I stare under the open hood of a hot rod at a car show. I'm impressed at the the engineering and build that is creating that rumble and horsepower and I'm never going to admit I have only a very basic knowledge of what's happening.
"This baby's got a Coaxial 8500. 39 jewels, running at 25,200bph, with a 60hr power reserve". Do I almost sound like I know something?
I must be getting old though, because I still value what's under the hood, but I don't need to see it too appreciate it anymore. Plus looking at an NH35 is like admiring a Toyota 4 banger. It's reliable and good for it's purpose but not much to look at. I know, I know there are much more artistic movements. High end movements that are both mechanically sound and pleasant to look at. With lots of brushing and polishing and engraving. But I don't care any more than I care if the heads on my V8 are engraved. I just want it to throw my head back with torque when I stomp on the accelerator.
I'm obviously in the minority here. Display casebacks are so popular. They've become almost standard. I know I don't speak for everyone and I'm sure plenty will disagree with me. But to me, display casebacks are completely overrated. I spend a few moments when I first get a watch looking at the movement then promptly forget about it. If a solid caseback will score me a thinner profile, count me in! I'd rather see a cool logo embossed on a caseback. Leave me some space to engraved a cheesy message for a special occasion. I'd rather they used that those man hours and money put into decorating those high end movements to figure how to get a few extra beats an hour. Or better yet just trim it off the retail price so maybe I can afford one!
They're just a strong possibility that these are just nonsensical ramblings. There's also a strong possibility I could be wrong, I'm wrong a lot, I am after all just a dumihed.
How do you feel about Display Casebacks. Yea or Nay? Or meh...
Just a watch dumi hoping to learn stuff
I belong to the “indifferent”, leaning towards “nay” group. Like you, I care about the movement but don’t need to see it. The absence of a display caseback has never dissuaded me from purchasing the watch and neither has the presence of one - because visually, the topside is what matters not its backside (imo)🤙
I belong to the “indifferent”, leaning towards “nay” group. Like you, I care about the movement but don’t need to see it. The absence of a display caseback has never dissuaded me from purchasing the watch and neither has the presence of one - because visually, the topside is what matters not its backside (imo)🤙
I want to count that as a nay. But it feels more like a meh... 😂
Topside or backside?! I love it!
I belong to the “indifferent”, leaning towards “nay” group. Like you, I care about the movement but don’t need to see it. The absence of a display caseback has never dissuaded me from purchasing the watch and neither has the presence of one - because visually, the topside is what matters not its backside (imo)🤙
Added meh...
I will take whatever caseback the watch comes with, display or solid. If it doesn’t affect the watch’s cost, performance and characteristics, sure, let’s see what’s going on, even if it’s not highly finished or adorned.
There’s one big company in the world that uses solid casebacks exclusively and it seems to be working out ok for them.
I can take or leave it. But I do enjoy one.
I will take whatever caseback the watch comes with, display or solid. If it doesn’t affect the watch’s cost, performance and characteristics, sure, let’s see what’s going on, even if it’s not highly finished or adorned.
There’s one big company in the world that uses solid casebacks exclusively and it seems to be working out ok for them.
I think I understand. Function first but form can be cool too
Looks like two for meh...
I can take or leave it. But I do enjoy one.
Three for meh...
Looks like meh... Is going to run away with it. 😂
I think I understand. Function first but form can be cool too
Looks like two for meh...
The brand that shall not be named would say "YES"
The brand that shall not be named would say "YES"
When you’re the 🐐it doesn’t matter.
When you’re the 🐐it doesn’t matter.
That reminds me.
Go Suns Baby!
That reminds me.
Go Suns Baby!
Well played sir, well played. We’ll see you again. It’s a long season.
This brand?
This brand?
Score one for the villain! In my defense, I did say I was wrong a lot.
I'm going to count you as a yea
I like and enjoy them. Not a must for watches I purchase, but doesn't hurt so long as they are still moderately slim. Some watches aren't worthy of having a displayed movement but the ones that are can be things of beauty. It's not that I'll see it while wearing the watch but I do check them out regularly.
I will take whatever caseback the watch comes with, display or solid. If it doesn’t affect the watch’s cost, performance and characteristics, sure, let’s see what’s going on, even if it’s not highly finished or adorned.
There’s one big company in the world that uses solid casebacks exclusively and it seems to be working out ok for them.
Tudor too 🙂
Ohhh....
Using words like risque and seduce might swing me to change my mind.
But in your example, I think it's more case work than movement. But that casework is something to behold. I would trade a display case back for that case work any day of the week and twice on Sunday!
Cheers friend. A mark of a measured individual is to hold strong opinions weakly ;) And I agree, looking at a 200 movement isn’t that much of a draw but the demascus steel and case work is pretty sexy.
If someone has gone to the effort to put some sort of decoration on the movement then I want to see it, but if it is a generic undecorated movement then no.
There are some watches it's justified and others the added space of a crystal case back is wasted space.
The Seiko Alpinist SPB121 is a great example of wasted space Vs. The Seiko Alpinist SARB017 that did not have the display case back. The movement is really not that exciting to look at.
Then there's a Seagull ST-19 movement is always fun to look at!
I always want a display case back. Looking at the escapement just calms me down.
I thought that would change over the years. It hasn’t.
Whenever I need something to fidget with, I turn my watch over and admire it’s ‘beating heart’ or watch the rotor move in my hands.
For me, no engraving on a case back is better than loooing at a mechanical watchmovement.
Surely the whole point of a mechanical watch is the marvel that is the movement. I'll turn the question the other way; why wouldn't you want to see it? There are practical reasons why watches don't have them of course; they can compromise water resistance for example. But, if the movement doesn't interest you why not buy a quartz; it would be more accurate?
Addendum. It's only my opinion and I'm aware others are available but if you only see beauty and wonder in a decorated movement you're possibly missing the point.
If it has it is ok by me. If not, I don't lose sleep over it... I'd rather take functionality vs a see thru back. Unless you are buying a Grubey, Gothier, Gronenfeld or one of the holy trinity (and even there only non-sport models) watches, it matters very little. But I guess it keeps the manuf...ers honest? I recall Panerai Brooklyn Bridge debacle
I don’t understand a display caseback on an unfinished movement. Similarly, i don’t understand why you would finish a movement and close the caseback.
The former is cool for a novice, but you get sick of it eventually. The latter makes no sense if the purchaser is an enthusiast.
Sing it my friend! We are of similar mindsets. And your position was also well, articulated. But you should know that we are in the extreme minority lol
But now you have me curious. What is your pet giraffe's name?
His name is Archibald Quandale Allister Stevenson-Govender IV
That's why I need a full caseback for engraving.
Cool indeed! That Bulova is a watch I’d like to have at some point. Always loved the story of it and the brand. But honestly I’d never heard of Valimor. Gonna go check out your review now. Outstanding engraving and design.
Surely the whole point of a mechanical watch is the marvel that is the movement. I'll turn the question the other way; why wouldn't you want to see it? There are practical reasons why watches don't have them of course; they can compromise water resistance for example. But, if the movement doesn't interest you why not buy a quartz; it would be more accurate?
Addendum. It's only my opinion and I'm aware others are available but if you only see beauty and wonder in a decorated movement you're possibly missing the point.
You make solid points. I agree the whole point is to marvel at the movement. Like many in this hobby I often consider including watch repair (on a much smaller scale then you) because I'm so impressed and excited by the movement (but I lack the confidence). At first I was thrilled with a display caseback. But I find that I don't really utilize them. I can't see them when they're on my wrist or in the box. Perhaps that's my bad. Perhaps I should make some time each week to just spend some time with them.
But I don't need to see it too be impressed and excited. I tried to use a hot rod as an example in the post. The cars "movement" is nearly as impressive as my watches, but I don't see a lot of custom display hoods. My motorcycle has a "display movement". I enjoy it. But if you told me I could get better performance by covering it, I would. I know it's not apples to apples but it's the best comparison I could come up with in my tiny brain.
The title wave of responses were very consistent in the sentiment that if it's ornate show it. If not close it up. The beauty of an ornate movement is not lost on me. Especially the hand finished ones. The level of skill it must require boggles the mind. But using the car analogy I don't have need the heads engraved to appreciate that it'll shred the tires at will. But I do understand that at the highest levels of horology the laws of diminishing returns rules supreme and one of the only ways to set yourself apart is a beautifully finished movement.
I think movements are freaking amazing. I suppose I was just thinking that all those man hours and dollars could be put to better use trying to figure out a way to improve the performance of the watch or even better just eliminated to make it slightly more affordable.
But it's entirely possible that I'm confused.
I still really enjoy looking both at my more sophisticated movements as well as my rugged workhorse movements. All my mechanical watches are autos with display casebacks
That is awesome!!! I always say, "I learn new stuff on WC all the time". That is a lot of great information. I don't know if you've changed my mind but you've definitely gave me a new appreciation for elaborately decorated movements.
Thanks for the great comment (post)
Most of the time I'd take the slimmer watch rather than a display case back. But something like A. Lange & Söhne would feel like a waste of craftsmanship without one.
I'm a yea all the way. To me, the brilliance of timepiece engineering should be seen. I never tire of it.