Solid vs open caseback

[Eddie]

Hello everyone,
I would like to ask your help to clarify me a little. I don't know much about watches, but they attract me and I love them a lot. respectively, I would like to know more details about them, and what are the differences between them. At the moment, I have a conflict with watch case backs. I notice that both in the replica industry and in the authentic watch industry there are models with solid casebacks and transparent ones. Is it true that those with a transparent caseback are more sought after by the clientele?
Why do some replica watches have a solid caseback, when the original model has a transparent one? And if we are talking about an authentic watch, which version has more value? I found authentic models that are valid both with open and solid casebacks. I wonder if there is any difference in the internal mechanism in them, the watch model being exactly the same. To be more specific, Constantin Vacheron has such a watch model. It is about 47200, it seems to me, which was initially proposed with a solid back. And the subsequent iterations were already available in a version with a transparent back. The replica watch (at least the one I found) is only with a closed steel caseback.

There are other watches that I found with a double caseback. and I was a little shocked to see that the price difference is huge. Now I'm wondering, is it possible to get one with a solid caseback, because it's cheaper, and then change it to a transparent one? Do watch repair experts deal with this?
Many apologies if from one question, I ended up asking 10 questions. but I'm really a bit confused and the information on google doesn't help me much. On the contrary, it confuses me even more. Thanks for any clarification.
Take care of yourself!

 

[MCGregor]

it seems to me that the transparent caseback idea is nothing more than a sales strategy. it impresses you only at the beginning, for a short period of time, and then you don't even pay attention to this "feature". I would agree that all watches with an open caseback that I've ever owned should have a closed case. I really have no affiliation with this approach and there is nothing that fascinates me in it.

Theoretically, it would be possible to change its caseback along the way. but you have to talk to the specialist about not changing the watch case, together with the caseback. I have heard of such situations when the expert replaced the whole case instead of the caseback only....

and one more moment, if it is a sapphire crystal plate that you want to replace, keep in mind that you will add some extra mm to the height of the watch. steel or titanium is much more resistant, although it is thin. the crystal, to be sufficiently protective, must be relatively thicker

 

[Skorsese]

I find something attractive seeing how the mechanism moves inside. sometimes, when I'm stuck with something in the work process, I take out my watch and look at it from behind, and somehow the sight calms me down

in most cases, solid casebacks are used for an increased degree of protection of the cases. especially when it comes to a diver that has to withstand water and pressure, it is unlikely that you will find a crystal caseback .
Another reason is how beautiful the mechanism inside looks. if it does not have very beautiful decorations, the manufacturers will not leave it visible with a transparent caseback.
in the replica industry, this is what actually happens in most cases: watches with dubious mechanisms are covered by a solid caseback. However, this is not a standard rule. some replicas do have nice mechanisms. Only that the manufacturers don't get too complicated and close it under a solid caseback

 

[Greg_B]

it seems to me that the transparent caseback idea is nothing more than a sales strategy. it impresses you only at the beginning, for a short period of time, and then you don't even pay attention to this "feature". I would agree that all watches with an open caseback that I've ever owned should have a closed case. I really have no affiliation with this approach and there is nothing that fascinates me in it.

Theoretically, it would be possible to change its caseback along the way. but you have to talk to the specialist about not changing the watch case, together with the caseback. I have heard of such situations when the expert replaced the whole case instead of the caseback only....

and one more moment, if it is a sapphire crystal plate that you want to replace, keep in mind that you will add some extra mm to the height of the watch. steel or titanium is much more resistant, although it is thin. the crystal, to be sufficiently protective, must be relatively thicker

I thought that it could impact the height actually ... the most rational think that it should be changed only for relatively thin cases. otherwise, with a tall watch, this would turn into a brick with only a few mm more and thanks for the "whole case change thing"... didn't know that there could be such misunderstandings

 

[Greg_B]

I find something attractive seeing how the mechanism moves inside. sometimes, when I'm stuck with something in the work process, I take out my watch and look at it from behind, and somehow the sight calms me down

in most cases, solid casebacks are used for an increased degree of protection of the cases. especially when it comes to a diver that has to withstand water and pressure, it is unlikely that you will find a crystal caseback .
Another reason is how beautiful the mechanism inside looks. if it does not have very beautiful decorations, the manufacturers will not leave it visible with a transparent caseback.
in the replica industry, this is what actually happens in most cases: watches with dubious mechanisms are covered by a solid caseback. However, this is not a standard rule. some replicas do have nice mechanisms. Only that the manufacturers don't get too complicated and close it under a solid caseback

to be honest, I'm more inclined to save some money, than to contemplate the mechanism, in which I don't really understand anything anyway

when I saw that the difference between Vacheron is 3k-4k between a transparent caseback and a solid one, I said to myself that one has to be crazy to pay for something that is not really displayed in front of the watch, but remains somewhere behind and it's just "seeable" from time to time... I just can't figure it out if the caseback is the only difference in price. if yes, so watch bands must be crazy...

 

[MinervuS]

I think that 2 types of watches should be differentiated here: ordinary and luxury. For ordinary ones, with a traditional, but good and durable mechanism such as those from the ETA series, a closed and solid caseback is somewhat logical and somewhat necessary. What can you see in them if their priority is not to be beautiful, but resistant? It is possible that for an uninitiated person, they would generate curiosity. but a connoisseur of watches or for a WIS here, these mechanisms probably wouldn't be of much interest.

If we talk about luxury watches, synonymous with haute horology and high-end architecture, then their goal is to captivate not only through resistance but also through beauty. Aesthetics of luxury watches is their basic priority, including the internal mechanism. but how will you see how beautiful it is? Right, through the open caseback . Luxury brands are talented in the decoration of movements, in addition to their technical reliability. that's why they're transparent, so you can see what you're paying for

 

[Eddie]

I think that 2 types of watches should be differentiated here: ordinary and luxury. For ordinary ones, with a traditional, but good and durable mechanism such as those from the ETA series, a closed and solid caseback is somewhat logical and somewhat necessary. What can you see in them if their priority is not to be beautiful, but resistant? It is possible that for an uninitiated person, they would generate curiosity. but a connoisseur of watches or for a WIS here, these mechanisms probably wouldn't be of much interest.

If we talk about luxury watches, synonymous with haute horology and high-end architecture, then their goal is to captivate not only through resistance but also through beauty. Aesthetics of luxury watches is their basic priority, including the internal mechanism. but how will you see how beautiful it is? Right, through the open caseback . Luxury brands are talented in the decoration of movements, in addition to their technical reliability. that's why they're transparent, so you can see what you're paying for

bag your pardon what WIS stands for in your comment? or u might misspelled smth) the comment is really welcome, thanks))

 

[MinervuS]

bag your pardon what WIS stands for in your comment? or u might misspelled smth) the comment is really welcome, thanks))

no, it's not a mistake at all... WYS stands for Watch Idiot Savants is a slang that defines us all here

 

[WatchOut]

look at this beauty... it's the main reason why a watch should have a transparent back. I ended up not accepting original watches without a transparent caseback, because I think it's a terrible deal-braker. how can you not be attracted to such beauty?

 

[EuGeniuS]

look at this beauty... it's the main reason why a watch should have a transparent back. I ended up not accepting original watches without a transparent caseback, because I think it's a terrible deal-braker. how can you not be attracted to such beauty?

same here.... I wouldn't mind spending a whole day looking at them... I didn't understand them at first, but along the way you understand that this is no less attractive and important in a watch than the dial

 

[CosmoS]

@Eddie you will hear different opinions here for sure and it is not excluded that you will be confused even more)
so it would be good to understand what exactly you are looking for in your watch, be it replica or original. Try to answer a few questions: how important is the budget for a watch? if it's a priority, you'll probably skip the transparent casebacks of the original models. if you focus on imitations, they are more accessible, but anyway you have to ask yourself how relevant is the transparent back. if not relevant at all - you have no reason to buy it.
In general, how much does a mechanism in a watch capture you? I'm also referring to the Vacheron you mentioned. if it is about a mechanism like no other, why not take advantage of its uniqueness?
Anyway, I don't really think that the price difference of the Vacheron is only for its caseback. There must be something else for the price difference to be so big. you probably missed this point. I suppose that people would not buy watches with transparent casebacks to such a large extent, given that they have 3k more affordable options....
if you keep saying that you are a novice in the hobby, don't complicate yourself right from the beginning. I suggest to diversify with dials and complications for the beginning. Along the way, you will come to better understand the mechanisms, as well as their beauty

 

[WatchOut]

@Eddie you will hear different opinions here for sure and it is not excluded that you will be confused even more)
so it would be good to understand what exactly you are looking for in your watch, be it replica or original. Try to answer a few questions: how important is the budget for a watch? if it's a priority, you'll probably skip the transparent casebacks of the original models. if you focus on imitations, they are more accessible, but anyway you have to ask yourself how relevant is the transparent back. if not relevant at all - you have no reason to buy it.
In general, how much does a mechanism in a watch capture you? I'm also referring to the Vacheron you mentioned. if it is about a mechanism like no other, why not take advantage of its uniqueness?
Anyway, I don't really think that the price difference of the Vacheron is only for its caseback. There must be something else for the price difference to be so big. you probably missed this point. I suppose that people would not buy watches with transparent casebacks to such a large extent, given that they have 3k more affordable options....
if you keep saying that you are a novice in the hobby, don't complicate yourself right from the beginning. I suggest to diversify with dials and complications for the beginning. Along the way, you will come to better understand the mechanisms, as well as their beauty

I don't think it's a good idea to skip the movements right from the beginning. movements is what make a watch work by definition and it is important to understand their specific characteristics from the very beginning. you suggest that @Eddie buy a BMW just because it's beautiful on the outside, without going into details about the engine, horsepower, etc...
it is obvious that the transparent back is an illustration and demonstration of refinement and superior execution in a watch. However, the price difference really cannot be that big. if you appreciate beauty, you will want to see beauty in your watch. if you limit the beauty only to the dial and bracelet, you will opt for a solid caseback

 

[CuriousGeorge]

I don't think it's a good idea to skip the movements right from the beginning. movements is what make a watch work by definition and it is important to understand their specific characteristics from the very beginning. you suggest that @Eddie buy a BMW just because it's beautiful on the outside, without going into details about the engine, horsepower, etc...
it is obvious that the transparent back is an illustration and demonstration of refinement and superior execution in a watch. However, the price difference really cannot be that big. if you appreciate beauty, you will want to see beauty in your watch. if you limit the beauty only to the dial and bracelet, you will opt for a solid caseback

well, yes and no, actually... if it's about a watch to exhibit its beauty through the intricate mechanism, why not opt for a skeleton watch. it does exactly what you say: it displays the beauty of its mechanism. and you can see it all along the way. the open caseback is a bit nonsense. it's like looking at a painting that is placed backwards. and to contemplate it, u need to flip it otherwise.
i see it more like a marketing tool actually. just like @MCGregor said.

somehow, brands have to convince the clientele, and the transparent back is a good method to increase prices, and sales respectively. but, at the level of necessity, these displays are practically without any practical and aesthetic sense.

 

[CosmoS]

well, yes and no, actually... if it's about a watch to exhibit its beauty through the intricate mechanism, why not opt for a skeleton watch. it does exactly what you say: it displays the beauty of its mechanism. and you can see it all along the way. the open caseback is a bit nonsense. it's like looking at a painting that is placed backwards. and to contemplate it, u need to flip it otherwise.
i see it more like a marketing tool actually. just like @MCGregor said.

somehow, brands have to convince the clientele, and the transparent back is a good method to increase prices, and sales respectively. but, at the level of necessity, these displays are practically without any practical and aesthetic sense.

after all, it's not about how much a watch lover knows or not. it's about how brands can demonstrate that their watches really are a true masterpiece. you can't just go to a store and ask the assistant to disassemble the watch just to show you how beautiful or not the mechanism is. so it's more of a confirmation that what you're buying is really a well-crafted watch, and it's by no means a matter of showing off. how else could you tell the difference between in-house mechanisms and mediocre ones?

after all, the brands are all slowly moving to in-house mechanisms. and why not show what these have achieved as a brand, and that they are different from a standard mechanism? it is already the final customer who decides to enjoy this offer, or to opt for a closed mechanism with a solid caseback.
but my conclusion is that the transparent ones are like an additional confirmation that the brand you have chosen is an artistic one down to the smallest details, including the mechanism

 

[CosmoS]

I don't think it's a good idea to skip the movements right from the beginning. movements is what make a watch work by definition and it is important to understand their specific characteristics from the very beginning. you suggest that @Eddie buy a BMW just because it's beautiful on the outside, without going into details about the engine, horsepower, etc...
it is obvious that the transparent back is an illustration and demonstration of refinement and superior execution in a watch. However, the price difference really cannot be that big. if you appreciate beauty, you will want to see beauty in your watch. if you limit the beauty only to the dial and bracelet, you will opt for a solid caseback

my message was not to skip the movements, but to take things gradually. otherwise, a total mess is created in the head. and I think it is impossible to "read" inside movements as soon as you enter the watch hobby right away. that takes time, a lot of time. meanwhile, Eddie could focus on the dials and other elements of a watch

 

[FleurDeLis]

for me, the transparent back is like "ive got nothing to hide from u" in a watch. it's like a sign that the brand really perfects even the movement from the inside.
however, when it comes to a watch with a solid back, I don't necessarily think of it as poor quality. somehow the echo of the brand makes me trust, without any additional evidence. so it's ok if the back is solid.
if we talk about the replica industry though, I have more confidence in watches with a transparent back than a solid one

 

[Eddie]

I can hardly keep up with your comments. either way, thanks for the involvement of each of you...
I just wanted to specify that I give particular priority to the exterior of the watches usually. this means the dial, the bracelets, as well as how well they harmonize with each other. Then come the complications. and only after, the appearance of the back. so it is by no means a priority for me, but more of a bonus. As for the Vacheron model, I was curious to understand if the back plays such an important role in its price. But it seems that the price has more to do with the perfect finish than with the back of the watch.))

 

[Cacktoos]

I don't agree with closed casebacks. in the modern watch industry, this means being transparent to the client. not seeing the movement means not knowing anything about the watch. I accept closed casebacks only in replica watches, as these, somehow don't have precisely decorated mechanisms. and yet, I try to look for them.
but with an authentic watch, there is no discussion. blancpain, Omega, even tissot expose their mechanisms through a transparent back. I think that the rest of the brands should follow their example.... regards

 

[chip&dale]

I don't like them and I don't see the meaning behind the transparent watches backs. It's as if a piece of BMW construction is transparent to show me how the engine works and how high-quality it is. bullshit.... I trust genuine brands and it's no sense for me to see the piece of metal spinning inside because I don't understand anything about it anyway...if it was up to me, I would have asked all companies to have versions with closed caseback for all watches. the customer is the one who ultimately decides if he wants it or not. ...

take the example of Rolex! not a single watch with an exhibition caseback!!! why would it do that? because the brand creates movement that lasts like forever and under various pressures, not for beauty.
and if a rolex with a see-through caseback appeared, it would look ugly!!! and even if the movements are not impeccably decorated and finished, who cares? instead they perform like workhorses!

 

[Matias]

I think you have to hold a watch with a display caseback in your hand to really understand its value. if you've never held one in your hand, it's hard to make assumptions about how valuable or not this feature is. I was somehow indifferent to display casebacks until I saw my brother's watch. he had bought a Seagull chrono and what impressed me the most about it was the display of the caseback. And I want to mention that the watch was nowhere near one that was part of the upper level of horology. and yet, the view attracted me through other ways. To see how the inner mechanism works, in total silence, with impeccable accuracy is something truly beautiful. I'm not sure if I would pay a difference of several thousand between a model with a display or a solid caseback. But if it were about the same price, I would not hesitate to opt for the transparent one.

I was once again convinced of the beauty of interior design when I saw the caseback of my CEO's North Flag Tudor. Again, it was not a fine mechanism. it was as rudimentary as possible. but I was attracted to its activity itself, more than the accurate edges or refined decorations.

Maybe you are putting too much emphasis on the beauty of the mechanism itself. But I emphasize the symbolism of the passage of time that you can see through the tiny details moving continuously.
Maybe this is the difference that explains why some people see or not see the beauty in mechanisms?!