As someone who appreciates mechanical watches I think it makes sense to have at least one watch in a collection that shows a nicely decorated movement. Ironically even though I'm a huge fan of display backs my last two purchases were solid backs but for my next piece I think a nicely finished movement with a clear case back will be on the agenda. I know people say when its on the wrist you dont see the back etc. I feel this will make a special edition not only self gratifying but also a great conversation piece. I find from past watches i owned w display backs its a great way for a non WIS to see the difference of a quartz and mechanical watch and also make them appreciate and possibly spark a new interest. Has anyone else felt the need to have at least one watch in a collection to enjoy gazing upon a nicely finished movement? If so what's your favorite? Love to see some pics also!
Who finds at least one watch w display back should be in a collection?
JPfeuffer
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As someone who appreciates mechanical watches I think it makes sense to have at least one watch in a collection that shows a nicely decorated movement. Ironically even though I'm a huge fan of display backs my last two purchases were solid backs but for my next piece I think a nicely finished movement with a clear case back will be on the agenda. I know people say when its on the wrist you dont see the back etc. I feel this will make a special edition not only self gratifying but also a great conversation piece. I find from past watches i owned w display backs its a great way for a non WIS to see the difference of a quartz and mechanical watch and also make them appreciate and possibly spark a new interest. Has anyone else felt the need to have at least one watch in a collection to enjoy gazing upon a nicely finished movement? If so what's your favorite? Love to see some pics also!
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I prefer display backs myself. Even if the movement is not particularly polished or decorated, I think it adds a lot to the watch. I have often taken my watch off and shown my children, their friends, and others how fascinating the little mechanical marvel is that rides on my wrist. It has sparked interest in, and even purchases of, mechanical watches. It is not necessarily a compromise on WR either, my Fortis has a display back and is ISO rated at 200m.
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+1 to all of this. To me, these days, if you are paying a significant amount of money for a watch, there had better be a compelling reason not to have a display back for one to be absent. In divers with major water resistance, 1000m or more, I can understand the practical reason for not having one. Otherwise, I would like to have a peak at the movement. If I owned a Rolex, I would have to get some sort of aftermarket display back. I really don't know why that brand doesn't offer those with regularity since water resistance is no longer really a rationale.
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Not me. Might be useful for ID purposes in future I suppose, but I know what a movement looks like. None of my vintage watches have it. I have a couple of modern Russian watches that do, but I don't really care.
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Sure, I like having a clear caseback on my manual Dornbluth. After nine months, I still often take my watch off to admire the movement.
However I can honestly say I'd prefer to not have the clear caseback on my Omega PO. The movement is decent enough to look at, but the rotor blocks most of the view, and I really would prefer a sleek solid case-back on a diver.
However I can honestly say I'd prefer to not have the clear caseback on my Omega PO. The movement is decent enough to look at, but the rotor blocks most of the view, and I really would prefer a sleek solid case-back on a diver.
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Those pictures of Nomos remind me why I don't like 3/4-plate movements. An acre of cotes de Geneve and blue screws does not a beautiful movement make. There's no doubting the quality, but the aesthetics don't do it for me.
I have many watches with solid backs, and many with display backs. The latter are fun, but that novelty wears off pretty quickly. As for my choice of what goes on my wrist any given day, the presence of a display back does not remotely enter into consideration.
But if a watch has a display back, I want it to show me some beauty. Displaying an unfinished movement--meh.
Rick "who knows the difference between beauty built in and beauty built on" Denney
I have many watches with solid backs, and many with display backs. The latter are fun, but that novelty wears off pretty quickly. As for my choice of what goes on my wrist any given day, the presence of a display back does not remotely enter into consideration.
But if a watch has a display back, I want it to show me some beauty. Displaying an unfinished movement--meh.
Rick "who knows the difference between beauty built in and beauty built on" Denney
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I used to love them. It came to a point when I thought a watch was incomplete if I did it have a display case back. Now after a couple of years since I started this hobby, I really don't care much for them unless its a decorated movement. If its a watch with a regular 2824 then I rather have a normal caseback.
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When I was looking for my first mechanical watch, I did a spreadsheet so I could see all the different options at a glance. I have bought 2 since then, with probably a third shortly, and none of them have/will have a display back. And this is despite thinking it was really important to start with.
I wouldn't mind having a display back on a watch, but I would probably prefer a solid case back, unless the movement was really beautiful.
A widespread obsession with seeing the movement seems to be a relatively recent phenomenon, but I prefer more classically styled/ sized watches, and ones with a bit if a military heritage, so I wouldn't expect to see the movement on these. My next one will probably be a diver, so again, I wouldn't normally expect an exhibition back.
I understand why it is of interest to others though, and I also understand why it is becoming the norm.
CWC - Junghans Max Bill - Seiko - Longines - Cartier
I wouldn't mind having a display back on a watch, but I would probably prefer a solid case back, unless the movement was really beautiful.
A widespread obsession with seeing the movement seems to be a relatively recent phenomenon, but I prefer more classically styled/ sized watches, and ones with a bit if a military heritage, so I wouldn't expect to see the movement on these. My next one will probably be a diver, so again, I wouldn't normally expect an exhibition back.
I understand why it is of interest to others though, and I also understand why it is becoming the norm.
CWC - Junghans Max Bill - Seiko - Longines - Cartier
I love them. I regularly take my Speedmaster off and admire the decorated movement. Good talking piece at work as well. I don't think it's a novelty that would ever wear off though you do pay a premium for them. I paid £600 extra for a clear bit of glass at the back rather than a piece of metal.
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While I agree it is a lot extra to pay, you also are paying for more than a display back. You are getting a domed sapphire crystal (very expensive to manufacture), as well as a better decorated movement with another metal part for display (instead of plastic). Personally, I think you made the right choice, it's what I'm saving for...
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Well I think your Ebels are smelly.
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I am a big fan of display backs. Not having one isn't a deal-killer though.
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*chuckle*
I think the Nomos movements look nice (especially mine heh heh) but I wouldn't say they compete with some of the more "open" ones like the Lange pictured earlier.
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