Installation should be performed by a competent individual familiar with servicing screw-down watch case backs. If you are unsure, we recommend having the installation carried out by a professional watchmaker.
The Sapphire Exhibition Case Back is designed as a direct replacement for the original Tudor case back and requires no permanent modification to the watch. Modification of the watch may affect the manufacturer warranty coverage. Steel Reef is an independent manufacturer and is not affiliated with any watch brand.
REQUIRED TOOLS
- Case back removal rubber ball or multi-pin case back wrench
- Finger cots or latex gloves
- Rodico® or equivalent watchmaker's cleaning putty
- Watchmaker's dust blower
- Spring bar tool, push-pin tool or suitable screwdriver (depending on bracelet type)
- Watchmaker's silicone bench mat, clean microfibre cloth or soft towel
PREPARE YOUR WORK AREA
Perform the installation on a clean, protected work surface such as a silicone watchmaker's mat or a folded microfibre cloth.
Before opening the Sapphire Case Back packaging, fit finger cots or wear clean gloves to minimise fingerprints and contamination.
Handle the sapphire case back only by its outer edge whenever possible.
REMOVE THE BRACELET
Remove the bracelet or strap from the watch using the appropriate method for your model.
This may involve:
- Opening the quick-release mechanism
- Removing the spring bars
- Unscrewing a bracelet link
Removing the bracelet provides better access to the case back and reduces the chance of accidental scratches during installation.
REMOVE THE ORIGINAL CASE BACK
Using either a case back removal rubber ball or a suitable multi-pin case back wrench, carefully unscrew the original case back.
Modern Tudor watches use screw-down case backs.
Do not attempt removal using a case knife, as these tools are intended for snap-on case backs and may damage both the watch and the case.
Once removed, place the original steel case back somewhere safe for future use.
INSPECT AND CLEAN
Before installing the Sapphire Case Back, carefully inspect both:
- the movement inside the watch
- the inside surface of the sapphire case back
Use the dust blower to remove loose particles.
If necessary, use Rodico cleaning putty to lift away any remaining dust or fibres.
Any contamination trapped inside the watch will remain visible after installation, so take your time during this step.
INSTALL THE SAPPHIRE CASE BACK
Carefully position the Sapphire Case Back onto the watch case.
Begin threading the case back by hand, ensuring it turns freely without resistance.
Do not force the threads. If resistance is felt immediately, remove the case back and begin again to avoid cross-threading.
Once the threads have fully engaged, continue tightening by hand until the case back seats against the gasket.
FINAL TIGHTENING
Using your case back removal tool, tighten the Sapphire Case Back until it is fully seated.
Apply firm, even pressure only.
Excessive tightening is unnecessary and may damage the threads or gasket.
REINSTALL THE BRACELET
Refit the bracelet or strap using the appropriate method for your watch.
Inspect the case back one final time for fingerprints or dust before enjoying your watch with its new Sapphire Exhibition Case Back.
