I've asked this several times and no one has given me an answer, but today I managed to find out. I would say anyone care to guess but since some people have the new model already I'm guessing they already know.

So on closer inspection the back has no lugs because the back does not come off the watch! The back is part of the case, this is how they've managed to get the helmet perfectly straight. The movement is accessed through the front of the watch, you take the bezel off and then remove the whole movement to get at it. Interestingly it was suggested that this will be the same for quartz models when they arrive, which means watches will have to go back to TAG for battery changes - unless you feel brave?

I wonder if the fakers will still give it a regular screw down back?

 

Interesting approach indeed!

 

Yes, I'm sure this is not a new thing, I'm sure I have seen videos on other watches that are built like this but I don't know which ones. Well the really thin ones like the Altiplano for one...

 

Check out how omega managed to get the case back straight on the planet oceans using their naiad lock system, much nicer solution to a non existent problem

 

Interesting! Only negative would be quartz models then, if TAG dont up their quartz game this means you have to hand in the watch every second year for an expensive battery change my Skyracer has an 8 year battery life, if TAG would do the same it wouldn't be as much of an issue

 

I'm not sure that this different method of opening would stop me attempting my own battery change. But it is a pain to be sure.

 

You're a brave man. I would probably just end up putting the dial back a bit misaligned or something mega annoying like that

 

Surely the "good" filthy criminals making fakes would be able to copy this change and make the case in one piece too

 

I wonder if the quartz models will be the same... it won't be the same case anyway. I guess we'll find out eventually.

 

So when exactly will the quartz models be revealed to the public?? I hear from AD's that around these parts of the world, the quartz models are what sell the most, seems strange TAG has not released a single quartz version as part of the launch

 

Hmm...

Also, it seems like the cyclops is glued onto the underneath of the crystal, not embedded in it.

 

Well good news for those who hate it, should be a possibility to remove it then

 

Well, front-loaders were more common a couple decades ago (the Heuer 1550SG Bund is a notable example), so as unusual as it is these days it isn't that big a deal. The bezel appears to not require any unique tools to remove, so any watchmaker should still be able to change batteries or service the movement. The only change is that you can't just go to the local jeweler for a quick battery change anymore, I guess.

 

The dial is attached to the movement, and the battery is usually on the underside. So you wouldn't have to remove the dial itself, just the whole dial & movement unit.

 

Well okey then, sounds easy then

 

How do you disconnect the stem?

 

That was my next question...

 

Usually the stem is in two parts, the inner and outer. In some old front-loading watches, you can accidentally pull the stem right out when you go to adjust the time, if you pull too hard - of course, then you can just put it right back in. I'm assuming it's a similar process for the Aquaracer, but I don't plan to experiment lol

 

So my next question, how do you remove the bezel without damaging it?

 

It sounds like we'll need Adam to make a video demonstrating the whole procedure for us on his 844