Top Loading 127 Question?

[Sweattdogg]

Hello All,

I've been seeing quite a few Fiddy's listed as top loading. It's my understanding that the gen fiddy's movement must be removed from the top because the case design will not let it be removed from the back. Do you think that the people who are listing their fiddy's as top loading are confirming that they can't remove the movement from the back or just stating that the movement can be removed from the front? Wouldn't all fiddy case designs allow the movement to be placed in from the top if the bezel and crystal are removed? I guess my question would be what's more important the case design assembled or the way the movement comes out of a less correct case, or is there a best of both worlds?

[PeteM]

Firstly the main reason you see the reference to Top loading is it implies its an Eddie Lee case, though usually this statement starts with EL Top loading..

EL cases are more sought after due to them being more gen like than the cartel/DSN etc versions . As I am aware EL produced 5 versions of the case all with different errors. However the cartel did at one time sell top loading cases.

Regardless of the differences in ELs cases and the old cartel case the top loader removal point can be clearly seen and adds to its genlikeness.

The biggest issue with a top loader is the potential for exploding crystals due to incorrect fitting, DIY removal which can be affected by changes in temperature, excessive pressure on single points of the crystal as it sits in the bezel. I guess this is why the cartel changed to fixed bezels.

Eitherway the movements can be removed back and front in nearly all cases.

So an EL case, all of which are top loading, is the best rep case available although with varying errors. Not because so much that its top loading but it is a better case as well with the top loading removal point being seen.

The standard rep cases including DSNs have the wrong shape and incorrect bezel not just the top loading bit but angle and thickness.

Hope that makes sense

[Sweattdogg]

Great Explanation. I had and sold a 3rd Gen EL, and I assume it would have been a toploader.

[FxrAndy]

And just to confirm, the one i have listed you can only remove the movement from the front.