Most of the time, I really don't see any reason for glass backs on watches. After all, when you wear it, then it's not something you even can use. And me, I think watches are supposed to be something you use, not "just" own.
I do have two watches with glass backs. One of them I wore daily for two weeks and took it off the arm twice per day, once to wind it. When I put it back into the box, I realized I hadn't even seen the glass back during the whole time (and I didn't avoid it on purpose), not even when taking it out of or putting it back into the box. The experience with the other is about the same, so this isn't something I think is worth paying extra for.
Document created 2001 Oct 04 content reviewed 2003 Jan 08 by Urban