Ceramic bezel......why?

[DjSki]

Open question gents.... I see the Rolex now have ceramic bezels as do the new Omega PO's.

Why is this "better"? Whats the point? When they say ceramic, what exactly is the material?

Cheers!

[Shaw Tarse]

Don't drop it!

[kman]

DjSki said:

Open question gents.... I see the Rolex now have ceramic bezels as do the new Omega PO's.

Why is this "better"? Whats the point? When they say ceramic, what exactly is the material?

Cheers!

its virtually scratch proof, uv and corrosion resistant.

[al1991]

Gimmick?

[DjSki]

Gimmick sounds about right....

[glazbagun]

It's more resistant to scratches and discolouration, and harder to produce (and thus fake) than earlier inserts. Like so may things, it will only be proved a good (or otherwise) idea after twenty years, but I'd wager on it being an improvement. The value of the improvement is, as ever, up to the buyer to decide.

[LukeBird]

al1991 said:

Gimmick?

Absolutely.
I'd sooner have an insert that faded slightly over a long period and was slightly scratched, rather than one that could shatter if I dropped or knocked the watch.
Too blingy looking IMO.

[Ikemi]

It's a nice addition if you like your watches to include interesting materials - I like the use of carbon fibre, titanium, tungsten etc, providing it is done in a tasteful way

[white90]

Like everything in life you pays your money and you takes your choice.

[Justayellowbadge]

Ikemi said:

It's a nice addition if you like your watches to include interesting materials - I like the use of carbon fibre, titanium, tungsten etc, providing it is done in a tasteful way

Well, quite.

[FarmyardPants]

It's zirconium oxide if memory serves - I have a Junghans mega solar ceramic which is made of the stuff (including the bracelet) and it looks the same as it did when I bought it 5 years ago, except for where the bracelet clasp is scratched from dragging on the desk as I type on a computer all day. It's certainly a hardy substance and always comes up with a glassy shine with a quick wipe. It's the new Bakelite

Edit here's a pic of the Junghans for those interested

Edited by FarmyardPants on Saturday 29th October 21:52

[Ari]

Cool watch! Rado have used ceramic to great effect for years. Looks good, and stays that way.

[Ikemi]

Justayellowbadge said:

Ikemi said:

It's a nice addition if you like your watches to include interesting materials - I like the use of carbon fibre, titanium, tungsten etc, providing it is done in a tasteful way

Well, quite.

It's a fine line! IMHO, a watch with a carbon fibre bezel or a carbon fibre dial is acceptable. However a watch with CF dial and a CF bezel is just a bit garish, although I'm sure there are some exceptions!

[Murph7355]

glazbagun said:

...Like so may things, it will only be proved a good (or otherwise) idea after twenty years, but I'd wager on it being an improvement....

I have a cermaic IWC that is nearing 20yrs old, and it's spot on perfect. So I suspect the claims will hold true.