Ceramic Bezel Question

Ceramic Bezel Question

Author
Discussion

Bob_Defly

Original Poster:

4,620 posts

244 months

Monday 12th May
quotequote all
Is it only Rolex who have the technology to engrave ceramic bezels like this?





I never really see anything like that on any other watch brands?

Also, for those that own the GMT's, do the numbers collect dirt and grime?

NDA

23,073 posts

238 months

Monday 12th May
quotequote all
Bob_Defly said:
Is it only Rolex who have the technology to engrave ceramic bezels like this?

I never really see anything like that on any other watch brands?

Also, for those that own the GMT's, do the numbers collect dirt and grime?
I have an Omega with a ceramic bezel - and no, the GMT bezels do not collect dirt. On mine the numbers are completely filled

nikaiyo2

5,246 posts

208 months

Monday 12th May
quotequote all
If the question "Is it only Rolex who have the technology" the answer is invariably no, they are hardly at the cutting edge of tech. :P
Bell & Ross do a ceramic case that has engraving across the entire case back.



Edited by nikaiyo2 on Tuesday 13th May 09:31

Bob_Defly

Original Poster:

4,620 posts

244 months

Monday 12th May
quotequote all
NDA said:
Bob_Defly said:
Is it only Rolex who have the technology to engrave ceramic bezels like this?

I never really see anything like that on any other watch brands?

Also, for those that own the GMT's, do the numbers collect dirt and grime?
I have an Omega with a ceramic bezel - and no, the GMT bezels do not collect dirt. On mine the numbers are completely filled
I don't just mean ceramic bezels, I mean the deep engraving. I only ever see it on Rolex.

M11rph

857 posts

34 months

Monday 12th May
quotequote all
Ceramic bezels are laser etched to achieve this effect. It takes longer to etch deeper and with higher resolution, but there are plenty of parts manufacturers doing this.

Formex even do a reverse etch, leaving the digits in relief, which will take longer due to the amount of material to be etched off.
https://formexwatch.com/watches/reef-42mm-automati...

Entirely reasonable quality etched ceramic dive bezels are available for under £25, spend a little more and you'd need a loupe to spot the differences to a higher priced part.

Ceramic has become a way to upsell, although I'd argue that it is a choice rather than superior when compared to aluminium or steel bezels on a dive watch.

NDA

23,073 posts

238 months

Monday 12th May
quotequote all
Bob_Defly said:
NDA said:
Bob_Defly said:
Is it only Rolex who have the technology to engrave ceramic bezels like this?

I never really see anything like that on any other watch brands?

Also, for those that own the GMT's, do the numbers collect dirt and grime?
I have an Omega with a ceramic bezel - and no, the GMT bezels do not collect dirt. On mine the numbers are completely filled
I don't just mean ceramic bezels, I mean the deep engraving. I only ever see it on Rolex.
Where the numbers are not completely filled/flush with the bezel's surface? I am sure there must be other brands that do this. My Omega will be as deeply engraved, however the numbers are filled flush with the surface.

minimalist

1,506 posts

218 months

Wednesday 14th May
quotequote all
My Speedmaster also has a ceramic bezel with gold inlaid. Omega call it Ceragold


Ninjin

1,302 posts

88 months

Wednesday 14th May
quotequote all
Titoni seascoper 600 has the 'deep' engraving you talk about.