-
Jan 26, 2024, 03:24 PM
#1
Member
The watch bezel - it's pretty important
The bezel is a major component for the appearance for a watch. It can be bold or mild or 100 levels in the middle.
The diver bezel is somewhat limited in the design options. It needs to be large enough to display very legible numbers and needs a grippy edge. The same could be said for a GMT bezel. This adds width and/or requires a smaller dial face.
Then comes everything else - flat, beveled, fluted, rolled, sloped, multi faceted - hundreds of bezel designs have been used.
For me, I no longer an interested in a diver (or GMT) bezel. I bet I haven't used the bezel to time anything more than 10 times in my life. I'd rather have a bezel that somehow adds a different character and different visual interest.
What thoughts do you have on this?
.
.
.

Retired from Fire/Rescue January 2019 with 30 years on the job

-
Jan 26, 2024, 03:30 PM
#2
-
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Likes
-
Jan 26, 2024, 03:40 PM
#3
Member
Succinct and to the point.

Originally Posted by
geoffbot
I like shiny things
.
.
.

Retired from Fire/Rescue January 2019 with 30 years on the job

-
Jan 26, 2024, 03:43 PM
#4
I use secondary functionalities quite a bit. I use my dive bezel often, same with chronographs. GMTs less so, I suppose, but it’s nice to have for when travelling. These are definitely the kinds of watches that appeal to me the most.
As for the rest of the kinds of bezels, I can’t say I’ve given them much thought, other than to say that overly flash bezels are a turn off, like the fluted bezels on Datejusts.
-
Jan 26, 2024, 03:50 PM
#5
I like the word. Off-hand, the only type I don’t much like are hobnail bezels. Maybe I’d have had a platinum Patek but for that.
-
Jan 26, 2024, 04:46 PM
#6

Originally Posted by
tribe125
I like the word. Off-hand, the only type I don’t much like are hobnail bezels. Maybe I’d have had a platinum Patek but for that.

Bezel comes from 'embezelment' where in the 1700s a man smuggled diamonds across the French border hidden in the outer ring of his watch
-
Post Thanks / Like - 3 Likes
-
Jan 26, 2024, 04:57 PM
#7
Savagely Average
I too use my rotating bezels to track time on a regular basis, genuinely useful function
Regarding bezels, my opinion is that watch without rotating bezels rarely receive enough focus on their bezel. For example, bezel thickness impacts dial size, which can have a significant impact on how a wstchlooks on the wrist.
I had a GS SBGF019, and the watch is beautiful. I also am a fan of the 8J movement. The thicker dial, smaller bezel made it wear smaller on my wrist than expected, so it is now sold
-
Jan 26, 2024, 06:53 PM
#8

Originally Posted by
geoffbot
Bezel comes from 'embezelment' where in the 1700s a man
smuggled diamonds across the French border hidden in the outer ring of his watch
I clicked. I’m an idiot.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 2 Likes
-
Jan 26, 2024, 07:12 PM
#9
Hangaround member
Andy Zaltzman, is that you? 

Originally Posted by
geoffbot
Bezel comes from 'embezelment' where in the 1700s a man
smuggled diamonds across the French border hidden in the outer ring of his watch
-
Jan 26, 2024, 09:08 PM
#10
Savagely Average

Originally Posted by
tribe125
I clicked. I’m an idiot.
No clue what it is, but I am now glad I did not click LOL