Vintage sub experts: once and for all - bezel direction

[thejerseyrock]

Vintage submariner experts: forgive me if this has been asked and answered before, but… I've searched on TRF and on the Google, and while I've found answers, none have been definitive (conflicting responses) or well-explained (source of information / proof of answer)

on these submariners:

A) 1970 Mark IV 1680 red

B) 1968 5513 meters first

should the bezels be unidirectional (counter-clockwise for a dive watch) or bidirectional…

or, does... "it depend" ...and if so, why? (for example, bi-directional, but you can/could lock them in place, etc etc)

If they used to be bi-directional, when did it change?

thank you

[Hawk99]

Bi-directional !!!!
There is a spring washer under the bezel which provides slight upward pressure, which somewhat locks it into place. To turn the bezel you have to push down on the bezel, turn it to the desired setting and let go. There is enough friction to keep it in place.
Hope that helps.

The unidirectional bezels came much later than your 2 examples. If I had to guess it would be in the early/mid 80's, but definitely on the models that had the sapphire crystals.

[thejerseyrock]

Originally Posted by Hawk99

Bi-directional !!!!
There is a spring washer under the bezel which provides slight upward pressure, which somewhat locks it into place. To turn the bezel you have to push down on the bezel, turn it to the desired setting and let go. There is enough friction to keep it in place.
Hope that helps.

thank you.

what about if there is a bezel with no friction in either direction? (bezel turns easily in both directions compared to another vintage watch where there is much more friction?) does that mean it IS supposed to turn both ways, but is the spring broken?

[g-boac]

Originally Posted by thejerseyrock

thank you.

what about if there is a bezel with no friction in either direction? (bezel turns easily in both directions compared to another watch where there is much more friction?) does that mean it IS supposed to turn both ways, but is the spring broken?

likely so, but a new wave spring can be purchased from Rolex - relatively easy fix. See below for bi-directional bezel operating instructions:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....76&postcount=1

On the sub no-date, the unidirectional 120-click bezel was introduced with the 14060 in 1990.

[thejerseyrock]

Originally Posted by g-boac

likely so, but a new wave spring can be purchased from Rolex - relatively easy fix. See below for bi-directional bezel operating instructions:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....76&postcount=1

On the sub no-date, the unidirectional 120-click bezel was introduced with the 14060 in 1990.

thank you

… and, assuming missing or broken washer / spring, if you didn't fix it, does anyone know if this matters to the resell value of a watch like this (if a buyer is looking for such things and nitpicking???)

[Hawk99]

If you are referring to one of your examples, then either it is missing the friction washer, or it has lost some of its bend, and just needs to be adjusted (bent a little)
If it spins absolutely freely, then it is definitely missing the washer altogether.
Popping off the bezel is no big deal, if you want to check. I personally use a credit card and pry it off using the lug as a pry point.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by thejerseyrock

Vintage submariner experts: forgive me if this has been asked and answered before, but… I've searched on TRF and on the Google, and while I've found answers, none have been definitive (conflicting responses) or well-explained (source of information / proof of answer)

on these submariners:

A) 1970 Mark IV 1680 red

B) 1968 5513 meters first

should the bezels be unidirectional (counter-clockwise for a dive watch) or bidirectional…

or, does... "it depend" ...and if so, why? (for example, bi-directional, but you can/could lock them in place, etc etc)

If they used to be bi-directional, when did it change?

thank you

The sapphire crystal 16800 and 14060 introduced the uni direction click bezel. Before that they were bi direction friction bezels.

If you want proof, research it in any decent Rolex Sub book..

[thejerseyrock]

Originally Posted by Tools

The sapphire crystal 16800 and 14060 introduced the uni direction click bezel. Before that they were bi direction friction bezels.

If you want proof, research it in any decent Rolex Sub book..

Yep! you're right! It's in the Mondani submariner book… I was looking in the wrong place before … It's actually on page 101 under the ref 1680 WHITE MARK I.

Quote:

"In a Rolex advertisement of the period we can read: 'The diver's watch, guaranteed waterproof to 200m. Essential rotating bezel for decompression times. Self-winding.' The bezel is still bidirectional, while it will become unidirectional with the new Submariner Date ref 16800; in fact it will only rotate anti-clockwise"

Cheers!



PS. though… I do think i must have a missing washer or broken spring based on the lack of friction /very easy bidirectional bezel movement. Thanks again!

[LunetteVerde]

Same with the guys - bi directional !

If it doesn't , it could be following :

1. Grime & Scum in the bezel assembly
2. Friction ring deformation
3. Generic bezel & retainer ring (off specs)




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