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GMT Aviator · 4 January 2017, 11:50 AM

So I'm going to throw this one out there.....

What is the likely hood that Rolex will re-consider their use of ceramic as the optimum material for bezels?

So far, the colours on offer are fairly underwhelming. The GMT Pepsi for instance just doesn't come close to the metallic colours of the old 16710 pepsi bezels, the cost of ceramic replacement is astronomical and I'm certain the reason we haven't seen more colour variation in the general bezel line up, particularly bi-colour bezels, is that it just can't be pulled off the way Rolex would like it to be.

Maybe a change of material is in order. Something new, different, easier to manufacture, comes in any colour you like....even metallic mixed colours.

Are we ready for a new material to solve these ills or are we all now converts to the ceramic mix?

treblarefils · 4 January 2017, 12:00 PM

I dont see any problem with ceramic in fact I love it and think it looks amazing. Gonna be here for a long time sorry.

Watchgeek5000 · 4 January 2017, 12:03 PM

I think the ceramic inserts are a huge upgrade!
They look great to me

datejust24 · 4 January 2017, 12:03 PM

I tend to agree with you on this subject...I think the aluminum inserts are far sturdier than the cerachrom, however, I think Rolex' transition into this new material is far too new of an idea to already consider scrapping...

padi56 · 4 January 2017, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datejust24

I tend to agree with you on this subject...I think the aluminum inserts are far sturdier than the cerachrom, however, I think Rolex' transition into this new material is far too new of an idea to already consider scrapping...

Have to agree and ceramic is not the B all end all of materials,its not like ceramic is something new its been used in watches since the 1960s. Nothing wrong with the simple aluminium inserts,some say they scratch and fade.Well that might be true but mainly the blue red colour after 10 years or more.Then if scratched or faded easy DIY to replace afraid for me you can stick ceramic up where the sun dont shine.The so called advantages way out the many disadvantages of this latest fashion ceramic this and that..

DCheeta · 4 January 2017, 12:04 PM

I don't see a problem in need of a solution here. Enjoy your aluminum bezels AND your ceramic bezels. I do.

rmlovett1 · 4 January 2017, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcheeta

i don't see a problem in need of a solution here. Enjoy your aluminum bezels and your ceramic bezels. I do.

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ x2

Sublover2166 · 4 January 2017, 12:10 PM

Ceramic is here to stay.

WJGESQ · 4 January 2017, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

Ceramic is here to stay.

There won't be any going back.

Old Expat Beast · 4 January 2017, 12:19 PM

I think that bridge has been burned, sadly.

T. Ferguson · 4 January 2017, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I think that bridge has been burned, sadly.

Yeah, they went all "River Kwai" on that one.

Beauregard · 4 January 2017, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMT Aviator

So I'm going to throw this one out there.....

Are we ready for a new material to solve these ills or are we all now converts to the ceramic mix?

When hairline cracks were found on the bezel of my 116719BLRO Pepsi I was told it's fairly common for that model. Frankly I was aghast.

RolexAviator · 4 January 2017, 01:21 PM

Although I don't think ceramic will go anywhere (and I understand why) I completely agree with you that the old pepsi bezel looks so much better. The colors just pop in a way that the ceramic doesn't produce sadly.

Chewbacca · 4 January 2017, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMT Aviator

So I'm going to throw this one out there.....

What is the likely hood that Rolex will re-consider their use of ceramic as the optimum material for bezels?

So far, the colours on offer are fairly underwhelming. The GMT Pepsi for instance just doesn't come close to the metallic colours of the old 16710 pepsi bezels, the cost of ceramic replacement is astronomical and I'm certain the reason we haven't seen more colour variation in the general bezel line up, particularly bi-colour bezels, is that it just can't be pulled off the way Rolex would like it to be.

Maybe a change of material is in order. Something new, different, easier to manufacture, comes in any colour you like....even metallic mixed colours.

Are we ready for a new material to solve these ills or are we all now converts to the ceramic mix?

get to know Tudor.

FremStar · 4 January 2017, 01:28 PM

I'm surprised why people forget that the 216570 exist, it may not be as popular or pretty as a modern Submariner, Sea-Dweller, Daytona, etc., however, it is a modern Rolex reference with an integrated and useful steel bezel...

watchwatcher · 4 January 2017, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FremStar

I'm surprised why people forget that the 216570 exist, it may not be as popular or pretty as a modern Submariner, Sea-Dweller, Daytona, etc., however, it is a modern Rolex reference with an integrated and useful steel bezel...

Could not agree more, Sam. Great pic!

FremStar · 4 January 2017, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Could not agree more, Sam. Great pic!

I am just here to help my friend lol... I almost forgot this beauty as well. The 16623 is one of those watches that is lost in the plethora of popular modern Rolex models, however, the bezel is non ceramic.

Ravager135 · 4 January 2017, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FremStar

I'm surprised why people forget that the 216570 exist, it may not be as popular or pretty as a modern Submariner, Sea-Dweller, Daytona, etc., however, it is a modern Rolex reference with an integrated and useful steel bezel...

The Explorer II never gets the love it deserves. People worry about ceramic bezels or ask about GMT-Master IIs with white dials. We already have an amazing reference that fits the bill.

XZACM102 · 4 January 2017, 01:48 PM

I want the red ceramic bezel to be red and not pink, is that too much to ask from Rolex ?

bdex75 · 4 January 2017, 01:52 PM

About the only ceramic bezel I like is the matte finish one on the RG YM.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

GB-man · 4 January 2017, 02:15 PM

They also offer diamonds, rubies and sapphires

breitlings · 4 January 2017, 02:21 PM

I would guess they will change it at some point to a different material not used before. Before aluminum there was a beautiful plexiglass gmt that had a lumed bezel.

Iloreyix · 4 January 2017, 03:13 PM

Everyone has different tastes, I get that.
I absolutely love my ceramic sub - and the fact that that the face will look the same over the years. The case and bracelet will show the life it's lived, but the sapphire and ceramic will always shine.

Watchgeek5000 · 4 January 2017, 03:19 PM

Maybe Rolex can go back to Bakelite ????

NathansExplorer · 4 January 2017, 08:56 PM

I'm not a fan of the ceramic bezels myself. Shiny plastic comes to mind.

tifosi · 4 January 2017, 11:14 PM

I agree with Padi, but I also own a 114060. Mainly for the maxi-dial. I can take or leave the ceramic bezel. Don't care.

That being said...ceramic bezels are here to stay. I don't see Rolex going back to aluminum, but they may shift to the next technological advancement in maybe 20 years.

Marcus09 · 4 January 2017, 11:55 PM

i think ceramic are the highest and best looking material there is out there and they fit well with Rolex's image. besides, it's virtually scratch proof and colors stay the same for multiple generations.

padi56 · 5 January 2017, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus09

i think ceramic are the highest and best looking material there is out there and they fit well with Rolex's image. besides, it's virtually scratch proof and colors stay the same for multiple generations.

Only actual time will tell on that one.

Marcus09 · 5 January 2017, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

Only actual time will tell on that one.

Well, Rolex is pretty sure about it

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pix · 5 January 2017, 12:01 AM

I think Rolex is missing sales by not offering different bezels that we can change out.

4 January 2017, 11:50 AM	#1
GMT Aviator 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Real Name: Mike Location: London Posts: 3,318	New Non Ceramic Bezel So I'm going to throw this one out there..... What is the likely hood that Rolex will re-consider their use of ceramic as the optimum material for bezels? So far, the colours on offer are fairly underwhelming. The GMT Pepsi for instance just doesn't come close to the metallic colours of the old 16710 pepsi bezels, the cost of ceramic replacement is astronomical and I'm certain the reason we haven't seen more colour variation in the general bezel line up, particularly bi-colour bezels, is that it just can't be pulled off the way Rolex would like it to be. Maybe a change of material is in order. Something new, different, easier to manufacture, comes in any colour you like....even metallic mixed colours. Are we ready for a new material to solve these ills or are we all now converts to the ceramic mix?

4 January 2017, 01:28 PM	#15
FremStar "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Sam Location: Gotham City Watch: Wall Street Posts: 9,954	I'm surprised why people forget that the 216570 exist, it may not be as popular or pretty as a modern Submariner, Sea-Dweller, Daytona, etc., however, it is a modern Rolex reference with an integrated and useful steel bezel... __________________ "Wealth is of the heart and mind, not of the pocket!" "A Watch Is An Emotional Object, And So, It Is The Responsibility Of The Brand To Create Emotion Through It's Products" - Georges Kern "In the 1950s and 60s, they made the Ref 8171, which is a cult collectible—now that’s the ultimate Rolex you could own with a calendar and a moon phase.” - John Reardon "Heh, heh, heh..." - Michael Kilyung

4 January 2017, 11:14 PM	#26
tifosi "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Russ Location: Southern NJ Posts: 5,760	I agree with Padi, but I also own a 114060. Mainly for the maxi-dial. I can take or leave the ceramic bezel. Don't care. That being said...ceramic bezels are here to stay. I don't see Rolex going back to aluminum, but they may shift to the next technological advancement in maybe 20 years. __________________ Russ

4 January 2017, 12:00 PM	#2
treblarefils "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: ILLST8 Posts: 209	I dont see any problem with ceramic in fact I love it and think it looks amazing. Gonna be here for a long time sorry.

4 January 2017, 12:03 PM	#3
Watchgeek5000 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Brooklyn USA Watch: Daytona Posts: 1,622	I think the ceramic inserts are a huge upgrade! They look great to me

4 January 2017, 12:03 PM	#4
datejust24 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Chris Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Watch: Rolexssss Posts: 3,504	I tend to agree with you on this subject...I think the aluminum inserts are far sturdier than the cerachrom, however, I think Rolex' transition into this new material is far too new of an idea to already consider scrapping...

4 January 2017, 12:04 PM	#6
DCheeta "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Dave Location: NYC Posts: 7,181	I don't see a problem in need of a solution here. Enjoy your aluminum bezels AND your ceramic bezels. I do.

4 January 2017, 12:10 PM	#8
Sublover2166 Banned Join Date: Mar 2012 Real Name: John Location: Manassas,Virginia Watch: Ol'Bluesy & Hulk Posts: 2,871	Ceramic is here to stay.

4 January 2017, 12:19 PM	#10
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,825	I think that bridge has been burned, sadly.

4 January 2017, 01:21 PM	#13
RolexAviator "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: USA Watch: 126610LV Posts: 324	Although I don't think ceramic will go anywhere (and I understand why) I completely agree with you that the old pepsi bezel looks so much better. The colors just pop in a way that the ceramic doesn't produce sadly.

4 January 2017, 01:48 PM	#19
XZACM102 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Martin Location: CA Posts: 380	I want the red ceramic bezel to be red and not pink, is that too much to ask from Rolex ?

4 January 2017, 01:52 PM	#20
bdex75 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Brandon Location: Indianapolis Watch: my money vanish Posts: 8,506	About the only ceramic bezel I like is the matte finish one on the RG YM. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

4 January 2017, 02:15 PM	#21
GB-man 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: USA Watch: addiction issues Posts: 37,355	They also offer diamonds, rubies and sapphires

4 January 2017, 02:21 PM	#22
breitlings Banned Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bethesda Watch: Apple TV Posts: 5,744	I would guess they will change it at some point to a different material not used before. Before aluminum there was a beautiful plexiglass gmt that had a lumed bezel.

4 January 2017, 03:13 PM	#23
Iloreyix "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Atlanta, GA Watch: 114060 Sub-C Posts: 513	Everyone has different tastes, I get that. I absolutely love my ceramic sub - and the fact that that the face will look the same over the years. The case and bracelet will show the life it's lived, but the sapphire and ceramic will always shine.

4 January 2017, 03:19 PM	#24
Watchgeek5000 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Brooklyn USA Watch: Daytona Posts: 1,622	Maybe Rolex can go back to Bakelite ????

4 January 2017, 08:56 PM	#25
NathansExplorer "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: AUS Posts: 101	I'm not a fan of the ceramic bezels myself. Shiny plastic comes to mind.

4 January 2017, 11:55 PM	#27
Marcus09 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Batman Location: Gotham City Posts: 1,184	i think ceramic are the highest and best looking material there is out there and they fit well with Rolex's image. besides, it's virtually scratch proof and colors stay the same for multiple generations.

5 January 2017, 12:01 AM	#30
Pix "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: midwest Watch: SS Datejust Posts: 1,288	I think Rolex is missing sales by not offering different bezels that we can change out.

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