These New "Delicate" models

[mfer]

Has anyone heard of a new Ceramic bezel breaking as of yet? I'm just wondering b/c people have complained about how fragile they look and they are not a tool watch anymore.

[toph]

no idea but it feels tougher and sturdier than the aluminium to me- thats for sure

[Rolexitis]

For me the word CERAMIC in itself reminds me of a piece of pottery that can easily be broken. I think that's the connection that most may make here, but it's obviously much much stronger than that.

[BigHat]

The scoop I've heard it that they are much harder to scratch or break (shatter) but much more expensive to replace.

Know I'd have to do a search to be sure, but as I read nearly every thread posted, I have yet to see or hear of a ceramic bezel needing replacement in the last 13 or so months of participation here. A couple of whines about the gold not being uniformly "sputtered," but no breaking, etc.

[Quicksilver]

Ceramic is pretty tough from what I have heard, with a very nice sheen to it as well. I like it better than the aluminium bezel.

[DJF881]

Originally Posted by Rolexitis

For me the word CERAMIC in itself reminds me of a piece of pottery that can easily be broken. I think that's the connection that most may make here, but it's obviously much much stronger than that.

Industrial ceramics are used in engine parts and to make guns. Very tough stuff.

I have not heard of one of these breaking yet. I don't know who is saying they're fragile.

[Rolexitis]

Originally Posted by DJF881

Industrial ceramics are used in engine parts and to make guns. Very tough stuff.

I have not heard of one of these breaking yet. I don't know who is saying they're fragile.

You are correct. I have seen some indestructible ceramic blades and slides on handguns.

[mfer]

Ok, so it is still a TOOL watch material then....

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by mfer

Ok, so it is still a TOOL watch material then....

I never said anything against the ceramic bezel. It is one of the changes I like and it still looks very Rolex.

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

I never said anything against the ceramic bezel. It is one of the changes I like and it still looks very Rolex.

Not directed at you or anyone in particular. Just saying, these things still can be used as tools.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by mfer

Not directed at you or anyone in particular. Just saying, these things still can be used as tools.

Yep, and very nice tools as well

[JPS]

I'm all for a new s/s submariner date with ceramic bezel. Surely making the ultimate tool watch even more stronger?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mfer

Not directed at you or anyone in particular. Just saying, these things still can be used as tools.

I would seriously doubt if 15% of all Rolex watches bought, are used as tool watches. Judging by some of the questions asked on this and other forums.Although the ceramic bezel is very new,and has not been tested in the market like the older type insert.I would doubt if Rolex would put a product out that would not wear the same, or as good as the metal insert.But if you did mark break the
ceramic bezel, its sure is going to cost a lot more to replace now thats fact.

[Ivy League]

I have also noticed that many professional chefs have passed on their traditional hardened steel knives, opting for the new high tech "ceramic" blades that do not require sharpening.

[Chris B]

I've given a the ceramic bezel a few whacks & thought "good God no!!", needn't have worried its still perfect

[Gasoil4ever]

I can't wait for the new Sub... it should be very sexy... and very "tool" watch :-)

[C. Davidson]

Originally Posted by mfer

Has anyone heard of a new Ceramic bezel breaking as of yet? I'm just wondering b/c people have complained about how fragile they look and they are not a tool watch anymore.

I have heard from time to time, that the Ceramic bezel has the potential to break/shatter since it doesn't "give" as much as aluminum. In my personal experience, and based on the experiences of others that I know to have the watch; the bezel breaking/shattering/cracking has not happened....yet. Time will tell.

I believe Rolex did a soft launch with the Ceramic bezel in the GMT model first to see how it reacted in daily use. They must have been satisfied with the results since the Submariner and DeepSea now have the Ceramic bezel.

[Atlanta]

I beat the hell out of mine (construction sites). Not the first ding after 2 months.

[Art161]

I agree that a lot of people think of ceramic as being fragile. But ceramic is used for brake parts in some high performance cars in place of steel. Time will tell on the ceramic bezel. (Is there a pun here?)

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by Art161

I agree that a lot of people think of ceramic as being fragile. But ceramic is used for brake parts in some high performance cars in place of steel. Time will tell on the ceramic bezel. (Is there a pun here?)

I think of the alu vs ceramic bezel issue much like I think of the 316 vs 904 issue. Since I've yet to read of a smashed ceramic bezel, I'm not to eager to use my arm as the test vehicle. When assessed to the nth degree, aluminum may have a quality or two that outshine ceramic, but in practice, the benefits of ceramic make it best for a watch bezel that is worn by humans on, or only slightly below, the surface of planet Earth.

[chicagowatchman]

It's Strong and wont ding, dent or scratch like the old bezel.

If it breaks you can get a new one! At least it does nor have a "S" on it yet like a crystal
that will show its been replaced!

[mretzloff]

Why are people so obsessed with labeling Rolexes as "tool watches"? I hate to break it to you, but they aren't. Who would pay thousands of dollars for a watch they want to beat the crap out of? Rolexes are luxury watch, not tool watch. If you need a tool watch, there's a nice stand of $5 watches at your local Wal-Mart.

[mfer]

Not ticking me off by any means. EVERYONE is entitled to their positions.

I guess what I'm tired of lately is everyone ragging on Rolex for changing things. They did many firsts in the industry and made many breakthroughs.

[BigHat]

[QUOTE=mfer;771188]Not ticking me off by any means. EVERYONE is entitled to their positions.

double post

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by mfer

Not ticking me off by any means. EVERYONE is entitled to their positions.

I guess what I'm tired of lately is everyone ragging on Rolex for changing things. They did many firsts in the industry and made many breakthroughs.

As I agree with the above, I think you're just misjudging the phrase. All the advancements are great in my view, but don't significantly alter the way the VAST VAST majority of watches are worn. Most SDDS will never see the bottom of a swimming pool. They are purchased and worn for the same reason dress watches are worn -- what they look like. That they feel they must rationalize it differently? Well it each his own.

I think we have exactly one guy around here that could say he might have tested the limits of a DD, nevermind a Sub in his line of work --deep commercial diving.

[scottjal]

I have whacked a couple door frames hard enough to ding the metal bezel surround and can't see a scratch or chip on the ceramic bezel.

If you check closely you will see the ceramic is actually recessed slightly under the level the metal grip bezel surround. Between that and the sapphire crystal the ceramic portion is recessed beneath them both so to hit it you would have to hit the point of something. Hitting anything flat, and to a lesser extent an edge, will be hitting other things on the watch.

Personally I think the ceramic bezel is likely to stand up the same as or better than the sapphire crystal material in raw impact resistance. This plus the small recess and I think you will see much more damage to the watch than just the bezel if it does get broken.

[Chozn1]

My AD's only had one ceramic bezel come back with a scratch on it and that was because a dude accidentally had a run in with his diamond ring. He said they replaced it for free though.