Submariner Defect

[eleven11prints]

I’ve noticed a strange defect in my sub bezel. It’s difficult to make out exactly what it is without a loupe but I’ve tried using my phone camera to zoom in.

It looks as if a small area of ceramic material has come away. There’s no scratch leading up to it or damage in the surrounding area and I’m very confident I haven’t banged it. I’ve tried to micro fibre it away, so think it is material loss.

I got it Dec ‘15, so I think it is out of warranty(??). Has anyone else experienced this on a ceramic bezel?

[OysterBracelet]

You've damaged the bezel insert. New bezel insert approx £300.

[eleven11prints]

Originally Posted by OysterBracelet

You've damaged the bezel insert. New bezel insert approx £300.

It’s in a bit of a strange place for me to have damaged it myself. I’m almost certain that I haven’t caused that. It looks like a small area has come loose, to me....

[rudestew]

Originally Posted by eleven11prints

It’s in a bit of a strange place for me to have damaged it myself. I’m almost certain that I haven’t caused that. It looks like a small area has come loose, to me....

You wouldn’t have even known how it happen , I woke up with black eyes for years without any idea how it happened turns out the moment I gave up beer I was cured

[Monte Cristo]

Yeah think you’ve just banged it on something without noticing.
If it’s so small, don’t worry about it, but if it’s bugging you, off to the RSC, new bezel and you are good to go.

[watchmaker]

Afraid I can’t see how it would spontaneously shed a small chip without some ‘encouragement’. People bang their watches a lot more often than they think they do.

I repair a lot of watches that ‘have never been banged/dropped/knocked’ but the chipped glass/dented crown/chipped ceramic suggests otherwise.

[eleven11prints]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Afraid I can’t see how it would spontaneously shed a small chip without some ‘encouragement’. People bang their watches a lot more often than they think they do.

I repair a lot of watches that ‘have never been banged/dropped/knocked’ but the chipped glass/dented crown/chipped ceramic suggests otherwise.

Noted. It’s not noticeable, really, when looking at the watch face as a whole. I’m open to paying the money to right it anyway.

[Chester01]

if you wear your watch as jewelry, sure get it repaired and have it looking nice and shiny. If you wear as a tool, leave it until service time.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Chester01

if you wear your watch as jewelry, sure get it repaired and have it looking nice and shiny. If you wear as a tool, leave it until service time.

x2. Live with it and use the watch more. How’s the time keeping??

[eleven11prints]

Originally Posted by Mystro

x2. Live with it and use the watch more. How’s the time keeping??

I'm really not one of those people that check the time to +1s per day, I don't really mind if it was a minute a day, because I rotate a few and it's mostly in need of winding on the next wear.

The mark is tiny, you can barely notice it and the photo exaggerates it massively. It is literally pin head size. I was just asking the question to the forum out of interest and as to whether anyone had experienced it previously.

Maybe I'll replace it one day, but I'm not fussed right now.

[tadbart]

That's CHARACTER.

[sillo]

Probably just clipped it on something and took a little piece of ceramic out. I'd leave it and if it really bothers you just get it replaced whenever you service it.

[Etschell]

You are lucky it didnt crack entirely. It isnt a defect it is damage.

[Jona]

I've had 2 services on my 16600 from 2005. They replaced the bezel insert both times. I wasn't aware of any damage to them, nor did I recall banging the watch. Of course they are much cheaper than the ceramic so I didn't mind having new ones.

[Mr.Rolex1]

Originally Posted by Jona

I've had 2 services on my 16600 from 2005. They replaced the bezel insert both times. I wasn't aware of any damage to them, nor did I recall banging the watch. Of course they are much cheaper than the ceramic so I didn't mind having new ones.

+1

I prefer the pre-ceramic bezels also as Ceramic can shatter

Aluminum is easier/cheaper to replace

[donq]

Obviously a micro-meteorite strike.

These things are a hazard, traveling at 5 times the speed of sound and too small to be seen with the naked eye, they can pierce plate steel several inches thick.

Lucky for you you were wearing a Rolex! The cerachrom bezel is one of the few materials capable of stopping these interplanetary projectiles.

[Blicky41]

Just fill it up with some black putty clay

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[Bladeshot]

Had a similar issue on a 116613LN. Bezel chip/void. Happened when my seatbelt buckle banged it, or some similar event. They are not that resilient.

I’d let it go.

The pre ceramic were much better in that regard, we could pop the bezel ourselves and put in a new insert for $100, in 2 minutes. DIY. Now, we have to take it to an AD. And even the AD does not like to replace ceramic because they are so easy to break.

Oh well.... “progress” = ceramic. Or not.

LOL

Full disclosure; I have both aluminum and ceramic references. Can’t make up my mind so I need both to scratch the itch.

[eleven11prints]

Don't you just love smart-arse comments?

[SeaAndSky]

I have more or less worn daily my 116710LN for over six years. I've knocked it into just about everything. These things are most definitely resilient in my experience. I recently had it serviced and they suggested a bezel replacement for two tiny scuff marks that are impossible to see unless one holds the watch inches from their face. I opted to keep it. I want to see how it ages with the life of the watch.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by SeaAndSky

I have more or less worn daily my 116710LN for over six years. I've knocked it into just about everything. These things are most definitely resilient in my experience. I recently had it serviced and they suggested a bezel replacement for two tiny scuff marks that are impossible to see unless one holds the watch inches from their face. I opted to keep it. I want to see how it ages with the life of the watch.

Good move. However I have seen some early 116710's with the triangle kind of worn off. Curious if that has to do with polishing the bezel insert, as opposed to everyday wear/tear.

[iheartrolexx]

it only gets bigger

[ltmgeller]

Leave it, it adds character.

[eleven11prints]

[IMG][/IMG]

For reference, I thought I’d send an overall view. As I said, it it’s almost unnoticeable unless looking for it.

It looks like a speck of dirt.

I was more interested to see if anyone had experienced a similar occurrence...

[dmb359]

I'm sure lots of people have damaged their bezel and have small nicks, cracks, scrapes, etc.

Just enjoy it and the character it has now. Or replace the bezel if it begins to really bug you at some point.