Is Anyone Bothered by the Excessive Bezel Overhang on Some Newer Rolex Models?

[Jcor7]

I’ve noticed many of the newer models have of bezel overhang between the lugs that doesn’t look right.

You can see it on most of the fixed bezel watches. Some examples are the datejust, explorer I, and Airking





If you look an older model, like this older reference datejust, the bezel lines up with the case



I think this might be done to hide where the end link lines up with the case, but to me it makes it look like the bracelet doesn’t fit with the watch and just doesn’t look very thought out. it also makes it look like the bezel can be popped right off. I hope they eventually go back to how it was before

[The OG Beef]

Well presented. As shown, the design does appear to be a bit sloppy.


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[nosignalbmwdriver]

dang that's surprising from rolex

[Cru Jones]

The bezel not being integrated with the case, this doesn’t seem like an issue to me.

[Jcor7]

It looks like the Sky-dweller and 1908 are the only non-professional line watches that don’t do this

[Jcor7]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

The bezel not being integrated with the case, this doesn’t seem like an issue to me.

I don’t think there’s any actual functional issue with this. I just think this makes it look weird, especially from a side profile.

[derklink]

Looks like a real dirt trap

[MRBolton]

I would guess it's to enhance the visual experience when looking at it from the front, which is how you look at 99% of the time. They'd likely have to shrink the whole bezel a little to remove the overhang, and from the front, the bezels look right.

[Jcor7]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

I would guess it's to enhance the visual experience when looking at it from the front, which is how you look at 99% of the time. They'd likely have to shrink the whole bezel a little to remove the overhang, and from the front, the bezels look right.

That’s a good point, I see what you mean by making it look better from the front. But why couldn’t they just have the case underneath extend as far as the bezel?

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by Jcor7

That’s a good point, I see what you mean by making it look better from the front. But why couldn’t they just have the case underneath extend as far as the bezel?

Because then the watch's case is larger. You can also have a larger visual presence on the wrist without it actually being larger as it stands now.

Many think the size is perfect now, so you'll have more upset customers than those not liking the bezel overhang.

[Jcor7]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Because then the watch's case is larger. You can also have a larger visual presence on the wrist without it actually being larger as it stands now.

Many think the size is perfect now, so you'll have more upset customers than those not liking the bezel overhang.

I see what you mean. It reduces the size of the watch without reducing the size of the face of the watch, especially since Rolex uses the male endlinks. But it’s just very ugly to me. Additionally, this makes it hard to put on anything but the oem bracelet, since if you put leather or NATO straps you have this giant gap you can see between the lugs. I know it’s a minority who use non-OEM straps, but still it bothers me.

[Turpentine]

Didn't know EBO was a real thing until now

[omar-rye]

Looks like the bumper lip on a supercar. It’s a non issue and makes the watch lighter while achieving the look they were going for.

[S.Explorer]

Very observant OP. Looking at my old Explorer vs my new Explorer 36, I do like the bezel overhang as per the post below:

Originally Posted by MRBolton

I would guess it's to enhance the visual experience when looking at it from the front, which is how you look at 99% of the time. They'd likely have to shrink the whole bezel a little to remove the overhang, and from the front, the bezels look right.

[kieselguhr]

Don’t mind me. Just leaving these here…

[Jcor7]

Those look good to me. Don’t their bezels look way more thought out than the rolex’s? They do to me at least.

[Jcor7]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Because then the watch's case is larger. You can also have a larger visual presence on the wrist without it actually being larger as it stands now.

Many think the size is perfect now, so you'll have more upset customers than those not liking the bezel overhang.

This makes sense, and is probably exactly why they did it. Still, I wish it looked better from the side

[slide13]

Yeah, I think it's a two fold thing. Gives a little more wrist presence without increasing the case size but it also blocks the view of where the end link meets the case there which I think is actually a slightly cleaner look. You still have where it meets the case at the sides obviously, but it gives a feel of a slightly more integrated bracelet when you're not staring at all three interface surfaces of the case and end links.

I like the look, even from the profile, but I've always liked watches where the bezel overhangs some. My Sub does it a little but my FXD has even more overhang. Of course on a dive watch it's functional since it makes it easier to grip too.

[Jcor7]

Originally Posted by slide13

Yeah, I think it's a two fold thing. Gives a little more wrist presence without increasing the case size but it also blocks the view of where the end link meets the case there which I think is actually a slightly cleaner look. You still have where it meets the case at the sides obviously, but it gives a feel of a slightly more integrated bracelet when you're not staring at all three interface surfaces of the case and end links.

I like the look, even from the profile, but I've always liked watches where the bezel overhangs some. My Sub does it a little but my FXD has even more overhang. Of course on a dive watch it's functional since it makes it easier to grip too.

I actually think it looks good on the sub, and also the Explorer II and daytona which do it as well. The difference for me is that the overhang is much less and looks more intentionally designed, where as on the pictures I provided it looks like they just accidentally put on a bezel that’s too large.

I do agree with you that those are good reasons for doing it, I just wish they found a nicer way of doing it.

[drrd]

It overhangs the endlink area and I understood this allows a tool to get a purchase on the underside of the bezel for removal if necessary.

Might be wrong.

[24hr]

Originally Posted by Jcor7

I’ve noticed many of the newer models have of bezel overhang between the lugs that doesn’t look right.

You can see it on most of the fixed bezel watches. Some examples are the datejust, explorer I, and Airking


If you look an older model, like this older reference datejust, the bezel lines up with the case



I think this might be done to hide where the end link lines up with the case, but to me it makes it look like the bracelet doesn’t fit with the watch and just doesn’t look very thought out. it also makes it look like the bezel can be popped right off. I hope they eventually go back to how it was before

What model do you want? Have you tried it on and noticed this effect in person? Maybe you won’t see it in real life? Why not find a mint previous model if you’re still bothered by it?

[Jcor7]

Originally Posted by 24hr

What model do you want? Have you tried it on and noticed this effect in person? Maybe you won’t see it in real life? Why not find a mint previous model if you’re still bothered by it?

Haha cus I want the airking but with the new case with the crown guards and slab sides, literally the only watch where I can’t do what you suggested. Otherwise I would have :(.

I admit that the effect is probably much smaller in person, but it still sucks that there is a flaw(according to my taste) in a watch I that I otherwise think is amazing.

[24hr]

Originally Posted by Jcor7

Haha cus I want the airking but with the new case with the crown guards and slab sides, literally the only watch where I can’t do what you suggested. Otherwise I would have :(.

I admit that the effect is probably much smaller in person, but it still sucks that there is a flaw(according to my taste) in a watch I that I otherwise think is amazing.

When you say the effect is “probably” much smaller does that mean you haven’t tried it on? If you haven’t then reserve all judgement until then.

[Jcor7]

Originally Posted by 24hr

When you say the effect is “probably” much smaller does that mean you haven’t tried it on? If you haven’t then reserve all judgement until then.

The issue is I put all my watches on leather straps(even my rolex). I probably won’t be able to see an airking on a leather strap in person unless I buy one and put it on myself, and I feel like the effect is only going to be amplified on a leather strap.

[Imran]

Originally Posted by Jcor7

The issue is I put all my watches on leather straps(even my rolex). I probably won’t be able to see an airking on a leather strap in person unless I buy one and put it on myself, and I feel like the effect is only going to be amplified on a leather strap.

If it's a straight edged leather strap rather than a curved edge, the bezel overhang may actually make it look even better.

[24hr]

Originally Posted by Jcor7

The issue is I put all my watches on leather straps(even my rolex). I probably won’t be able to see an airking on a leather strap in person unless I buy one and put it on myself, and I feel like the effect is only going to be amplified on a leather strap.

Well you’re going to have to find a different watch and to my taste that’s a win because the Air King dial is a much bigger issue than the bezel hang.

[ltmgeller]

I don't think it bothers me

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Jcor7

The issue is I put all my watches on leather straps(even my rolex). I probably won’t be able to see an airking on a leather strap in person unless I buy one and put it on myself, and I feel like the effect is only going to be amplified on a leather strap.

If the gap between strap and case really bothers you in real life than you can always buy end links

[928ktgold]

No

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Jcor7

I don’t think there’s any actual functional issue with this. I just think this makes it look weird, especially from a side profile.

Everything mostly will look weird under extremely high magnifying to a so called problem.