SD & SUBS Can not get ceramic bezels?

[steel4me]

Since these watches are designed for diving, someone told me that it would be very stupid for rolex to put ceramic bezels on them, especially the SD and it would be disasterous from the "Warranty" point of view because of salt water corrosion.

If you notice, ceramic bezels are only put on watches not designed for saltwater submersion ...

Any thoughts on this? True/False?

thnx

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I'd say false since the ceramic bezel insert is indeed MORE corrosion-resistant than the anodized aluminium version. Actually, the ceramic bezel insert is described as being highly corrosion-resistant to salt water:



One thing that could be a problem, though, is the too shiny ceramic bezel that is not always a plus when diving.

Also, it has been speculated that the ceramic would shatter if it gets knocked on a coral reef or the like during diving.

[steel4me]

Just doing some more research,I found this excerpt (1st paragraph located here):
http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-1...rystallization


"effect on ceramics
Crystallization of soluble salts can result in serious damage to the ceramic structure and the decorative surface, especially if it is glazed. Soluble salts such as phosphates, nitrates (in soil and groundwater laden with fertilizer and industrial pollutants), and especially chlorides (such as those found in the sea and sometimes in the ground) will combine with water and migrate through the..."


Nothing conclusive but there might be a reason the sub and SD have not gotten ceramics yet ... or maybe ROLEX is just pefecting the Salt Water Resistan ceramic

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Have a look at the attached file I just added in my post.

[diamonddatejust]

They make ceramic propeller blades on speed boats so I have to say BULLSHI*.

[steel4me]

Both you and SpaceDweller have a point ... i think it is a bunch of bologne ...I also noticed that SDs are coming a llittle cheaper on ebay .... most going for $4300 ....seems like something is going on, like they are being reduced to make room for the new ones? Or may be I am just being paranoid ....

[GoldenBear]

Come on, You...paranoid? Surely you jest!!!

[f16570]

If the ceramic could not take submersion in sea water would Rolex not have had to state this in the literature and advertising for the GMT IIc?

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by steel4me

Since these watches are designed for diving, someone told me that it would be very stupid for rolex to put ceramic bezels on them, especially the SD and it would be disasterous from the "Warranty" point of view because of salt water corrosion.

If you notice, ceramic bezels are only put on watches not designed for saltwater submersion ...

Any thoughts on this? True/False?

thnx

What about the spring in the springbar?

It´s rusty on my Sea Dweller.



Jocke

[steel4me]

Originally Posted by GoldenBear

Come on, You...paranoid? Surely you jest!!!

goldenbear,

just because the manager at Walmart was trying to kill me last night, doesn't mean I am paranoid, ok ...

[diamonddatejust]

Originally Posted by steel4me

goldenbear,

just because the manager at Walmart was trying to kill me last night, doesn't mean I am paranoid, ok ...

That was actually that bald headed JJ guy

[jimroe]

Originally Posted by steel4me

Any thoughts on this? True/False?

My thoughts are that this is false. Ceramics can have a wide range of properties, depending on the chemical makeup and manufacturing process. If Rolex states in an advertisement that the ceramic bezel is highly corrosion resistent in salt water, then I'm certain that it is.

I think that the GMT IIc was simply the first watch model that Rolex "refreshed"; in addition to the ceramic bezel, the watch also incorporates other new developments (maxi-dial, PB hairspring, etc) that seem to represent late trends in Rolex timepieces. I suspect that we will likely see these features, as appropriate, show up in most if not all of the product lineup. When Rolex will do this is, of course, known only to Rolex.

[Kris]

I've tried on the new GMT II with the ceramic bezel and it felt like it carried the same weight as my Z-Series SD. The AD told me the new GMT II is actually slightly heavier than the SD.

If they put the ceramic bezel on the SD, I'd figure the watch would be really top heavy wouldn't it?

In fact, in order to reduce the weight added by the ceramic bezel, they'd probably have to modifiy the rest of the watch to lighten the load. To me this means modifying the helium valve and hence, reducing the depth rating of the watch from 4000 ft to say......................2000 ft?

As I love the SD, this isn't something that would make me to keen on selling my current version for the assumed new version.

[teo]

I think a few grams won't hurt.

[Tombstone]

Like a true WIS I am typing this with my SD on my left wrist, and my LV Sub on the right wrist. I have some family members at my home and they just walk past shaking thier heads. As for me I have no clue what will happen with the SD. I really want a maxi-dial for this I would buy a second SD. As for the ceramic bezel I don't mind if Rolex adds one or keeps things as they are.

[jimroe]

The GMT IIc is a heavy watch - heavier I think than my SD. But I don't believe this is the result of the ceramic bezel - more the solid links in the bracelet. Weight should not be noticably different between the ceramic bezel and the current aluminum one on the SD.

[DSJ]

The YM2 is designed to be in and around salt water. The YG has a ceramic bezel. I'm just sayin'!