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Stevieb · 4 June 2013, 03:47 AM

I have had my GMT2C for about 3 months now and when I was cleaning it yesterday I noticed quite a deep scratch between the 12 and the 14 on the bezel.

I always thought that ceramic bezels were highly scratch resistant.
Has any one else had this problem?

Thanks

ecsub44 · 4 June 2013, 03:50 AM

Do you have a pic?

I've seen some folks around here actually scratch the bezel insert...so it can happen, unfortunately.

More often than not the "scratch" is actually just a mark/residue from something that banged against the bezel. Some elbow grease may be able to remove it.

Good luck.

padi56 · 4 June 2013, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevieb

I have had my GMT2C for about 3 months now and when I was cleaning it yesterday I noticed quite a deep scratch between the 12 and the 14 on the bezel.

I always thought that ceramic bezels were highly scratch resistant.
Has any one else had this problem?

Thanks

Yes there have a few reported problems with the ceramic inserts getting scratched,if its deep like you state its going to be very expensive to replace.

mjclark32 · 4 June 2013, 04:03 AM

They're highly resistant to scratches, but they've been known to happen. One of our members scratched this subc in a motorcycle wreck and used a Dremel to get the scratch off. I'll look for the thread...

SWISSAHOLICS · 4 June 2013, 04:03 AM

Deep scratch does not sound good on the new ceramic bezels and as Peter stated....quite expensive to replace....I have heard of issues like this with others as well.

mjclark32 · 4 June 2013, 04:05 AM

Found it
http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=214943

kilyung · 4 June 2013, 04:09 AM

Diamonds ARE NOT a man's best friend.

Stevieb · 4 June 2013, 04:33 AM

I realise that it won't be a cheap fix. A local rolex accredited watch repairer is costing it up for me. Don't think I can live with it...........although I'm still in shock.

To be honest I can't remember banging it that hard

HRFdez · 4 June 2013, 04:42 AM

Big differences between a ding and a scratch. I can live with a scratch, a ding? Nope. Good luck buddy!

ufboy73 · 4 June 2013, 05:08 AM

pic?

Stevieb · 9 June 2013, 02:27 AM

Have been quoted just over £400 to replace the bezel insert. A lot of money..........but it could be worse.

Sorry for the lack of a photo but I'm no good at photography. However, it is a scratch and I'm now deciding whether it is worth replacing the bezel. Obviously the watch functions as normal and any remedial work would be purely cosmetic. Decisions, decisions.........

Swift_Movement · 9 June 2013, 02:47 AM

A material can be scratched by anything that is harder than it. There are things harder than ceramic.

Speed · 9 June 2013, 02:47 AM

Price of fame. You were unlucky. Hopefully you'll have years of no scratch wear. :-)

stevedssd · 9 June 2013, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevieb

Have been quoted just over £400 to replace the bezel insert. A lot of money..........but it could be worse.

Sorry for the lack of a photo but I'm no good at photography. However, it is a scratch and I'm now deciding whether it is worth replacing the bezel. Obviously the watch functions as normal and any remedial work would be purely cosmetic. Decisions, decisions.........

Sorry to hear your news, not sure if your GMT is 3 months old or older and you have had it for 3 months.

If it's a slight scratch and you are fairly near having a service then it might be worth waiting. I lost the pearl out of my Deepsea bezel and it was slightly more than the cost you have been quoted for the GMT, two years ago.

Every time I put the watch on my eye focused on the missing pearl to the point of obsession. After two weeks I had the bezel replaced.

If it is slight blemish and you can live with it, I'd leave it a while or until service. If it spoils your enjoyment of the watch, it won't take you long to decide it has to be replaced.

Magic-Matt · 9 June 2013, 03:15 AM

I think it might be worth trying to polish it out as someone else mentioned. The ONLY thing is, and I can tell you from experience, polishing it will cause the light reflection on that area of the bezel to be warped (i.e. no longer uniform). If you can live with that, might be worth a shot.

77T · 9 June 2013, 03:54 AM

Pic???

Stevieb · 9 June 2013, 04:04 AM

Pic as requested........,sorry for the quality

Stevieb · 9 June 2013, 04:09 AM

This might be a bit better

Swift_Movement · 9 June 2013, 04:13 AM

What a disaster. I hope it works out for you.

oliphanttapp56 · 9 June 2013, 04:21 AM

They say virtually scratch proof, so not 100% scratch proof, so guessing depends on how hard you hit the watch.
The only problem is if you have it repaired, you may do the same thing again in the next few years, wonder if you can keep polishing it out if possible or have to have it replaced?

Stevieb · 9 June 2013, 04:26 AM

And a better one still. Novice photographer

xtra3cats · 9 June 2013, 05:19 AM

I've read and bookmarked the following thread in case I ever need to use it. Not sure if it will work on yours but it's been proven to work on scrapes and light scratches. You may want to try it if you are comfortable doing it yourself.

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=214943

Daytona-Dan · 9 June 2013, 05:23 AM

The rest of the watch still looks pretty clean, how did you manage to bump it hard enough to scratch the bezel and yet not the case? It must have hit at just the wrong angle on something sharp. As other have suggested, are you SURE it's not residue from whatever you hit?

77T · 9 June 2013, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevieb

Pic as requested........,sorry for the quality

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevieb

This might be a bit better

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevieb

And a better one still. Novice photographer

Thanks x3. Wow - that is a gouge for sure vs a scratch.

427shark · 9 June 2013, 05:34 AM

Are you sure it's a scratch and not a mark on the surface from what ever you banged it on.... If it is scratched you must have tapped that puppy pretty hard

77T · 9 June 2013, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtra3cats

I've read and bookmarked the following thread in case I ever need to use it. Not sure if it will work on yours but it's been proven to work on scrapes and light scratches. You may want to try it if you are comfortable doing it yourself.

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=214943

That was a scuff - the crater for the OP would look like the Grand Canyon bt comparo

Stevieb · 9 June 2013, 05:41 AM

No definitely not residue. When I ran my finger over it I could feel the indentation. Also I have tried to wash it, polish it etc.........anything to remove it but with no success.

As I said previously I can't remember banging the watch. The ironic thing is I have owned 2 Rolex Submariners, both with aluminium bezels and never scratched either.

BTW thanks to everyone for your input

handsfull · 9 June 2013, 05:46 AM

That royally sucks. As kilyung stated, its probably/most likely from a diamond.

codecow · 9 June 2013, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilyung

Diamonds ARE NOT a man's best friend.

Haha true!

Rolex Richie · 9 June 2013, 06:29 AM

If i were you Steve, i would approach the Rolex Customer Service people with a letter concerning the issue and if you are in the vicinity of the Rolex Service Centre at West Malling, take it there for their inspection.
As it is in the warranty, i would go with the point that you bought the watch on the understanding that the new ceramic bezel was unscratchable and give them a sob story.
I think you will have some level of success in my humble opinion !
I wish you the best of luck with your unfortunate situation.
I really sympathise with your predicament.

4 June 2013, 03:47 AM	#1
Stevieb "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: Seamaster Posts: 181	Scratched Ceramic Bezel I have had my GMT2C for about 3 months now and when I was cleaning it yesterday I noticed quite a deep scratch between the 12 and the 14 on the bezel. I always thought that ceramic bezels were highly scratch resistant. Has any one else had this problem? Thanks

4 June 2013, 03:50 AM	#2
ecsub44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: US Watch: Sub Posts: 3,175	Do you have a pic? I've seen some folks around here actually scratch the bezel insert...so it can happen, unfortunately. More often than not the "scratch" is actually just a mark/residue from something that banged against the bezel. Some elbow grease may be able to remove it. Good luck. __________________ *侘寂 -- wabi-sabi --* acceptance of transience and imperfection by finding beauty in that which is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete Commissioner of WEIRD POLICE , Badge # ecsub44

4 June 2013, 04:03 AM	#4
mjclark32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: MJC Location: PHL USA Watch: IWC, Rolex, AP Posts: 29,232	They're highly resistant to scratches, but they've been known to happen. One of our members scratched this subc in a motorcycle wreck and used a Dremel to get the scratch off. I'll look for the thread... __________________

4 June 2013, 04:03 AM	#5
SWISSAHOLICS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Here! Watch: Rolex Posts: 4,366	Deep scratch does not sound good on the new ceramic bezels and as Peter stated....quite expensive to replace....I have heard of issues like this with others as well. __________________ 16610LN \| 16613LB \| 16710 Pepsi \| 118238 \| 116500 (White) \| 116500 (Black) \| 116710BLNR \| 116610LV "The one thing I fear most is time; time waits for no one and leaves no options."

4 June 2013, 04:05 AM	#6
mjclark32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: MJC Location: PHL USA Watch: IWC, Rolex, AP Posts: 29,232	Found it http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=214943 __________________

4 June 2013, 04:09 AM	#7
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	Diamonds ARE NOT a man's best friend.

4 June 2013, 04:33 AM	#8
Stevieb "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: Seamaster Posts: 181	I realise that it won't be a cheap fix. A local rolex accredited watch repairer is costing it up for me. Don't think I can live with it...........although I'm still in shock. To be honest I can't remember banging it that hard

4 June 2013, 04:42 AM	#9
HRFdez "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Hector Location: Lake Placid, NY Watch: Rolex Day-Date Posts: 390	Big differences between a ding and a scratch. I can live with a scratch, a ding? Nope. Good luck buddy!

4 June 2013, 05:08 AM	#10
ufboy73 Banned Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: usa Posts: 1,601	pic?

9 June 2013, 02:27 AM	#11
Stevieb "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: Seamaster Posts: 181	Have been quoted just over £400 to replace the bezel insert. A lot of money..........but it could be worse. Sorry for the lack of a photo but I'm no good at photography. However, it is a scratch and I'm now deciding whether it is worth replacing the bezel. Obviously the watch functions as normal and any remedial work would be purely cosmetic. Decisions, decisions.........

9 June 2013, 02:47 AM	#12
Swift_Movement Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Jon Location: Kitchener, Canada Watch: The Throne Posts: 375	A material can be scratched by anything that is harder than it. There are things harder than ceramic.

9 June 2013, 02:47 AM	#13
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Price of fame. You were unlucky. Hopefully you'll have years of no scratch wear. :-)

9 June 2013, 03:15 AM	#15
Magic-Matt "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Matthew Location: Marbella Watch: Exp 216570 Polar Posts: 357	I think it might be worth trying to polish it out as someone else mentioned. The ONLY thing is, and I can tell you from experience, polishing it will cause the light reflection on that area of the bezel to be warped (i.e. no longer uniform). If you can live with that, might be worth a shot.

9 June 2013, 03:54 AM	#16
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,024	Pic??? __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

9 June 2013, 04:04 AM	#17
Stevieb "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: Seamaster Posts: 181	Pic as requested........,sorry for the quality Attached Images

9 June 2013, 04:09 AM	#18
Stevieb "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: Seamaster Posts: 181	This might be a bit better Attached Images

9 June 2013, 04:13 AM	#19
Swift_Movement Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Jon Location: Kitchener, Canada Watch: The Throne Posts: 375	What a disaster. I hope it works out for you.

9 June 2013, 04:21 AM	#20
oliphanttapp56 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: hastings, UK Posts: 98	They say virtually scratch proof, so not 100% scratch proof, so guessing depends on how hard you hit the watch. The only problem is if you have it repaired, you may do the same thing again in the next few years, wonder if you can keep polishing it out if possible or have to have it replaced?

9 June 2013, 04:26 AM	#21
Stevieb "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: Seamaster Posts: 181	And a better one still. Novice photographer Attached Images

9 June 2013, 05:19 AM	#22
xtra3cats Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: United States Posts: 931	I've read and bookmarked the following thread in case I ever need to use it. Not sure if it will work on yours but it's been proven to work on scrapes and light scratches. You may want to try it if you are comfortable doing it yourself. http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=214943

9 June 2013, 05:23 AM	#23
Daytona-Dan Banned Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Dan Location: UK Watch: 116528 Posts: 1,049	The rest of the watch still looks pretty clean, how did you manage to bump it hard enough to scratch the bezel and yet not the case? It must have hit at just the wrong angle on something sharp. As other have suggested, are you SURE it's not residue from whatever you hit?

9 June 2013, 05:34 AM	#25
427shark "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: JD Location: Jersey Watch: Dj2 tt, 126610LV Posts: 772	Are you sure it's a scratch and not a mark on the surface from what ever you banged it on.... If it is scratched you must have tapped that puppy pretty hard __________________ It's not easy being green

9 June 2013, 05:41 AM	#27
Stevieb "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: Seamaster Posts: 181	No definitely not residue. When I ran my finger over it I could feel the indentation. Also I have tried to wash it, polish it etc.........anything to remove it but with no success. As I said previously I can't remember banging the watch. The ironic thing is I have owned 2 Rolex Submariners, both with aluminium bezels and never scratched either. BTW thanks to everyone for your input

9 June 2013, 05:46 AM	#28
handsfull "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: J Location: The great Midwest Watch: youlookinat? Posts: 2,369	That royally sucks. As kilyung stated, its probably/most likely from a diamond.

9 June 2013, 06:29 AM	#30
Rolex Richie "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Leeds Watch: Sub 116613LB Posts: 187	If i were you Steve, i would approach the Rolex Customer Service people with a letter concerning the issue and if you are in the vicinity of the Rolex Service Centre at West Malling, take it there for their inspection. As it is in the warranty, i would go with the point that you bought the watch on the understanding that the new ceramic bezel was unscratchable and give them a sob story. I think you will have some level of success in my humble opinion ! I wish you the best of luck with your unfortunate situation. I really sympathise with your predicament.

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