The Aging of Ceramic...

[Miguelon]

Hey guys...I'm a very new WIS having recently purchased my first Rolex...a BLNR...but as I spend more and more time on this site I'm developing an increasing appreciation for all things vintage...I really love the way the older Rolex Sport models age...the way the aluminum bezels change color over time...so my question is...What do you think all of the modern Rolexes we purchase with ceramic bezels will look like in 20, 30 years ect...will they fade at all?...what kind of character will show? Or do these new materials almost eliminate a lot of the interesting fades and patinas that may develop...anyone care to guess what a modern Hulk or BLNR will look like 20 years from now?

[sickened1]

I searched the forum and found this in the archive.

How will ceramic bezels age over time?

[tkerrmd]

they are made "not to age" i.e. fade etc so if you are interested in that look ya need to go vintage

[cop414]

Agree with the link above, I would think that they will look exactly as new 20-30 years from now...

[Auerr]

They will look like 20-30 year old watches with slightly beat-up ceramic bezels :)

[DCheeta]

Yeah, as the esteemed gentlemen above have stated, your BLNR will never look vintage. Luminova does not turn yellow and ceramic does not fade.

That's why we buy vintage, too! You need both in your collection.

[Miguelon]

Interesting - thanks for the links guys...so we can assume Cerachrome won't age. You think the dial and Luminova will not show signs of age either?? That's great...and not...I would love it to show some signs of age...without breaking down...but I guess that's an oxymoron isn't it...you can't have one without the other...that being said...time gets the better of all things...but maybe we will be long dead before the new Rolex's develop a beautiful patina...maybe my great grandson will be able to appreciate it...if he gives a damn about wristwatches that is....

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Miguelon

Interesting - thanks for the links guys...so we can assume Cerachrome won't age. You think the dial and Luminova will not show signs of age either?? That's great...and not...I would love it to show some signs of age...without breaking down...but I guess that's an oxymoron isn't it...you can't have one without the other...that being said...time gets the better of all things...but maybe we will be long dead before the new Rolex's develop a beautiful patina...maybe my great grandson will be able to appreciate it...if he gives a damn about wristwatches that is....

Well said...

[sco]

I have an older ceramic (case and bracelet) Rado purchased around 15 years ago or so, still looks BNIB...

I love the look of ceramic bezels on modern watches, and I'm glad they won't change

[Wesley Crusher]

The insert itself should not fade, but the numbers (platinum dust) will likely fade away, if not fully, at least partially.