Ceramic indestructible? See this. Not for faint hearted. Macro pic inside

[G'ed]

So I got my ROO 44mm recently but I saw a speck/chunk of white particle on the caseback. AP recommended to stop usage and get it cleared. However opening the case meant they need to follow procedure and do a complete movement maintenance service. No biggies since it’s waived (under warranty). However they record and inspect the whole watch for existing scar (to make sure current condition during hands-in) and noticed the ceramic bezel is dented at one spot.

And here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the million dollar pic of dented ceramic bezel. It’s barely noticeable in real life lol



AP advises to replace the bezel but declined. Cost $2400.

[mnl]

That sucks! But at least it’s a tiny mark and probably only noticeable when you look for it…

[G'ed]

Yea, can’t even see it unless you run your finger over it.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by G'ed

Yea, can’t even see it unless you run your finger over it.

I had this last year, a tiny scratch on the front of the bezel running across (90 degrees) the brushed surface.

I decided to change it, it cost £2000 which was annoying as the watch was only about 4 months old at the time. This was an expensive way to find out that ceramic isn’t ‘scratch proof’ it’s scratch resistant, a very subtle difference meaning that it isn’t covered under warranty.




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[G'ed]

Originally Posted by AshAP

I had this last year, a tiny scratch on the front of the bezel running across (90 degrees) the brushed surface.

I decided to change it, it cost £2000 which was annoying as the watch was only about 4 months old at the time. This was an expensive way to find out that ceramic isn’t ‘scratch proof’ it’s scratch resistant, a very subtle difference meaning that it isn’t covered under warranty.

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Ouch on that 4 months old watch. I guess it annoyed you so much that you’re willing to part with £2000 to unseen it.

This is a reminder that ceramic is not an all-end solution to bezel damage. Sometimes the steel bezel is still more practical.

[jrs146]

That stinks. But at least it’s barely noticeable. Might as well wait until it gets dinged up more and then replace.


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[Andad]

Originally Posted by AshAP

I had this last year, a tiny scratch on the front of the bezel running across (90 degrees) the brushed surface.

I decided to change it, it cost £2000 which was annoying as the watch was only about 4 months old at the time. This was an expensive way to find out that ceramic isn’t ‘scratch proof’ it’s scratch resistant, a very subtle difference meaning that it isn’t covered under warranty.




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Nothing is 'scratch proof' Ash, not even a diamond.

[Rachdanon]

Ceramic being a brittle and non-ductile material, that may not be a dent but fracture lines which may leade to the chunk falling off in time.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Nothing is 'scratch proof' Ash, not even a diamond.

I honestly didn’t realise, I knew ceramic can break if it’s dropped and that was it....expensive lesson!


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[Cryten]

Originally Posted by Rachdanon

Ceramic being a brittle and non-ductile material, that may not be a dent but fracture lines which may leade to the chunk falling off in time.

I agree. Dent - no, fracture - yes.

Being so close to a screw, the next significant bang it gets might knock that corner off.

[kn_watches]

This was one reason I got rid of my Ceramic Panerai 335, and decided to go with the Ti44 over the ceramic. I imagine any damage to a ceramic case to be a hefty bill, even if the chances are slim.

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by Rachdanon

Ceramic being a brittle and non-ductile material, that may not be a dent but fracture lines which may leade to the chunk falling off in time.

That’s exactly what it looks like to me, too. I can live with dents, but fractures...that scares me a little.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by G'ed

Ouch on that 4 months old watch. I guess it annoyed you so much that you’re willing to part with £2000 to unseen it.



This is a reminder that ceramic is not an all-end solution to bezel damage. Sometimes the steel bezel is still more practical.

Exactly if it happened now that the watch is 18 months old I’d live with it but on a 4 month old watch I was gutted that I’d damaged it so quickly. I’ve worn the watch every day since and no further bezel damage.


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[PJ S]

Originally Posted by G'ed

So I got my ROO 44mm recently but I saw a speck/chunk of white particle on the caseback. AP recommended to stop usage and get it cleared. However opening the case meant they need to follow procedure and do a complete movement maintenance service. No biggies since it’s waived (under warranty). However they record and inspect the whole watch for existing scar (to make sure current condition during hands-in) and noticed the ceramic bezel is dented at one spot.

And here it is, ladies and gentlemen, the million dollar pic of dented ceramic bezel. It’s barely noticeable in real life lol



AP advises to replace the bezel but declined. Cost $2400.

As indicated above, ZrO2 (Zirconium Oxide) is not like a metal, and as such doesn’t deform, it simply cracks.
Do me a favour, run your fingernail over the edge and affected area – does it catch?
It could just be material transfer, and a drop of Brasso on a bit of cotton cloth (not a microfiber) should remove it.
Those lines don’t immediately scream fracture lines to me – ceramic hardly ever displays such signs whilst still remaining part of the rest of the material.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=457445

[G'ed]

I did run my fingernail over it and there’s no odd edges, just smooth. What we seen here might be aftermath of a crack albeit minor one.

I agree ceramic is brittle and will not dent or compressible.

[bayerische]

Personally I would wait and see if a chuck falls off or not. If not, have it replaced once the watch needs service.

Ceramic has a high resistance to scratches, but can chip rather easily.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by G'ed

I did run my fingernail over it and there’s no odd edges, just smooth. What we seen here might be aftermath of a crack albeit minor one.

I agree ceramic is brittle and will not dent or compressible.

As I suspected.
Given the issue is on an edge, like I said previously, ceramic doesn’t tend to remain attached when it’s had sufficient force to fracture it, it simply fails and comes away.
Get yourself some Brasso and see if those marks come off. You’ll need to wash the area afterwards with a drop of washing up liquid to remove the carrier fluids, and rinse thoroughly.

[G'ed]

Definitely will try but only after 2 months as it's with APSC now for free overhaul

[PJ S]

^
Ah… well in that case, tell them where they can buy some Brasso, cheaply, then!
But, while it’s there, I’d be highly surprised if they didn’t inspect it and try to clean it up for you – the sort of thing you’d expect from top notch customer service.
Might be worth having a chat in that regard – directly preferably, with one of the watchmakers.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Cryten

I agree. Dent - no, fracture - yes.

Being so close to a screw, the next significant bang it gets might knock that corner off.

yep.

Its scratch proof (mostly), but that isnt a scratch

[G'ed]

Originally Posted by PJ S

^
Ah… well in that case, tell them where they can buy some Brasso, cheaply, then!
But, while it’s there, I’d be highly surprised if they didn’t inspect it and try to clean it up for you – the sort of thing you’d expect from top notch customer service.
Might be worth having a chat in that regard – directly preferably, with one of the watchmakers.

The macro photo was provided by APSC and come together with optional $2400 bill to replace the bezel. So I guess that's top notch service?

[PJ S]

^
Good photo – thought that was taken by yourself.
The fact they’re offering an option on replacing it would be indication enough that it’s perfectly fine, and therefore re-useable for re-assembly.

[BawlaDK]

Just out of curiosity - If the watch cracks by accident, Im sure your insurance would pick up the bill for it...??? I know mine will??

[singe89]

Originally Posted by BawlaDK

Just out of curiosity - If the watch cracks by accident, Im sure your insurance would pick up the bill for it...??? I know mine will??

it will as long as it covers loss and damage. I know mine does but dont know if its worth putting a claim in for $2,400.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by singe89

it will as long as it covers loss and damage. I know mine does but dont know if its worth putting a claim in for $2,400.

if its not on a homeowners policy and insured separately, i would make a claim. On homeowners i would probably not.

[lovetherolex]

Originally Posted by AshAP

I had this last year, a tiny scratch on the front of the bezel running across (90 degrees) the brushed surface.

I decided to change it, it cost £2000 which was annoying as the watch was only about 4 months old at the time. This was an expensive way to find out that ceramic isn’t ‘scratch proof’ it’s scratch resistant, a very subtle difference meaning that it isn’t covered under warranty.




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Any idea how it scratched?

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by lovetherolex

Any idea how it scratched?

Take your pick, I was wearing it more or less all day for just about all activities; squash, treadmill, swimming, sauna + work etc. I took it off before getting into bed though ;-)


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[Rachdanon]

^ those are some activities that involve some vigorous arm movements indeed...can imagine impacting that corner against some hard surface like the tiles of the swimming pool for example..