I dont like the Ceramic.

[gold canyon]

Originally Posted by Speed

Thanks...my bad.

I have seen a couple stories on TRF re: smashed ceramic bezels...but nary any pics. Leads me to believe the fragility is greatly exaggerated.

I've thought the same thing. I do like the new ceramic bezels a lot. In fact, I'd say I'm pleased with most of the improvements Rolex has been turning out lately. I think Rolex is making a strong attempt to keep there watches relevent (e.g. new technologies, improved bracelet and clasp, anti-refective coating on the cyclops, super-case, etc). HOWEVER, and IMHO, there will always be a special place in my heart for the Rolex of previous generations.

[Eric88]

So is this alleged fragile ceramic Rolex bezel a myth?

[dsio]

Originally Posted by Eric88

So is this alleged fragile ceramic Rolex bezel a myth?

How many pictures of cracked bezels have been posted since the GMT-C came out in total?

I'm sure there are some around, but I've seen only 1.

[Eric88]

Originally Posted by dsio

How many pictures of cracked bezels have been posted since the GMT-C came out in total?

I'm sure there are some around, but I've seen only 1.

I've seen one or two after deep searches. I'm just trying to evaluate if I should just flip my Sub-C out of concern for those recessed numbers making it fragile? Will we see Sub-C specimens 40 years from now with their original ceramic bezels? Or will they all be shattered and scratched?

[dsio]

Originally Posted by Eric88

I've seen one or two after deep searches. I'm just trying to evaluate if I should just flip my Sub-C out of concern for those recessed numbers making it fragile? Will we see Sub-C specimens 40 years from now with their original ceramic bezels? Or will they all be shattered and scratched?

In 40 years people will be paying $10,000 for chipped and cracked ceramic bezels to give their vintage sub-C "character"

[Eric88]

Originally Posted by dsio

In 40 years people will be paying $10,000 for chipped and cracked ceramic bezels to give their vintage sub-C "character"

I do wonder how the ceramic bezel inserts will age. I live in a 60 year old house and have found a couple of samples of the original ceramic tiles out in the yard where workers were doing their thing back in the day. I wonder if the ceramic Rolex bezels will hold up so well?

[dsio]

I sort of wondered what would happen if you sanded back the surface of a ceramic bezel, whether it'd be black underneath, or whether the original colour of the ceramic material would show through.

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by dsio

I sort of wondered what would happen if you sanded back the surface of a ceramic bezel, whether it'd be black underneath, or whether the original colour of the ceramic material would show through.

[Danand]

Originally Posted by dsio

I sort of wondered what would happen if you sanded back the surface of a ceramic bezel, whether it'd be black underneath, or whether the original colour of the ceramic material would show through.

As far as I know the colour is throughout the ceramic, not a surface glaze. If it was just a surface glaze they would be able to do any coulour and the coke/pepsi inserts would be easy to produce. And it would be very difficult to sand the surface.
Ceramics are extremely strong as long as they are well supported. I haven't seen a bezel without the insert but it would be very surprising if it was anything but flat bottomed so as to give 100% support to the insert. I think the only part that is vulnerable to chipping is the inner edge, adjacent to the crystal. So I think it would be very unlikely to have a blow to the insert at just the right spot in order to cause damage without also damaging the crystal.
I think there is a lot of paranoia about these inserts being fragile. Nothing is unbreakable but I suspect most of these watches will be fine many years down the road. I've put my hard earned money on the line in is belief!

[Zed Homme]

With the amount of people complaining that they bang their dssds on anything and everything, I'd venture to say that the ceramic is plenty tough.

[dsio]

That's a pretty valid point, the DSSDs wears with its buttocks hanging out and the owners don't tend to baby them.

In terms of high cost consumable parts, the aluminium bezel inserts may be cheap to replace on the older subs, but the bracelets are certainly not. On the whole I really think this is going to be a more robust and durable piece as a package, even if individual part costs have gone up.

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by JBat

Then why did you buy it?

Good question. I wondered the same myself.

[BeerNutta]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

Good question. I wondered the same myself.

I didnt, fiance bought it as a wedding gift.

[Jinder]

Personally, I love them. Feels smooth and looks so damn clean!