Sub-C bezel scratchable?

[Feras]

Is the bezel of the Sub-C scratch proof as they say or not? Any pictures of scratched bezels?

[le_baroudeur]

yes, so no.

[htc8p]

The bezel is scratch proof and deep black and very smooth and shiny looking. very difficult to scratch

personal experience on gmt2c

[Darlinboy]

Hard, but probably not impossible to scratch. More likely to break IMO.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by feras

Is the bezel of the Sub-C scratch proof as they say or not? Any pictures of scratched bezels?

Like most things today hit it hard enough it will scratch chip or break.There have been a few reports but its a very tiny amount.The problem with the ceramic if you are unfortunate to scratch one then its very expensive to replace.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by padi56

like most things today hit it hard enough it will scratch chip or break.there have been a few reports but its a very tiny amount.the problem with the ceramic if you are unfortunate to scratch one then its very expensive to replace.

x2

[crowncollection]

X 3, like sapphire crystal very hard to scratch but hit the edge on something sharp and hard and we all know from experience it can chip.

[Feras]

Wow, am sure glad to have people like you guys, you are experts. Thanx all

[Rags]

If a ceramic bezel needs to be changed does anyone know how much it will cost to replace it as apposed to the steel bezel.

[Melanotaenia]

a diamond will scratch the ceramic bezel; it is possible, although more difficult compared to previous bezels.

[smallcandle]

Nothing is "x"-proof... As mentioned it is unlikely to scratch the ceramic bezel, but it has been done by a few unlucky souls.

[Anthony808]

I read about the ceramic bezel chipping/scatching etc but have never seen pics. Starting to wonder if this is an urban legend.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by Rags

If a ceramic bezel needs to be changed does anyone know how much it will cost to replace it as apposed to the steel bezel.

~$1000 vs. ~$120 (insert only, d/n incl. housing).

[Danand]

I have a very small scratch on my ceramic bezel. Doesn't show up well on photos. Got it from a very hard hit on a sharp metal edge.
Ceramics are brittle but very hard and strong if supported well, as they are in the subc and gmt2-c. I would hazard a guess that the sapphire crystal is more at risk due to area and less support, and crystal failures are still rather rare.

[Cabaiguan]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

X 3, like sapphire crystal very hard to scratch but hit the edge on something sharp and hard and we all know from experience it can chip.

I really don't get comments like this. Not trying to offend, but "we all know from experience.." is painting with a broad brush, no? What experience? Your experience? Has one broken on YOU or is it second-hand "experience?"

Posts like this is how internet "experience" becomes reality.

[al_bongo]

I assumed he was talking about sapphire crystal?

[Danand]

Originally Posted by Cabaiguan

I really don't get comments like this. Not trying to offend, but "we all know from experience.." is painting with a broad brush, no? What experience? Your experience? Has one broken on YOU or is it second-hand "experience?"

Posts like this is how internet "experience" becomes reality.

I have a sapphire crystal TAG that is almost 20 years old, daily wearer for 18 years. LOTS of abuse. Crystal looks like the day it was new.

[Wacko]

By 20 y/o SubND has been worn everyday and the crystal is like new.

[InVision]

AD charge $400 for bezel, exchange only. Also the AD watch maker has to have bought the ceramic change tools before he can buy a ceramic bezel insert. Be careful if you think you might of scratched the bezel insert, my AD said that cracked ones look just like a scratch.

Mike

[fespo276]

I hit my brand new Sub on something (not sure) and the bezel insert held up fine. However, the metal bezel ring appears to have a small ding on the inside edge, right where it and the bezel insert meet. It's like I raised a tiny burr that can only be seen in certain light. I saw another photo on here of a similar incident where the inner edge of the bezel ring got "bent" in or down, toward the ceramic insert (must be a small gap engineered into the bezel assembly). So, the force was enough to deform the metal ring, but not chip the bezel insert (of course, not sure of the exact angle it struck).

Oh, and the quote for a new metal bezel ring from Rolex was $630!!!! Yup, just the metal ring.

[modwg]

Not directly to the point, but I have a Seiko Ananta Spring Drive GMT with a totally ceramic Bezel. No metal around it like on my GMT Master IIC, etc. After a a coupe of years of hard use, there's not a scratch on it. It looks as good as the day I bought it.

I hope my GMT Master fares as well.

[Danand]

Originally Posted by modwg

Not directly to the point, but I have a Seiko Ananta Spring Drive GMT with a totally ceramic Bezel. No metal around it like on my GMT Master IIC, etc. After a a coupe of years of hard use, there's not a scratch on it. It looks as good as the day I bought it.

I hope my GMT Master fares as well.

It should I would bet. It sounds like the bezel on the new ceramic daytona. I maintain these ceramics are tough!

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by Cabaiguan

I really don't get comments like this. Not trying to offend, but "we all know from experience.." is painting with a broad brush, no? What experience? Your experience? Has one broken on YOU or is it second-hand "experience?"

Posts like this is how internet "experience" becomes reality.

I was referring to a sapphire crystal actually, which was also stated in its initial adverts by rolex as being nearly unscratchable, one of the hardest substances known to man. and if you have not chipped the edge of a sapphire crystal in your life well done, but if you have never heard of or seen one you have not seen many rolexes that is for sure. My father has been a watchmaker for 40 years and i have seen plenty come in for repair to my fathers business, and chipped a few myself in my 20 years of collecting, i currently own 30+ rolexes and i would say at least 5 came to me used with chipped edges of sapphire crystal regards

[drainaps]

Next time you go to a restaurant, look carefully at the pit of a plate and unless brand new, you will see many scratches ( plates at home are usually made of softer ceramics than heavy-duty ones used in the food service industry). Ceramic can (and will) get scratched. It is true indeed that you don't cut a steak on your bezel, so chances are quite slim.

Ceramic is very brittle though, so chipping will be your main concern. Anyway the bezel is mounted on metal, which gives it a better overall structural resistance. My 2c of materials engineering for the day.

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by Anthony808

I read about the ceramic bezel chipping/scatching etc but have never seen pics. Starting to wonder if this is an urban legend.

All of the Rolex forums, including this one have had photos of chipped and broken ceramic bezels over the last few years. Fortunately for the C owners, it's rare, but it certainly happens. Ceramics and sapphire crystals can both scratch as well. The problem is the cost of repair if you are one of the few that "hits it just right". The old insert was less than $100 installed. Also, as a few have discovered, unlike with the old insert, if the bezel is deformed at all, it needs to be replaced as well. The ceramic insert can't simply be forced in. I use my SD 24/7, except for the gym, and I'm glad it has the old bezel. It's starting to pick up a little patina. It will look magnificent in another 10 or so years.

[Cabaiguan]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

I was referring to a sapphire crystal actually, which was also stated in its initial adverts by rolex as being nearly unscratchable, one of the hardest substances known to man. and if you have not chipped the edge of a sapphire crystal in your life well done, but if you have never heard of or seen one you have not seen many rolexes that is for sure. My father has been a watchmaker for 40 years and i have seen plenty come in for repair to my fathers business, and chipped a few myself in my 20 years of collecting, i currently own 30+ rolexes and i would say at least 5 came to me used with chipped edges of sapphire crystal regards

Gotcha. I misunderstood your post. I thought you were comparing sapphire crystals to ceramic bezels.

[htc8p]

i dont know why you guys are scared of ceramic. i just wore mine and forget about the contact it gets with normal use.

its get banged around like brushing against door and car doors but not like a roundhouse punch

the pcl and clasp get scratched for sure but the bezel and sapphire are as good as new.

i think ceramic and alum bezel are just as sturdy. the only difference is ceramic hardly shows wear.