Fluted vs. engine-turned

[aramingo_venango]

I'm starting to research 5-digit Datejusts. (Nothing wrong with 4-digit DJs, of course, but any watch I eventually purchase will be a part of a rotation, so quickset would be nice.)

I love the classic look of engine-turned steel bezels. However, there are a ton of watches with white gold fluted bezels on the market too, and this increases the number of dial colors available. I am thinking that fluted would be OK for me if I come across a good watch, especially if it is a full set. But I still want to avoid the over-the-top shine that modern fluted DJs have.

I haven't seen a lot of older DJs in the steel. So, I want to ask—in real life, is there a huge difference in the shininess/flashiness, durability, and overall look between a 5-digit fluted vs. a 5-digit engine-turned bezel?

[214270Explorer]

I think this only matters as far as your personal preference.

My experience of wearing an Oyster Perpetual Date with engine turned fluted bezel for 31 years now is no one (outside of another watch enthusiast) is ever going to care or even see what is on your wrist. So any "shininess" or "flashiness" is likely to only be noticed by you.

You will notice it only because you will be looking at it a lot.

Durability is really a non-issue unless you are going to attempt to destroy the watch. (I have smacked the bezel of mine a few times over the years and have not had any issue. Just a few light abrasions of the antique plastic crystal.)

Both designs look great. So why not get a few of each and have a nice collection?

[thosw]

Here's my 1980's DJ 16030 with engine turned bezel. I think the engine turned bezel is less flashy than the fluted bezel.

[Richard Carver]

Really can't go wrong either way, I wouldn't say either is flashy. Just workhorse DJs telling time everyday. :)

1984 16030

[aramingo_venango]

Thanks for the responses and great pics!

I have to say my preference is engine-turned, because of their distinctive look, but I'm going to expand my search to fluted as well.

[Jwtownse]

Its 100% personal preference. I have the white gold on a 16234 and I couldn’t be happier with it.

[Pureform]

Originally Posted by aramingo_venango

Thanks for the responses and great pics!

I have to say my preference is engine-turned, because of their distinctive look, but I'm going to expand my search to fluted as well.

If you like the engine turned and fluted, why not go with the coin edge bezel with alpha hands =)

[jimdon5822]

I have seen some with “bark” bezels too. Kind of cool.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Really can't go wrong either way, I wouldn't say either is flashy. Just workhorse DJs telling time everyday. :)

1984 16030

Love this one Richard

[landroverking]

I like engine turned. Wore a black dial SS with small Roman for years. One of the few I ever got comments on from other Rolex guys.

[SSerna93]

Just picked up this 16030 this afternoon. I was definitely looking for a fluted bezel but couldn’t pass this up, the price was extremely good and it’s a gentleman I had done business with before.

[Richard Carver]

Good choice. :)

[DLRIDES]

Congrats !