Why Fluted?

[Brew]

I've been wondering, why make a fluted bezel? Was it because the smooth bezels got scratched up anyway, so mess up the surface so the scratches don't show. Or, was it a way to throw light around like a diamond bezel, only more cheaply? Other? Anyone know? [Padi, I need help! ]

[swatty]

Because it’s beautiful

[Rashid.bk]

Wouldn't think too hard it and we'll never know the real truth from Rolex. It's just another design element. Looks sparkly and dresses the watch up. Why a jubilee bracelet, why a president over the oyster......
Variety makes things fun and sells more watches to more people.

[Canbs]

I believe the fluted bezels were initially for better grip so the bezel could be screwed down in assembly, providing additional water resistance. And I guess they are still around because they look pretty and refract light like crazy.

[Brew]

Originally Posted by Canbs

I believe the fluted bezels were initially for better grip so the bezel could be screwed down in assembly, providing additional water resistance. And I guess they are still around because they look pretty and refract light like crazy.

Hadn't considered actual functionality.

[Brew]

Originally Posted by swatty

Because it’s beautiful

Indeed!

[Brew]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Wouldn't think too hard it and we'll never know the real truth from Rolex. It's just another design element. Looks sparkly and dresses the watch up. Why a jubilee bracelet, why a president over the oyster......
Variety makes things fun and sells more watches to more people.

Perfectly reasonable. I thought design at first too, but then began to wonder. Thanks for responding.

[glamorama]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Wouldn't think too hard it and we'll never know the real truth from Rolex. It's just another design element. Looks sparkly and dresses the watch up. Why a jubilee bracelet, why a president over the oyster......
Variety makes things fun and sells more watches to more people.

With this mindset we won't have much to discuss other than prices and shortage. I think it is very interesting to dig in the history of design elements that makes each Rolex so iconic.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Brew

Perfectly reasonable. I thought design at first too, but then began to wonder. Thanks for responding.

Originally Posted by Canbs

I believe the fluted bezels were initially for better grip so the bezel could be screwed down in assembly, providing additional water resistance. And I guess they are still around because they look pretty and refract light like crazy.

I was going to mention this as well as there has been info supporting this, although the first ones don't look like todays pretty sparkly fluted designs.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by glamorama

With this mindset we won't have much to discuss other than prices and shortage. I think it is very interesting to dig in the history of design elements that makes each Rolex so iconic.

I didn't criticize nor insinuate that this should not be discussed, not sure what mindset you refer to, you're jumping to conclusions a bit early without providing any input to the discussion other than talk about my post. My response was merely aimed at the resolution which is that there isn't much in actual purpose to the the bezel except that it's beautiful.

[Brew]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

I was going to mention this as well as there has been info supporting this, although the first ones don't look like todays pretty sparkly fluted designs.

The serrated sides on the rotating bezels would seem to be better for turning a bezel than flutes on top (which you can't write on as easily).

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Brew

The serrated sides on the rotating bezels would seem to be better for turning a bezel than flutes on top (which you can't write on as easily).

Here's a bit of data to digest.

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...ed-bezels.html

[Brew]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Here's a bit of data to digest.

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...ed-bezels.html

Very cool, thank you. This article seems to lean towards "design," at least with respect to the engine turned variation.

[samson66]

Because it's pretty, and modern watches are jewlery at the end of the day

[DoctorA]

Depends on the model and bracelet
To me, fluted bezel looks too noisy with jubilee and I prefer smooth bezel there
But on oyster..... it’s beautiful!! I’m still mesmerized by the ss skydweller combo!

[Brny11]

I like to believe that similar to most Rolex features, this had a functional purpose at origin and stuck as an iconic feature... or maybe it just shines beautifully. Either way, I’m a huge fan. I like gold DD over platinum for this very reason.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Brew]

Originally Posted by Brny11

I like to believe that similar to most Rolex features, this had a functional purpose at origin and stuck as an iconic feature... or maybe it just shines beautifully. Either way, I’m a huge fan. I like gold DD over platinum for this very reason.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very cool, so this points to a functional reason. Excellent.

Interestingly, I think I value the design a bit more, if it has a functional basis.

[peterskinner]

Also, it echos the Rolex crown symbol....and it hides marks in a way the smooth bezel cannot.

[sillo]

I think as people have mentioned already it was a function over form design originally that helped ensure a water proof seal.

[Syed117]

Fluted is magical

[glamorama]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

I didn't criticize nor insinuate that this should not be discussed, not sure what mindset you refer to, you're jumping to conclusions a bit early without providing any input to the discussion other than talk about my post. My response was merely aimed at the resolution which is that there isn't much in actual purpose to the the bezel except that it's beautiful.

Apologies in that case.

I don’t really have any input as to why just following the thread to see what comes up.

[SkyJuice]

Bling Bling factor. Nuff said ;)

[herts9]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Fluted is magical

perfect

/thread

[Brew]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Fluted is magical

I agree, and that's a great example of how the flutes toss light, almost like diamonds.

[zewill]

I find it hard to believe nowadays that the fluted serves in the same way as the original way (that is to help grip).
Seeing it's gold, which is not the hardest material, i think it's just because it looks good!
I'm a big fan of fluted on 36mm DJ! Makes it totally look like jewellery!
I dont like the extra 2k for it though :D

[Paul H]

All this time I though that the fluted bezel was for cutting ropes that someone had tied you up with.

[LeftCoastBias]

The initial design of Rolex’s Oyster case required both the bezel and the case-back of the watch to be screwed onto the middle case to ensure a tight seal. Consequently, the fluting on the bezel was identical to the fluting on the back, which corresponded to the proprietary tool that Rolex had designed to open the watch. Today, bezels are pressure fitted onto the middle case of the watch rather than screwed on; however bezel fluting has remained as an aesthetic element on certain Rolex watches, a signature feature of the brand that is only ever manufactured in solid gold.

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...ster-case.html




- Sent via iPhone. Please excuse any typos or brevity in my message

[Brew]

Originally Posted by LeftCoastBias

The initial design of Rolex’s Oyster case required both the bezel and the case-back of the watch to be screwed onto the middle case to ensure a tight seal. Consequently, the fluting on the bezel was identical to the fluting on the back, which corresponded to the proprietary tool that Rolex had designed to open the watch. Today, bezels are pressure fitted onto the middle case of the watch rather than screwed on; however bezel fluting has remained as an aesthetic element on certain Rolex watches, a signature feature of the brand that is only ever manufactured in solid gold.

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...ster-case.html




- Sent via iPhone. Please excuse any typos or brevity in my message

This is great, thank you! A functional start that is now an aesthetic hallmark.

[nuts070]

It says Rolex from afar

[Likestheshiny]

The serrated sides on the rotating bezels would seem to be better for turning a bezel than flutes on top (which you can't write on as easily).

It wasn't done by hand -- a tool with corresponding fluting would grab it from above. Screw-on casebacks have similar tools that grab the divots.

Although it's obviously just a design element on any modern Rolex.