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SubMarine · 18 September 2019, 04:26 AM

For some reason, I've always felt the engine turned is missing something. Is the fluted always more desirable?

Brew · 18 September 2019, 04:31 AM

Depends. When I'm feeling musical, fluted; when industrial, engine turned. See?

brockburst · 18 September 2019, 04:32 AM

I don't think so. If we are talking engine tuned we are talking vintage era's....so I think it depends on many factors including overall condition as well as application.

When I purchased a buckley datejust, I wanted to wear it on a nato or green leather for sort of an updated timex kinda vibe. A fluted bezel didn't look right....through my search, I largely found that smooth vs engine vs fluted - there really wasn't much, if any price difference between the three when comparing apples to apples condition.

So from a price perspective I can't say one is much better than the other. From a preference perspective....well....everyone has an opinion of what they like, that debate won't be solved here.

Dan S · 18 September 2019, 06:43 AM

Personal taste.

Kingface66 · 18 September 2019, 07:07 AM

Douglas, I'm guessing this post is in some ways (OK, a lot of ways!) related to your other post. It sounds like you like everything about your watch except for the bezel. So, sell it and get a 1601. I recently got a beautiful one at a very decent price, and I saw many out there.

kwcsports · 18 September 2019, 07:09 AM

Get what you like. I personally like Fluted, but that's me. I buy and wear what I like.

daveo5 · 18 September 2019, 07:31 AM

Purely subjective on your part

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SubMarine · 18 September 2019, 08:09 AM

The problem is it’s next to impossible finding truly unpolished Datejust cases. My 1603 is mint and 100% unpolished.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Douglas, I'm guessing this post is in some ways (OK, a lot of ways!) related to your other post. It sounds like you like everything about your watch except for the bezel. So, sell it and get a 1601. I recently got a beautiful one at a very decent price, and I saw many out there.

Paul · 18 September 2019, 09:35 AM

The fluted always seems to be a slightly delicate look to me. Add the fact that Rolex chose white gold for the fluted bezel seems to echo 'delicate' too. JMHO.

A 1603 with an engine-turned bezel and the new-and-improved hacking movement works for me.

MILGAUSS88 · 18 September 2019, 09:59 AM

I think it is the opposite.

Rollied · 18 September 2019, 02:28 PM

I feel like the fluted is dressier than the engine turned, so I think for a everyday, causal wear, engine turned is more fitting? But it’s down to personal preference so I think there’ll always be no consensus here

BigMac53 · 19 September 2019, 01:14 AM

I personally prefer the fluted; to me something just looks off about the engine turned; I think I just don’t like the gaps between the details in the bezel and I prefer the “symmetrical”/ continuous look of the fluted bezel. Not to mention the shimmer that sharp fluted bezel gives off when the light it hits it.

To each their own, but it’s a fluted bezel for me.

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brockburst · 19 September 2019, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SubMarine

The problem is it’s next to impossible finding truly unpolished Datejust cases. My 1603 is mint and 100% unpolished.

Just change the bezel then?

SubMarine · 19 September 2019, 02:14 AM

I’m a purist. See my other thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brockburst

Just change the bezel then?

Johnnie K · 19 September 2019, 05:23 AM

Being retired, I am not much involved in wearing dressy clothes. Mostly shorts and golf polo shirts (yeah, I am an avid golfer), so I'm an engine turned guy, I also feel the engine turned really looks good with whatever you're wearing.

Racer X · 20 September 2019, 06:59 AM

Totally subjective. I used to think engine-turned bezels were ugly. Now, I love them. Personally, I think the engine-turned bezel looks a little more casual, a little more "tool watch," which is a good thing in my book.

mobster600 · 20 September 2019, 09:44 AM

well IMO its ugly.

Smooth bezels look amazing

fluted bezels look more amazing....simple answer, fluted and smooth look better.....dont kill the messenger talk to Rolex about their sales of the turn-engine

miamiclay · 20 September 2019, 11:13 AM

All personal taste of course, but I think both the smooth/domed and engine-turned bezels are better looking. It seems indisputable that they do not ‘show’ any polishing nearly as badly as fluted ones, whose crisp arrises are so quickly and easily blurred.

Because they are less common, perhaps they also have extra appeal to WISs. If I had your watch, I wouldn’t even consider replacing that cool, vintage engine-turned bezel with a common fluted one. OTOH, I imagine the fluted bezel is much more “recognizably Rolex” to most people.

Dan S · 20 September 2019, 11:54 AM

The fluted bezel is the most distinctive feature of the classic "old-man Rolex".

STEELINOX · 20 September 2019, 12:54 PM

I never would poo poo an engine turned bezel.

SubMarine · 20 September 2019, 07:47 PM

Right, and they’re also discontinued, which adds to their appeal...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer X

Totally subjective. I used to think engine-turned bezels were ugly. Now, I love them. Personally, I think the engine-turned bezel looks a little more casual, a little more "tool watch," which is a good thing in my book.

rootbeer7 · 20 September 2019, 11:27 PM

I believe fluted is gold and engine-turned steel?

Racer X · 21 September 2019, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SubMarine

Right, and they’re also discontinued, which adds to their appeal...

Good point. You can go down to your local Rolex dealer at the mall and buy a new watch with a fluted bezel. Not so with ET. That does increase it's appeal to me as the new Rolex watches really don't do much for me.

SubMarine · 21 September 2019, 11:53 AM

I wonder if they’re ever going to bring Engine Turned back?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer X

Good point. You can go down to your local Rolex dealer at the mall and buy a new watch with a fluted bezel. Not so with ET. That does increase it's appeal to me as the new Rolex watches really don't do much for me.

jdmi32 · 21 September 2019, 01:05 PM

At this point in time, I think it’s actually a pretty close contest.

SubMarine · 21 September 2019, 01:11 PM

I’m surprised about the number of engine turned votes on this thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdmi32

At this point in time, I think it’s actually a pretty close contest.

mineral · 21 September 2019, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

I believe fluted is gold and engine-turned steel?

That’s correct.

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Racer X · 22 September 2019, 05:27 AM

We just need to turn more to the dark side :)

motoikkyu · 24 September 2019, 05:07 AM

I could be wrong, and if I am, please straighten me out, but isn't there also a coin-edged bezel available on some early 16XX series? It's a little more subtle than the fluted, but similar. I know this bezel exists, just not sure if it was ever on the 16XXs. The coin-edge bezel is my favorite, has a soft vintage look.

alwayshere · 24 September 2019, 10:01 AM

well many of the fluted bezels are WG vs. stainless steel in the engine turn, if i'm not mistaken.

18 September 2019, 04:26 AM	#1
SubMarine Banned Join Date: Aug 2014 Real Name: Douglas Location: London, UK & USA Watch: Submariner 16610 Posts: 723	Is the consensus that the fluted bezel is always more desirable than engine turned? For some reason, I've always felt the engine turned is missing something. Is the fluted always more desirable?

18 September 2019, 06:43 AM	#4
Dan S 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 6,271	Personal taste. __________________ @oldwatchdan on IG

18 September 2019, 09:35 AM	#9
Paul "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,000	I prefer engine turned or smooth ... The fluted always seems to be a slightly delicate look to me. Add the fact that Rolex chose white gold for the fluted bezel seems to echo 'delicate' too. JMHO. A 1603 with an engine-turned bezel and the new-and-improved hacking movement works for me.

20 September 2019, 11:54 AM	#19
Dan S 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 6,271	The fluted bezel is the most distinctive feature of the classic "old-man Rolex". __________________ @oldwatchdan on IG

20 September 2019, 12:54 PM	#20
STEELINOX 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Sink-O! Location: a praire in AZ Watch: ROLEX-less atm... Posts: 14,021	I never would poo poo an engine turned bezel. __________________ *Positive Waves Baby* Lug Hole Loyalist / Chamfer Line Inspector INFORTHE WIN SUB-MAH-REEEN-ER ~ !

18 September 2019, 04:31 AM	#2
Brew "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Real Name: Larry Location: Finger Lakes Posts: 6,007	Depends. When I'm feeling musical, fluted; when industrial, engine turned. See?

18 September 2019, 04:32 AM	#3
brockburst 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Chicago Posts: 792	I don't think so. If we are talking engine tuned we are talking vintage era's....so I think it depends on many factors including overall condition as well as application. When I purchased a buckley datejust, I wanted to wear it on a nato or green leather for sort of an updated timex kinda vibe. A fluted bezel didn't look right....through my search, I largely found that smooth vs engine vs fluted - there really wasn't much, if any price difference between the three when comparing apples to apples condition. So from a price perspective I can't say one is much better than the other. From a preference perspective....well....everyone has an opinion of what they like, that debate won't be solved here.

18 September 2019, 07:07 AM	#5
Kingface66 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: The Empire State Watch: Many Posts: 3,459	Douglas, I'm guessing this post is in some ways (OK, a lot of ways!) related to your other post. It sounds like you like everything about your watch except for the bezel. So, sell it and get a 1601. I recently got a beautiful one at a very decent price, and I saw many out there.

18 September 2019, 07:09 AM	#6
kwcsports "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Kevin Location: N.S. Canada Posts: 559	Get what you like. I personally like Fluted, but that's me. I buy and wear what I like.

18 September 2019, 07:31 AM	#7
daveo5 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Las Vegas NV Watch: 14060M COSC Posts: 1,336	Purely subjective on your part Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

18 September 2019, 09:59 AM	#10
MILGAUSS88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: mississippi river Posts: 3,185	I think it is the opposite.

18 September 2019, 02:28 PM	#11
Rollied 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 833	I feel like the fluted is dressier than the engine turned, so I think for a everyday, causal wear, engine turned is more fitting? But it’s down to personal preference so I think there’ll always be no consensus here

19 September 2019, 01:14 AM	#12
BigMac53 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Jon Location: CT Posts: 729	I personally prefer the fluted; to me something just looks off about the engine turned; I think I just don’t like the gaps between the details in the bezel and I prefer the “symmetrical”/ continuous look of the fluted bezel. Not to mention the shimmer that sharp fluted bezel gives off when the light it hits it. To each their own, but it’s a fluted bezel for me. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

19 September 2019, 05:23 AM	#15
Johnnie K "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Real Name: John Location: Florida Posts: 73	Being retired, I am not much involved in wearing dressy clothes. Mostly shorts and golf polo shirts (yeah, I am an avid golfer), so I'm an engine turned guy, I also feel the engine turned really looks good with whatever you're wearing.

20 September 2019, 06:59 AM	#16
Racer X "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: Unknown Posts: 999	Totally subjective. I used to think engine-turned bezels were ugly. Now, I love them. Personally, I think the engine-turned bezel looks a little more casual, a little more "tool watch," which is a good thing in my book.

20 September 2019, 09:44 AM	#17
mobster600 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: USA Watch: Yes Posts: 1,509	well IMO its ugly. Smooth bezels look amazing fluted bezels look more amazing....simple answer, fluted and smooth look better.....dont kill the messenger talk to Rolex about their sales of the turn-engine

20 September 2019, 11:13 AM	#18
miamiclay 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: 33139/95460 Posts: 1,410	All personal taste of course, but I think both the smooth/domed and engine-turned bezels are better looking. It seems indisputable that they do not ‘show’ any polishing nearly as badly as fluted ones, whose crisp arrises are so quickly and easily blurred. Because they are less common, perhaps they also have extra appeal to WISs. If I had your watch, I wouldn’t even consider replacing that cool, vintage engine-turned bezel with a common fluted one. OTOH, I imagine the fluted bezel is much more “recognizably Rolex” to most people.

20 September 2019, 11:27 PM	#22
rootbeer7 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: london Posts: 6,149	I believe fluted is gold and engine-turned steel? __________________ @imrootbeer7

21 September 2019, 01:05 PM	#25
jdmi32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Real Name: Ky Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: 16570 Posts: 2,362	At this point in time, I think it’s actually a pretty close contest.

22 September 2019, 05:27 AM	#28
Racer X "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: Unknown Posts: 999	We just need to turn more to the dark side :)

24 September 2019, 05:07 AM	#29
motoikkyu 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: PRJ Posts: 1,732	I could be wrong, and if I am, please straighten me out, but isn't there also a coin-edged bezel available on some early 16XX series? It's a little more subtle than the fluted, but similar. I know this bezel exists, just not sure if it was ever on the 16XXs. The coin-edge bezel is my favorite, has a soft vintage look. __________________ "Do you like Breitling?" "I don't know, really, I've never been Breitled"

24 September 2019, 10:01 AM	#30
alwayshere "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Australia Posts: 1,559	well many of the fluted bezels are WG vs. stainless steel in the engine turn, if i'm not mistaken.

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