Fluted vs Engine Turned Bezel

[RolexYM]

Originally Posted by Andelain

Does anyone know if they make the engine turned bezel in gold for the Date?

Never seen one. Here is my TOG:

[watchf]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Any flat or convex metal surface can be engine turned and some concave surfaces too. There are a few restrictions with 3D surfaces but in general you can do almost anything, hence the technical drawing analogy.
In addition you can vary the depth of the cut as you travel along a line so it is possible to create an image in low relief rather like that on a coin but with the advantage that since it was generated from a series of cuts it has reflective qualities which "highlight" the image in a completely unique way.

Thanks Dan. That process sounds like it could apply to fluted bezel as well.

[Andelain]

Originally Posted by RolexYM

Never seen one. Here is my TOG:

Bummer. I'd love to put one on my Date.

Nice TOG, you got the newer style. Here's an older style that's on it's way to me.

[dricig]

Here's my 1985 15010 Date with the engine turned bezel.
I purchased this new and decided on it based on the unique look of the bezel combined with the white romans dial.
I also feel that the squared off bezel makes the watch wear larger.

dave

[dddrees]

Fluted for me. It appeals to me more, and besides it shines so brightly in the sun.

[tictic]

Originally Posted by Andelain

Bummer. I'd love to put one on my Date.

Nice TOG, you got the newer style. Here's an older style that's on it's way to me.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't this model called the Thunderbird? Whereas the newer model now out is called a Turn-O-Graph as so marked on the dial?
BTW the Thunderbird is my daily wearer (ss, white stick dial, WG bezel) and as the WG bezel gets patina it creates its own contrast of shiny and brushed effect which I think looks great.

[capote]

I prefer the smooth bezel, a bit more discreet

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by train-time

I have owned both the engine turned and the 18K WG fluted on a SS DJ that was produced just before the model change a few years back. IMO the 18K WG fluted looks better because its shine is so much brighter. There is a price for that better look, if I recall correctly, at the time it was about $600 more for the WG.

The fluted is the dressier look. There are more surfaces that reflect light at almos tany angle to create a bit of sparkle. This works particularly well with a jubilee, IMO.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by tictic

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't this model called the Thunderbird? Whereas the newer model now out is called a Turn-O-Graph as so marked on the dial?
BTW the Thunderbird is my daily wearer (ss, white stick dial, WG bezel) and as the WG bezel gets patina it creates its own contrast of shiny and brushed effect which I think looks great.

I think the term "turnograph" has been used since the watch was introduced in 1953. It earned the name "Thunderbird" a few years later when it was worn by Thunderbird pilots. Here's an interesting link from "network54" vintage Rolex forum:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...derbird+Trivia

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by Andelain

Does anyone know if they make the engine turned bezel in gold for the Date?

I'm pretty sure engine turned bezels were made only in steel.

[pinballplanet]

Originally Posted by zak98

here is an engine turned bezel on my airking. p serial number.

white gold fluted (like on a 16014 DJ) definately catches light more. white gold has a different look as well. but this bezel makes this 34mm watch LOOK bigger.. IMO. and still does catch the light very well.

I have the same watch (114010m white Roman dial) though z series. IMO the hour marker lines on the SS engine turned bezel compliment the rectangular markers on the dial giving it a bigger, bolder, and sportier appearance compared to a domed bezel.

By the way, do you know if the markers on the dial WG?

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by Lisa

I think the term "turnograph" has been used since the watch was introduced in 1953. It earned the name "Thunderbird" a few years later when it was worn by Thunderbird pilots. Here's an interesting link from "network54" vintage Rolex forum:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...derbird+Trivia

Great info I thought you meant these guys for a sec. I'm from England

[tictic]

Originally Posted by Lisa

I think the term "turnograph" has been used since the watch was introduced in 1953. It earned the name "Thunderbird" a few years later when it was worn by Thunderbird pilots. Here's an interesting link from "network54" vintage Rolex forum:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...derbird+Trivia

Thanks for the link Lisa - I did happen to see that before. Now wouldn't it be a hoot to come across one of those at a flea market?
Something I am remembering also (and I'm not sure about this), but didn't the Submariner evolve from the model originally marked TOG on the dial too?
One thing certainly can be said - the name TOG has alot of history associated with it thru the years.

[warren G.]

Couple random pics of my DJ I used to owned. Engine turned

[GeoGio Greece]

Originally Posted by dentman

This is a white gold fluted bezel on a late 1960's 1601...

I had this watch from 1983 to 1990. Midnight blue dial. Long thin hours, I regret selling it !

Sporty, elegant and classic at the same time.

[Onikage]

I like fluted bezels. It matches the crown!

[Andelain]

Originally Posted by tictic

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't this model called the Thunderbird? Whereas the newer model now out is called a Turn-O-Graph as so marked on the dial?
BTW the Thunderbird is my daily wearer (ss, white stick dial, WG bezel) and as the WG bezel gets patina it creates its own contrast of shiny and brushed effect which I think looks great.

Yep, that's a T-Bird from 1991. I'll post more pics when I get it.

[poker]

i prefer fluted tuned bezel any day.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by tictic

Thanks for the link Lisa - I did happen to see that before. Now wouldn't it be a hoot to come across one of those at a flea market?
Something I am remembering also (and I'm not sure about this), but didn't the Submariner evolve from the model originally marked TOG on the dial too?
One thing certainly can be said - the name TOG has alot of history associated with it thru the years.

Yes! The turnograph 6202. Here's a link to a pic:http://www.flickr.com/photos/char1iej/3007629103/

[Andelain]

Wonder what a nice condition one of them would be worth today....

[RLX-lvr]

I like the engine turned bezel. Not as flashy, from '63.

[tictic]

Originally Posted by Lisa

Yes! The turnograph 6202. Here's a link to a pic:http://www.flickr.com/photos/char1iej/3007629103/

Yea - that's the ticket!!

Thanks again!

[tictic]

Originally Posted by Andelain

Wonder what a nice condition one of them would be worth today....

Name your own price I would think!!

[roxytico]

VS.



Can anyone help me decide between these two vintage datejusts?

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-st...ust-16220.html
https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-me...ust-16234.html

[Sperry]

The Turned looks more dated. JMHO, though.

[REFZ]

Before this topic poped up I had never heard about the term engine turned bezel and I had to Google it why it is called that way.

I knew the type of bezel but didn't knew that it was called the engine turned bezel.
Learning something new every day on the forum, thanks guys.

[phils]

[QUOTE=luvchnl;1563630]Hi,
I have been trying to research more info about the engine turned bezel.

I want a datejust, but the current ones for ladies have only fixed bezels, other than the yachtmaster I believe (I may be wrong).
I don't want a yachtmaster because I have a similar looking watch already. I'm looking for a datejust model.

I'm looking into the older model datejust with the engine turned bezel that looks like the bezel in zak98 photo.

Does the engine turned bezel actually turn, or is it fixed? I love a turning bezel that I can use as a timer. Sorry if this is a silly question, but I really need to know.


There is not a 31mm DJ model with a rotating bezel.
Tudor made a small diver's watch years ago.
Google your needs and you may find what you like.
Good luck.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by zak98

here is an engine turned bezel on my airking. p serial number.

white gold fluted (like on a 16014 DJ) definately catches light more. white gold has a different look as well. but this bezel makes this 34mm watch LOOK bigger.. IMO. and still does catch the light very well.

Originally Posted by kyle L

The Engine Turned Bezel is a work of art, not saying that the fluted isn't, but I don't see them as often.

hate to be pedantic but your watches have finely engine turned bezels not engind turned their is a difference

[incontrol]

I love the engine turned bezels!

[njbeizai]

Originally Posted by zak98

here is an engine turned bezel on my airking. p serial number.

white gold fluted (like on a 16014 DJ) definately catches light more. white gold has a different look as well. but this bezel makes this 34mm watch LOOK bigger.. IMO. and still does catch the light very well.

that's a cool dial