Daytona 116520 bezel markings

[SC11]

Not seen this discussed on forum before but I have noticed that the 116520 can be found with two different bezels.

One appears smooth with the bezel markings are applied to the smooth surface, like this (pics taken from various FS ad's)




And the other style has the bezel engraved slightly and the markings filled



No real world dramas just the latter could be redone if the markings started to flake!

[Scoobs]

Never seen, or noticed, the first method.

Be interested to see what the experienced ones have to say

Mine is definitely the later

[travisb]

Never noticed this.
I assumed they were always engraved and filled..

[brettpaul]

Very interesting- just checked my white Daytona (random) that I bought in April and it appears to have the "printed" dial. I can feel that it is actually recessed but it's not as obvious as the second pic you've posted.....interested to hear what the experts say.

[Naz737]

Huh!!

[Superlativo]

Engraved here.


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[sportsmaven20]

After looking through a dozen or so Daytona FS ads, I too have seen a difference in the bezel markings. I cannot even find a serial number pattern as to when the non-engraved, painted bezel markings starting appearing. I'm looking forward to hearing feedback from the TRF experts as well. Although I do not own a Daytona, I do prefer the engraved bezel version.

[RichM]

image.jpgMy is a 116523 and its printed. I got it in June 2015.

[AK797]

Thought they were engraved too, could printed be a new thing? Should ask the trusted sellers here.

[SC11]

Originally Posted by brettpaul

Very interesting- just checked my white Daytona (random) that I bought in April and it appears to have the "printed" dial. I can feel that it is actually recessed but it's not as obvious as the second pic you've posted.....interested to hear what the experts say.

Must admit printed wasn't the best description and yes what I had referred to as 'printed' is very slightly engraved.

[Danny83]

Alpino...???

[AS1]

interesting also that first example is a "double tick" dial (markers for 26 and 27) whereas the second is the "single tick" dial (only a 26 marker). I wrote a post about the differences between these dials some time last year but noticed this year that some new single tick examples seem to have "corrected" the font issues of prior years, such as "COSMOGR APH" with the extra spacing before the A.

[tkerrmd]

I really think they are all engraved and filled with paint, maybe the depth varies, but if there is a bezel that the marking are just flat painted on, then I have learned something else new from this forum!

[SC11]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I really think they are all engraved and filled with paint, maybe the depth varies, but if there is a bezel that the marking are just flat painted on, then I have learned something else new from this forum!

Tom,

As above 'printed' wasn't the best term they are both engraved but its not a case of one being filled move then the other, the engraving is different in its depth and definition.

Main implication is the 'printed' style by the looks of it would be near impossible to repaint if ever needed, I can just about feel the indent with my finger nail where as the engraved style is more like the ExpII bezel.

[SC11]

Originally Posted by AS1

interesting also that first example is a "double tick" dial (markers for 26 and 27) whereas the second is the "single tick" dial (only a 26 marker). I wrote a post about the differences between these dials some time last year but noticed this year that some new single tick examples seem to have "corrected" the font issues of prior years, such as "COSMOGR APH" with the extra spacing before the A.

Doesn't look like they are connected as my white dial Daytona has the single tick mark but the bezel is the 'printed' style.

[anothernewphone]

Here's mine - single tick, slight-engraving style - ordered and purchased Oct '14.

[KBM]

Wow, you learn something new everyday here... although these details make little difference in the real world, they are very interesting to know. Thanks for the info.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by SC11

Tom,

As above 'printed' wasn't the best term they are both engraved but its not a case of one being filled move then the other, the engraving is different in its depth and definition.

Main implication is the 'printed' style by the looks of it would be near impossible to repaint if ever needed, I can just about feel the indent with my finger nail where as the engraved style is more like the ExpII bezel.

ok so its an engraving depth thing, gotcha

just got this, its engraved but not really deep?

[SC11]

Originally Posted by kauebm

Wow, you learn something new everyday here... although these details make little difference in the real world, they are very interesting to know. Thanks for the info.

Maybe not!

The 'printed' style I highlighted is so shallow in its engraving if the enamelled markings ever flaked it would require a new bezel rather then repainting which then in turn I couldn't see Rolex doing a bezel swap without a full service!

[SC11]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

ok so its an engraving depth thing, gotcha

just got this, its engraved but not really deep?

Yes as said by myself labelling it 'printed' I didn't help the situation.

Also the look is slightly different the 'printed' style looks more precise like laser etching where as the other more engraved style looks almost stamped.

[PallMD]

Just got my SS daytona from AD in 6/2015 and its "printed" (Black Dial) as well.

[Solo118]

I never saw a "printed" Daytona and I have had nearly every model (not including RG or PT)

My current WG is engraved and filled with black paint. My previous SS Daytona (v serial) was also engraved and you could definitely tell it was not lightly engraved.

[REFZ]

I bought mine new in January 2015 and it has the "engraved" bezel.

[SC11]

Originally Posted by Superlativo

Engraved here.


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Originally Posted by REFZ

I bought mine new in January 2015 and it has the "engraved" bezel.

I'd say these are what I'm referring to the printed style, very sight engraving you can feel it with your finger nail but as you can see in this pic of the deep engraved version the engraving is very distinct and slightly smoother

[SC11]

'Printed' shallow engraved and very precise

[rollee1]

Originally Posted by AS1

interesting also that first example is a "double tick" dial (markers for 26 and 27) whereas the second is the "single tick" dial (only a 26 marker). I wrote a post about the differences between these dials some time last year but noticed this year that some new single tick examples seem to have "corrected" the font issues of prior years, such as "COSMOGR APH" with the extra spacing before the A.

Where is the double tick, I may be looking in the wrong place.

Very cool observation, but I prefer the "engraved" than "painted" bezel.
Any word if the "painted" dial is a newer replacement from now?

[ck1109]

Could it just be a photographic effect?

Based on the example in OP's post, engraved bezel should have 1 tick marker at 26 and painted bezel should be 2 tick marker.

If you look at my Daytona pic, it looks like painted bezel, but has 1 tick marker.

[AS1]

Originally Posted by rollee1

Where is the double tick, I may be looking in the wrong place.

Double tick means there are long markers at 26 and 27

Single tick means there is a long marker at 26 but not at 27

Hope that helps!

[WatchinMD]

When I looked at mine I thought it might be printed but I can feel a definite engraves recess with my fingernail and I think you can see it on this photo.

[SC11]

Originally Posted by ck1109

Could it just be a photographic effect?

Based on the example in OP's post, engraved bezel should have 1 tick marker at 26 and painted bezel should be 2 tick marker.

If you look at my Daytona pic, it looks like painted bezel, but has 1 tick marker.

Yes as I said above there can't be a link as my white dial Daytona has a single tick dial but 'printed' shallow engraved bezel as well.