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Old 8 June 2016, 08:10 AM   #1
sgucla
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Ceramic vs non ceramic

Hi everyone,
You guys are so full on knowledge and experience. I'm wondering what are pros and cons of the new ceramic bezels? Do some people prefer the old bezels vs the new ceramic ones? Why did tbe Rolex make the change? Seems the colors look brighter in the ceramic but are they more delicAte/prone to wear?
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Old 8 June 2016, 08:14 AM   #2
Lordofrolex
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Ceramic bezel is just a great invention and pretty much prefer all my watches with ceramic bezels if theres an option. Just take a look at the new Daytona C people are going crazy for the ceramic bezels. Im also more of a modern watch kind of guy so most of my choices will be the ceramic choice as rolex is not heading in that direction as well as other companies like AP with ceramic bezels on there Offshores.
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Old 8 June 2016, 11:18 AM   #3
landroverking
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I prefer the pre c models.
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Old 8 June 2016, 11:41 AM   #4
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Hey I like vintage but really love these ceramic bezels ... Sub-C and BLNR are awesome
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Old 8 June 2016, 12:04 PM   #5
Ru4scuba
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Ceramic bezels are not more delicate...in fact, they are tougher and almost scratch proof. That said, their colors are slightly different than the older models....they simply don't pop as much as a metal bezel....but metal fades over time whereas ceramic will not.

What individuals prefer is up to them....I like them both!
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Old 8 June 2016, 12:09 PM   #6
Tan
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I love vintage but ceramics are awesome!
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Old 8 June 2016, 12:09 PM   #7
Mr. K
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People here like them both. Both have their place.

If you like the old school vintage feel then go aluminum insert. If you like modern cutting edge go ceramic. I am lucky enough to have both. Both have their place.
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Old 8 June 2016, 12:21 PM   #8
sgucla
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I like both as well
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Old 8 June 2016, 12:31 PM   #9
brandrea
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Both have their advantages. I like and own both
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Old 8 June 2016, 12:32 PM   #10
tkerrmd
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I prefer ceramic...it is an upgrade in material in every way....looks, color, and durability ...IMHO....(I also own both)


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Old 8 June 2016, 12:36 PM   #11
masyv6
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I prefer the ceramic. To me, it's an upgrade in both form and function.
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Old 8 June 2016, 12:39 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tkerrmd View Post
I prefer ceramic...it is an upgrade in material in every way....looks, color, and durability ...IMHO....(I also own both)


Tom. That photo is a thing of beauty.
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Old 8 June 2016, 12:51 PM   #13
sgucla
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tkerrmd View Post
I prefer ceramic...it is an upgrade in material in every way....looks, color, and durability ...IMHO....(I also own both)



Oh my god my eyes can't take how stunning that picture is lol....you also like color like I do!
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Old 8 June 2016, 01:23 PM   #14
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I concur that ceramic is durable and I prefer it as well
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Old 8 June 2016, 01:41 PM   #15
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mostly putting style/design preference aside here are the basic pros & cons (all my opinion of course). I am personally a ceramic believer!

Ceramic
Pros
virtually scratch proof (will look new forever)
beautiful platinum deposits in the numbers (at least on the submariner that is - maybe other models, but not sure)
beautiful shine to it
Cons
can shatter if banged hard enough
very expensive to replace
the same beautiful shine is quite blingy compared to the finish of aluminum (not everyone's cup of tea)

Aluminum
Pros
virtually shatter proof
classic/vintage timeless look
very inexpensive to replace
Cons
scratches easily
older tech and lacking modern innovation compared to ceramic bezels
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Old 8 June 2016, 01:54 PM   #16
sgucla
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Thank you
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:07 PM   #17
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I have plenty of both but I prefer the vintage pieces.
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:10 PM   #18
Ckci
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5512 Mk 1 Maxi.
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:13 PM   #19
Chadridv
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ckci View Post
I have plenty of both but I prefer the vintage pieces.
Attachment 749625
6263
I think anyone would prefer that piece to anything!

BUT just cause it's pre-ceramic doesn't mean it's "vintage". There are plenty of aluminum bezel modern pieces out there.

Now the question is, putting aside that old ugly daytona for a sec (jk ) how do you feel about ceramics in the modern realm?
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:17 PM   #20
Ckci
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6263 black
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:17 PM   #21
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I like how easy it is to swap vintage inserts, especially on a GMT, but I also love the indestructibilty and reserved, yet modern fee of the cermaic watches.
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:25 PM   #22
Ckci
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I prefer Aluminum in general. I'm not proud of this but I haven't even worn any of my ceramic Rolex watches. They are pretty I guess but they don't turn me on. I've worn all of my Aluminum bezel watches. I admit I may be a bit of an anomaly but it's what I prefer. I didn't know how much I'd like this one but I wear it quite a bit.
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Fairly modern 2003 50th flat 4 maxi.
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:31 PM   #23
Ckci
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Another modern Aluminum I wear a lot.
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:31 PM   #24
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I basically prefer steel. Kinda old school. Though I did own two GMT II Cs that I loved. Being the knucklehead that I am I sold them.
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:34 PM   #25
Ckci
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One more Aluminum one.
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16750
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Old 8 June 2016, 02:35 PM   #26
Chadridv
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ckci View Post
One more Aluminum one.
Attachment 749632
So sweet! What reference is that?
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Old 8 June 2016, 03:02 PM   #27
Ckci
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So sweet! What reference is that?
Thanks buddy. Just trying to give some support for the non-ceramic side. Above watch is 16750 Matte from '83.
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Old 8 June 2016, 03:14 PM   #28
sensui
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ckci View Post
One more Aluminum one.
Attachment 749632
16750
I like both for different reasons... Definitely tend towards the aluminum bezel for the Pepsi gmts... That is a true beauty. Had to chime in with that pic.
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Old 8 June 2016, 03:16 PM   #29
busytimmy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tkerrmd View Post
I prefer ceramic...it is an upgrade in material in every way....looks, color, and durability ...IMHO....(I also own both)


Love the contrast between metals here, Tom. Look at how warm the WG blue sub glows compared to the steel Hulk next to it. Great photo mate!

Back on topic, I'm a fan of ceramic as well...
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Old 8 June 2016, 05:43 PM   #30
omx5o
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The main reason usually quoted is scratches. But the bezel only covers 5% of the watch. At least a metal bezel will scratch as the same rate as the rest of the watch.
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