116520 - Long Term Bezel Wear

[nighthawk77]

Of late, the 116520 Stainless Steel Daytona has caught my eye and I’ve been thinking of adding one to the collection as my next watch.

A lot of comments which I have seen flag the fact that the bezel was susceptible to scratching quite easily. Due to the engraved markings on the bezel, I understand that it’s not possible to polish. The introduction of the ceramic bezel in 2016 was welcomed by many, as the scratch resistant properties overcome this issue.

Whilst ceramic is objectively the better option in this regard, I do enjoy the classical look of the stainless steel bezels. So I was wondering, how bad do the stainless steel bezels actually hold up over time and long term wear?

Photos welcome!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

116520 owner here. As long as the scratches are hairlines, I find it never gets too bad. Over a decade or more of wear, you'll notice some "hazing" of the high-polished bezel - no doubt about that. But in my experience it's never gotten to the point where a quick hand-polish with cape cod couldn't bring it back to life.

Like you, OP, I'm also a fan of the steel bezel. Objectively better, sure, but the ceramic just doesn't have that same "Daytona" character as the older steel-bezel variants.

It's a great choice Daytona-wise. I've owned the white dial for years. If I had to do it again, I'd go black though

[Edwardfry3]

You're right about the bezel being prone to scratches; it can definitely show wear over time, especially if you wear it daily.

[Phrank]

I've had mine since 2018, was going to be my one and only watch, but then I joined this forum.....lol.

Haven't had any scratches, bezel holds up well, and if a significant scratch happened, easy and cheap swap at RSC.

Still my favourite watch....

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

116520 owner here. As long as the scratches are hairlines, I find it never gets too bad. Over a decade or more of wear, you'll notice some "hazing" of the high-polished bezel - no doubt about that. But in my experience it's never gotten to the point where a quick hand-polish with cape cod couldn't bring it back to life.

Like you, OP, I'm also a fan of the steel bezel. Objectively better, sure, but the ceramic just doesn't have that same "Daytona" character as the older steel-bezel variants.

It's a great choice Daytona-wise. I've owned the white dial for years. If I had to do it again, I'd go black though

Thanks for the insight

On looks, I’m split between white and black as it stands, but think the white will probably edge out as I have a few other black watches in the collection already.

What makes you say you’d now take the black?

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by Phrank

I've had mine since 2018, was going to be my one and only watch, but then I joined this forum.....lol.

Haven't had any scratches, bezel holds up well, and if a significant scratch happened, easy and cheap swap at RSC.

Still my favourite watch....

Looks amazing, thanks for sharing.

Good point on RSC - I did think if the bezel did get scratched up too badly, then should be relatively straightforward to get it replaced.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

Thanks for the insight

On looks, I’m split between white and black as it stands, but think the white will probably edge out as I have a few other black watches in the collection already.

What makes you say you’d now take the black?

I always gravitated to the white. And honestly, in the right habitat, I think it's the nicer dial variant. The clean and sharp lacquered finish is just fantastic! However, I've found that living in an area of the world that doesn't get too much sunlight (maybe 90-100 days/year if you're lucky!), the dial "washes" out completely to a sort of "silvery-grey". It makes an already difficult dial to read, even more difficult. And that beautiful gloss white dial (the reason I went with the white!) just disappears :(

I see you're in the UK - It's worth trying them both out, and preferably in natural light on a typical grey day

[LarryB]

I have daily worn a white 116520 for 2 years now and have no issues with scratches on the bezel. I do have some small scratches on buckle from working on a desk. Overall very happy with the watch.

[Stupot]

It starts with micro scratches noticeable from certain angles when the light hits it.

Then it progresses into an overall matt effect and it looses its shine.

Then the black paint that infills the numbers starts to wear off.

Plus if you ding it or scratch it along the way, which is almost inevitable, it will make you sick!

Can’t be refurbished, needs to be replaced. Can only be replaced with full service. Lots of money.

Ask me how I know!

Loved me 116520 much dressier and classier than the ceramic, but very glad it’s gone and I wouldn’t even remotely dream of swapping my 116500 for another, due to the bezel wear issues, as it currently still looks like new years later.

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by LarryB

I have daily worn a white 116520 for 2 years now and have no issues with scratches on the bezel. I do have some small scratches on buckle from working on a desk. Overall very happy with the watch.

Good to hear - care to share any photos? Which dial did you go for?

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by Stupot

It starts with micro scratches noticeable from certain angles when the light hits it.

Then it progresses into an overall matt effect and it looses its shine.

Then the black paint that infills the numbers starts to wear off.

Plus if you ding it or scratch it along the way, which is almost inevitable, it will make you sick!

Can’t be refurbished, needs to be replaced. Can only be replaced with full service. Lots of money.

Ask me how I know!

Loved me 116520 much dressier and classier than the ceramic, but very glad it’s gone and I wouldn’t even remotely dream of swapping my 116500 for another, due to the bezel wear issues, as it currently still looks like new years later.

Ha, sounds like a journey of discovery which you didn't enjoy! Do you have any photographs of the older one well worn?

I'm a big fan of the ceramic too, but not sure the price difference is justifiable at the moment on the secondary market compared to 116520.

[Stupot]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

Ha, sounds like a journey of discovery which you didn't enjoy! Do you have any photographs of the older one well worn?

I'm a big fan of the ceramic too, but not sure the price difference is justifiable at the moment on the secondary market compared to 116520.

Just had a look back my phone and apologies, I don’t have any pictures, it was circa 15 years ago.

I had a Yachtmaster 40 too, and it was the same, the bezel was very easily marked and not easily refurbished. Replaced with a current GMT for the same reason.

I’m quite light on my watches too, don’t do manual work and am quite particular, but the wear on both annoyed me.

Ceramic might not necessarily look as nice, but boy is it a more practical material for a bezel.

[rolph]

If you love the classic look of the stainless steel bezel, it might be worth considering how much you value that aesthetic versus the practicality of the ceramic.

[mpkRolex]

I wouldn't worry about the SS bezel if I still had one. SS bezel on Black dial and ceramic on white dial is my preference.