What is Ceramic?

[JamesVegas]

I know that Rolex have changed the Sub. But I don't know what they have changed about the watch. What part of it is ceramic and why does this make a difference? Is it better or not than the old Sub? Sorry if this is an extremely stupid question.

[Norway]

Hi James,
you will probably have al ot more qualified replies to your question than what I can give you, but i wanted at least to say that i dont think of it as a silly question. This forum is a great place to gain new knowledge, and if you don't ask, you dont find out :)

With regards to the new Sub, there are several changes as you mention, with everything from the design of the case (Supercase), to new features on the bracelet (Glidelock).
The Ceramic bezel is considered to be very tough and long lasting, and it should maintain it's shiny look far better than the old one. And also be more resistant to dents etc.

There are many threads on the forum both pro and con the new look, and I guess it will a matter of new technology and design one side, and traditional design, history and the "old-school" feeling on the other.

Hope it was some help.

[darthmouse]

The bezel insert is now ceramic (was aluminum).

Ceramic is harder and shinier, but more brittle and prone to cracks (from some reports).

It is more resistant to color fade and corrosion due to UV light, according to Rolex.

Finally, it is unfortunately harder to make in multiple colors than is aluminum, so the popular GMT "Pepsi" and "Coke" inserts are currently impossible. Rolex is working on it; expect success eventually...

[JamesVegas]

So is the ceramic bezel actually black or is it sprayed black? My non ceramic sub doesn't show any signs of fade or wear from UV. Maybe Rolex should have just left it alone!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by JamesVegas

So is the ceramic bezel actually black or is it sprayed black? My non ceramic sub doesn't show any signs of fade or wear from UV. Maybe Rolex should have just left it alone!

Have to agree and working around the various diving resorts worldwide for a few years. With many months around the Red Sea,with very high UV and temperatures my inserts on Sub from early 90s and SD are as good as when new.Yes they have the odd ding but they did a lot of work underwater and no fade whatsoever, hell sometimes they did not even had a dip in fresh water for weeks.The ceramic insert is more a grey black in certain light not as black as the old type insert IMHO.

[Speed]

Check out rolex.com. In the section onbthe GMTIIC, there is a video showing how the ceramic insert is made.

[TheDude]

Technically speaking, a ceramic is an inorganic non-metallic solid.

There are 3 material categories of "technical ceramics"-

Oxides: Alumina, zirconia
Non-oxides: Carbides, borides, nitrides, silicides
Composites: Particulate reinforced, combinations of oxides and non-oxides.


I believe that the ceramic used in the Rolex bezels is a form of cubic zirconium.

In other industries it can be different. For example, a car exhaust that is lined with "ceramic" for thermal properties consists of aluminum powder suspended in a resin.

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by JamesVegas

So is the ceramic bezel actually black or is it sprayed black? My non ceramic sub doesn't show any signs of fade or wear from UV. Maybe Rolex should have just left it alone!

IMHO Rolex is a company with a history of improving their products.

Although I am not a fan of the ceramic bezel myself, given time, Rolex will surely perfect their product. If you recall the early bakelite bezels were prone to cracking too. But have faith in Rolex's commitment to continually improve on what they have.

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

IMHO Rolex is a company with a history of improving their products.

Although I am not a fan of the ceramic bezel myself, given time, Rolex will surely perfect their product. If you recall the early bakelite bezels were prone to cracking too. But have faith in Rolex's commitment to continually improve on what they have.

I'm not so sure. Ceramics tend to be crystalline (or glass).

Even a cermetal like tungsten carbide can be shattered if for example you put it in a vice.

[rajurama]

Well as a tool watch maybe ceramic has cons... But worn as a dress watch ceramic is a visual treat! Im a great fan of ceramic... Actually it was because of the new bezel i actually got my watch!

[JamesVegas]

Within the first week of owning my Sub Non Date I managed to jam the watch between a sofa that I was carrying into my new house and the wall. As someone else was pushing the sofa as I was pulling the watch was smashed against the wall with some force. I honestly couldn't look at the watch for a few minutes. I was sure that at the very least it would have sustained some serious damage however it looked as new as the previous week when I had walked out of the shop with it.

Reading some of the posts on this topic I'm glad that it wasn't ceramic. I'll be sticking with my old one I think.

[ParisDakarBmw]

I like the new ceramic, and the old metal. They look so different, and have a clear change in looks.

My black ceramic gets a pewter look in the light change. It also reflects light, and has a crisp look. The metal had a flat look to it, and looked like a military watch.

I don't know which I would say my favorite is.