Steel vs. Ceramic

[antbkny]

Originally Posted by jack81

Thats a very nice shot

thanks!

[sdlivin]

Great question regarding how many have you actually heard about breaking! And thanks everyone. This forum is great, full of knowledge and people willing to share. I know that I will eventually want a birth year Sub w/date (1975), but looks like I will also be in the market for a ceramic model as well. Thank you all for the replies. I work in the medical field and will probably bump into a lot of things, so ceramic will probably be a good everyday wearer.

Thanks again!

[jamesbondOO7]

I think it is essentially a question of taste. Personally, I do not like the newer (with ceramic inserts) cases. I think they just look clumsy. I also do not like the new clasps which are much too big and for me, uncomfortable. I have stopped at 5 digits, but there are plenty of high quality 5 digit watches around, and very accessible in Geneva in particular, so I am a happy man.

[CrownMe]

Steel for me. Reasons being they can be swapped out in a moments notice for different colors and fades. More durable and over time will get a great patina.

The ceramics insert will never fade or get any character. It can shatter and will cost a ridiculous amount of money to repair and replace. Case is too heavy, clunky and square. I have owned 2 ceramic models and got rid of them both because they just were not comfortable after wearing them all day.

Its all personal opinion though. I dont like having a watch that everybody else has and with how Rolex made the ceramic models they wont look much different 10 years from now. Plus theres no chamfer edges

cant go wrong with either tho!

[Joearch]

I have read on this forum many times about the high cost of a replacement ceramic insert, but never an actual number. What is the actual cost of having an insert replaced?

[Keith1]

Originally Posted by Joearch

I have read on this forum many times about the high cost of a replacement ceramic insert, but never an actual number. What is the actual cost of having an insert replaced?

I just called RSC in New York. The replacement cost for the insert is $375.

Again, how many people on here has said they cracked one? I don't remember reading of anyone. There is such a big deal made of "whatever if!" Plus, if you have insurance, it will cover it if needed!

I personally like my watches to look new, and sharp. The ceramic will keep this brand new look for years to come.

[bparone]

I either prefer ceramic or something really vintage with a really nice patina. Not a huge fan of anything between the 2 opposite ends of the spectrum. I emphasize the word "huge" because I do like the steel bezel GMT/Submariners a lot.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Keith1

I just called RSC in New York. The replacement cost for the insert is $375.

With this price I can't see why would anyone be afraid of ceramic. The cost reason is gone, so now its just personal taste.

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by FTX I

With this price I can't see why would anyone be afraid of ceramic.

x2

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by FTX I

With this price I can't see why would anyone be afraid of ceramic. The cost reason is gone, so now its just personal taste.

There was never a reason to be afraid. Those who don't like the new models simply look for anything to complain about. The best (i.e., lamest) is when people say that a Rolex is no longer a tool watch.

[SixPak]

Originally Posted by Cc1966

x2

x3
Hopefully we can put to rest the "ceramic bezel is too expensive to replace" argument to rest.

[sdlivin]

Ha, so I'm totally confused. I need to go try a few on. I really do like the idea of the patina look of the older ones. I think the way for me is the 1975 Sub w/date and then buy another this August for my promotion to Lieutenant (Navy).

[landroverking]

Originally Posted by Keith1

I just called RSC in New York. The replacement cost for the insert is $375.

Again, how many people on here has said they cracked one? I don't remember reading of anyone. There is such a big deal made of "whatever if!" Plus, if you have insurance, it will cover it if needed!

I personally like my watches to look new, and sharp. The ceramic will keep this brand new look for years to come.

I always thought they were close to a grand. Has the price come down?

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by sdlivin

Ha, so I'm totally confused. I need to go try a few on. I really do like the idea of the patina look of the older ones. I think the way for me is the 1975 Sub w/date and then buy another this August for my promotion to Lieutenant (Navy).

You cannot go wrong with any Sub (or Rolex). The old and new models are great in their own ways. Both have their pros and cons. It all comes down to which you like more.

[Keith1]

Originally Posted by landroverking

I always thought they were close to a grand. Has the price come down?

No, The price is the same as when I called them last June, $375. This is just for the insert.

If you also need the bezel with either the aluminum or ceramic, than the price goes up.

Again, have you read on here of anyone breaking the ceramic? I don't recall of any.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Keith1

The price is the same as when I called them last June, $375. This is just for the insert.

Thanks Keith. May the replacement cost issue rest in peace.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Keith1

I just called RSC in New York. The replacement cost for the insert is $375.

Again, how many people on here has said they cracked one? I don't remember reading of anyone. There is such a big deal made of "whatever if!" Plus, if you have insurance, it will cover it if needed!

I personally like my watches to look new, and sharp. The ceramic will keep this brand new look for years to come.

Thank God someone lists actual facts. Thank you so much. Everyone seems to always quote the price for the whole entire bezel/insert assemblies when talking of ceramics but then just refer to the slither of aluminum insert when talking about the aluminum.
There have been about three cases of cracked bezels I've read here and the cost was similar to what you were quoted. One was even a Deepsea......that's out of how many hundreds of thousands of watches. We all know when something is good, silence, but when it's bad, you're on a bullhorn.
So the reports are in single digits from what I've seen so far, pretty good odds to me.

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

There was never a reason to be afraid. Those who don't like the new models simply look for anything to complain about. The best (i.e., lamest) is when people say that a Rolex is no longer a tool watch.

Oh yeah...The TRUTH!!!
I mean Rolexes used to cost under $200 dollars which in 70/80's economy was like just a couple grand if that.
These watches are every bit the tool they were, they just cost more now. I mean you can get a Miata or an S2000 and have hella fun at the track or you can do it in an Enzo. Which can you're wallet afford.....

I believe my Rolex is every bit the tool of yesterday, I just can't afford to use it as such, because I bought it for it's quality, aesthetics, reliability, history and want it to look pristine, so if it involves risk I throw on the Suunto.
Could the Rolex take it, Hell yes, it just won't look as good as before and we all want it to look puurty don't we.

Originally Posted by landroverking

I always thought they were close to a grand. Has the price come down?

The price never came down, that's what it's always been. There's just people who are scaremongers and talk about what they don't know, just because they have other preferences.

[joejoe1225]

Ceramic is Awesome - Blue Lume is Awesome - I love my my Sub C!!!

Now to confuse you - I also love my SD 16600 - Tough call you can't make a bad choice.

Thanks,
Joe

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Oh yeah...The TRUTH!!!
I mean Rolexes used to cost under $200 dollars which in 70/80's economy was like just a couple grand if that.
These watches are every bit the tool they were, they just cost more now. I mean you can get a Miata or an S2000 and have hella fun at the track or you can do it in an Enzo. Which can you're wallet afford.....

I believe my Rolex is every bit the tool of yesterday, I just can't afford to use it as such, because I bought it for it's quality, aesthetics, reliability, history and want it to look pristine, so if it involves risk I throw on the Suunto.
Could the Rolex take it, Hell yes, it just won't look as good as before and we all want it to look puurty don't we.

Well said.

[NukeMan]

The old-school steel model rules. Fading and scratches adds personality and individuality, less bling faktor adds class. For me its all steel, although I do see some "power-factor" added to the looks of ceramics. Good it is all Rolex!

[Keith1]

Originally Posted by FTX I

May the replacement cost issue rest in peace.

Wouldn't that be nice. RIP ceramic replacement cost.

[Reu]

Originally Posted by Rolex Dude

The pros of the ceramic bezel is durability. Smack it against something and not a scratch. No fading as well. It always looks as good as the first day you bought it. It also really adds to wrist presence.

Fantastic shot and totally agree with the wrist presence element.

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

There was never a reason to be afraid. Those who don't like the new models simply look for anything to complain about. The best (i.e., lamest) is when people say that a Rolex is no longer a tool watch.

I agree.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Keith1

I just called RSC in New York. The replacement cost for the insert is $375.

Not too bad considering an aluminum LV insert will set you back $300

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Thank God someone lists actual facts. Thank you so much. Everyone seems to always quote the price for the whole entire bezel/insert assemblies when talking of ceramics but then just refer to the slither of aluminum insert when talking about the aluminum.
There have been about three cases of cracked bezels I've read here and the cost was similar to what you were quoted.

One of them was knocked on an engine block. That smarts

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Rolex Dude

The pros of the ceramic bezel is durability. Smack it against something and not a scratch. No fading as well. It always looks as good as the first day you bought it. It also really adds to wrist presence.

That's a very hard watch to photograph. You nailed it

[sco]

This would be the place that people come to complain about fragile ceramic bezels. If they were breaking often TRF would be inundated with posts.

I love the fact that the ceramics will look shiny and new for years to come! I too have handled older subs, and honestly, the bracelets make them feel like toys. There are members here that say the glide lock clasp is not needed. Well, it is by far the best clasp on the planet if you ask me. Try it out!

[nauticajoe]

There will always be plusses/minuses. Get the one that sings to you.

Good luck!

[Onikage]

I'd have preferred the case and bezel proportions were left alone. The GMTIIC is the only model I'm interested in as the larger bezel markings appear to detract from the thicker case, though I still prefer the classic 16710. Even the wonderful glidelock bracelet isn't enough to ignite any interest in the SubCs for me whatsoever. The older ones just had it perfect. Imo of course. Oh and the Daytona looks smart with ceramic - no doubt about that!
Another thing that is never mentioned is that the anodised aluminium inserts are actually metallic and so far the coloured ceramic lineup doesn't feature this.

[CrownMe]

So the ceramic insert cost $375. Damn I always heard prices over 1k. How much is it to have RSC remove the broken and the new one installed?

[Keith1]

Originally Posted by CrownMe

So the ceramic insert cost $375. Damn I always heard prices over 1k. How much is it to have RSC remove the broken and the new one installed?

$375 includes RSC removing the old, and replacing the ceramic insert (parts & labor). They have also told me in the past they really don't see any coming in with broken ceramic.

[CrownMe]

Originally Posted by Keith1

$375 includes RSC replacing the ceramic insert (parts & labor). They have also told me in the past they really don't see any coming in with broken ceramic.

well that puts that to bed thats much cheaper then i have seen on the forum before. Thanks for the updated info