Watch bezels are very useful, as they can measure time elapsed, serve as a compass for orientation, and instantly display crucial information. Besides its functional application, the watch bezel also makes a difference in how valuable and appealing a watch is. In this article, we’ll discuss ceramic bezels and why they have become the standard for watchmaking.
Why is the Ceramic Bezel Watch So Famous?
Outside appearance, the bezel has an essential function. For example, dive watches use a rotating bezel scale to record the amount of dive time that has elapsed precisely.
A tachymeter scale for measuring speed may be included in the bezel of pilot timepieces. No matter what use it serves, the bezel needs to be durable to survive regular use and abuse. This is the exact area in which the ceramic bezel watch shines.
A Brief History Of Ceramic In Watchmaking
As early as the 1970s, many businesses experimented with ceramics in an attempt to make timepieces that would not scratch. What resulted was a line of expensive watches that made a few significant achievements prior to the 21st century:
Omega started developing the Seamaster Cermet in 1973. Its casing was constructed from cermet, a unique ceramic material derived from tungsten carbide and aluminum oxide. Released eight years later, it cost much more than their flagship watch, the Speedmaster, and was only available by special order.
1986 saw the release of the IWC Da Vinci by IWC Schaffhausen. It was among the first high-end timepieces with a ceramic casing and the first to employ the material in a perpetual calendar chronograph. There was also an option between a black and white casing.
The first watch with a ceramic case type and strap was the Rado Ceramica, introduced by Swiss manufacturer Rado in 1990. Even though these watches were not profitable, they demonstrated the variety of opportunities that came with working with ceramic.
The Uncompromising Strength of Ceramic Bezels
What gives ceramic bezels durability are materials like zirconium dioxide that are precisely crafted and heated to a high temperature. The scratch resistance of ceramic bezels sets them apart from stainless steel bezels, which are prone to nicks and scratches.
However, ceramic is stronger than just scratch-resistant. Due to its resistance to corrosion, it's the ideal choice for timepieces exposed to harsh environments like seawater or high relative humidity. And while durability is certainly a strong point, that’s not all they got.
Other Benefits of Ceramic Bezels
Ceramic bezels have a lot going for them, along with a surprise bonus: lightweight comfort. Ceramics are remarkably lightweight for their amazing strength. This results in a timepiece that, even on larger versions, feels quite cozy on the wrist.
This is a very sophisticated, nonmetallic, inorganic, and extremely resilient substance. Certain watch companies go over and above with ceramic, combining ceramic powder with other metals to make their own special blend of this material.
The method by which molten gold is injected into the ceramic at very high pressure, filling all of the voids, is the key to its strength. Whether you're spending the day exploring a busy city or spending the weekend in the great outdoors, a ceramic bezel watch will keep you light and provide a stylish and comfortable companion for keeping up with time.
A Touch of Luxury with Ceramic Bezel
Ceramic bezels are attractive beyond their characteristics. The elegance and visual brilliance of these bezels enhance a watch's entire appearance and perceived worth. Ceramic bezels keep their brilliant colors and shiny polish for many years to come, in contrast to steel or aluminum bezels, which might show wear over time.
The rich greens, crisp blues, and deep blacks of ceramic bezels lend a splash of elegance to match the fine components and complex mechanics of luxury clocks. The best ceramic watches are frequently connected to luxury timepieces, heightening the impression of total excellence and workmanship.
Case Studies: Formex - a Testament to Ceramic's Utility
Let's examine some of our own best ceramic watches to demonstrate how Formex ceramic bezels are used in real-world applications.
Formex Reef GMT
One such example is the Formex REEF GMT. Because the REEF GMT was created as a professional diver's watch, it needs a bezel that can survive the rigors of water exploration.
In addition to offering remarkable scratch and corrosion resistance, the REEF GMT's ceramic bezel's large, legible markings guarantee ideal visibility even in low light—a crucial feature for divers traversing murky depths.
The REEF GMT's tough design is elevated by the ceramic bezel, which makes it a clock that can be worn with ease from an elegant evening out to the bottom of the ocean.
Formex Essence Leggera
Formex's renowned ESSENCE LEGGERA series also has ceramic bezels. Lightweight comfort is given priority in the LEGGERA FortyThree and LEGGERA FortyOne models without compromising functionality.
These models' elegant, lightweight designs are flawlessly complemented by their ceramic bezels. The ceramic bezels, which come in various colors, let users customize their ESSENCE LEGGERA watches to express their own sense of style.
Consider the FortyOne with a vivid green ceramic bezel for a bold and modern style or the FortyThree with a sleek black ceramic bezel for a hint of classic elegance.
Conclusion
Here at Formex, we recognize that a watch reflects who you are. It needs to go along with your lifestyle and convey your individuality. Because of this, we provide many ceramic bezel watch options instead of merely ceramic bezels.
For instance, in our GMT REEF and ESSENCE LEGGERA lines, you may choose from a range of ceramic bezel hues, including traditional black, chic blue, and daring green. With so much personalization available, you can design a genuinely one-of-a-kind watch that expresses your distinctive style and ultimately falls under the best ceramic watches category.
