Watch bezel: what it is and how it works replica watches

The watch bezel is a component found on divers – diving replica watches – which is used to accurately account for diving times. Divers use it as a timer on their dives to make sure that the time they spend underwater is no longer than expected.

In addition to taking into account the total time spent diving, the ring is also useful for divers to calculate decompression times. When diving at great depths, you cannot quickly ascend abruptly. This is because, when you dive and subject yourself to pressures other than those to which our body is accustomed, inert gases (nitrogen) could form in the bloodstream and tissues. These are naturally eliminated by our body, which however needs to gradually readjust to lower pressures. Emerging without taking this detail into account causes what is called decompression sickness, which in more severe cases can cause severe neurological damage due to gases in the brain.

Decompression times are determined by several factors, including the depth a diver has reached, the dive time and more. The decompression breaks are therefore sanctioned by a specific table, of which every expert diver is obviously aware. The ring therefore becomes an indispensable element for the survival of the diver, in the absence of other digital instruments widely used today. Some replica watches, such as the Mido Decompression Timer shown above, have decompression times shown directly on the dial.

How the clock bezel works
The bezel of the clock is made up of a sexagesimal scale and its operation is not very different from that of a timer. When diving, the minute hand must coincide with the zero marked on the bezel. The rotation of the ring, in the vast majority of cases, occurs in jerks. Each shot defines a minute of time and makes it more comfortable for the diver to adjust it even in cases of extreme difficulty. An excessively smooth rotation would in fact only make it more difficult to be able to accurately calibrate the dive time you want to set.

Watch bezel: the main features
Given its specific function, the ring nut is designed to have features that facilitate its use:

Unidirectional rotation: the rotation through which the bezel is set is counterclockwise only. In this way it is guaranteed that, in the event of collisions or involuntary movements, the ring can never set times higher than those previously set. This safety system is necessary to prevent the diver from being deceived by the meter, remaining immersed for more time than his oxygen tank actually allows him to do.

Relief: the ring nut must have a grip crown with well raised teeth. It should in fact be considered that the conditions in which a diver finds himself using it are particular and require greater care. Wet hands or reduced visibility require an object that has a simple and immediate grip. The relief allows you to set the ring without having to worry that it has a surface that is too slippery (and therefore difficult to rotate as you wish).

Good readability: under water, poor visibility is one of the main problems a diver has to face. Especially in cases of cave diving or diving at great depths, the sun cannot provide the necessary light to see clearly what is in front of you. This is why the watch bezel must always be clearly visible. For several years now, ferrules have been made with fluorescent materials to overcome this problem. Even in conditions of absolute darkness, the diver can safely check the remaining time or set the ring again without difficulty.

Change the clock bezel
For the avoidance of doubt, let’s say it right away: only an expert watchmaker should always handle your watches (especially if they are of considerable value). Although the methods of construction of the watches are more or less similar, it must be considered that without the due experience on the model and brand in question, there is a risk of doing damage. And watches replica are delicate objects.

Having said that, let’s say in a purely “academic” way that the bezels of the watches are, for the most part, fixed by interlocking. To extract them (always theoretically) it would be enough to insert a very thin object (such as a cutter) into the hollow of the attachment and leverage. Of course, you should make sure that such an object cannot damage the case, dial or bezel itself in any way. To prevent them from being scratched, you might consider applying a material to the thin object that softens its contact surface, such as duct tape or a very thin piece of paper.

When carrying out this operation, be careful not to lose the small spring and pin positioned at 6 o’clock under the ring nut. These are the elements that allow the bezel to rotate counterclockwise.

So, in summary, to replace the watch bezel:

Get a very thin and strong object (such as a utility knife)
Make it harmless by covering it with tape or paper to avoid scratching your watch and hurting yourself
Insert it into the slot between the bezel and the watch case and gently lever to lift it
Be careful not to lose the small components under the bezel that serve to ensure proper operation
Apply the new ferrule and fit it with light pressure
As we have already said, this system is not valid for all replica watches and each model must be treated by professionals who know it. We therefore suggest that you only let experienced people do this type of operation.

Watch bezel: types and models
The bezel is a component of the watch and, as such, its conformation meets the needs of style, as well as functionality. Each brand has therefore defined the rings of its models according to the design it intends to confer, adapting both the numerical indications on the crown and the colors and materials of which it is made.

For example, there are aluminum rings, as in the case of the Seiko Prospex SPB183J1, or in ceramic, of which the Rado Captain Cook 300 meters is an excellent example. A special mention in the chapter of materials is constituted by the bezel made of sapphire, a decidedly refined element that enriches even more a watch of very high value. This is the case of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the first diving watch in history. Finally, it should be added that, in addition to the colors and materials, the rings can also differ in the ways in which they are incorporated into the watch. As we briefly said in the previous paragraph, most of the ferrules are interlocking.

longines-legend-diver-blue-brown-5 However, a different type are the bezels included in the case. An example of this is the Longines Legend Diver Watch 2020-2021, which shows off with great elegance and refinement.

(Photo credit: Peter Tung and Marco Antinori for Horbiter®)