PATENTED HIGH-TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS Manufactured by Rolex from a particularly hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic, the Cerachrom bezel insert and the Cerachrom bezel are virtually impervious to scratches, and their colours are unaffected by ultraviolet rays.
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What is Cerachrom made of?
Two main materials are needed for the production of Cerachrom: ZrO2 and Al2O3. These two color pigments, which are in powder form, are mixed with the combining gel and poured into molds where they will be shaped under high pressure and temperature.
Do ceramic bezels break?
Although this is offset by their longevity. In addition, there are many stories of ceramic bezels shattering due to a strong force being applied to them (dropping the watch or hitting it against something). Nonetheless, these cases are rare and the bezels are generally very strong.
What is Cerachrom bezel?
Two years after, a blue ceramic bezel version of the Rolex Yacht-Master II followed and Rolex officially gave it the registered trademark, “Cerachrom”. The name is a combination of the words ceramic and chrom, which means color in Greek.
Are ceramic bezels scratch proof?
Ceramic boasts a hardness that is unlike any traditional watch metal, such as stainless steel or gold. It is considered to be scratch proof and to not show signs of wearing, even after years. Ceramic is also unaffected by the ultraviolet rays produced by the sun, meaning that their colors won’t fade.
Will Aluminium bezels fade?
First and foremost, aluminum bezels fade, scratch and discolor, particularly when exposed to external factors such as sunlight, friction, saltwater, and sweat.
Does a Rolex rust?
Rolex has used stainless steel throughout its whole production history. But the fact is that even though stainless steel is resistant to staining, pitting, and rusting, it is not rust-proof. This means that stainless steel can, in fact, rust.
How fragile is ceramic?
As structural ceramics and functional ceramics apply in machinery, electronics, chemical industry, metallurgy, energy, aerospace, and many other fields. But ceramics have an obvious disadvantage-fragility. The main reason is that the toughness of most ceramics is low, which leads to an increase in brittleness.
Why are ceramic watches so expensive?
Engineering ceramic to use in watches is not easy, especially when working with different colored ceramic alloys. This is why ceramic watches are typically more expensive than let’s say, stainless steel watches. Some brands also mix ceramic with other materials, such as gold, to create interesting alloys.
Is ceramic better than steel in watches?
Pros of a Ceramic Watch
Ceramic is a fascinating material due to its useful properties. It is incredibly resistant and it is known for its hardness. This material is three to four times harder than stainless steel, making it a great option for a watch that will be worn regularly.
Does Rolex make a ceramic watch?
Ever since Rolex rolled out their version of a ceramic bezel called Cerachrom in the mid-2000s, more and more of the brand’s sports watches have adopted them. Not only does a Cerachrom bezel look great on a watch thanks to its shiny appearance but it is also practical due to its resistance to scratching and fading.
What year did Rolex go to ceramic bezel?
Rolex started to change to the ceramic bezel in 2005.
Rolex developed and patented the Cerachrom bezel in 2005. The first watch to feature a ceramic bezel was the GMT-Master II in full yellow gold, reference 116718LN. This model was released on the 50th anniversary of the Rolex GMT-Master.
Is ceramic stronger than steel?
Extreme Hardness Surpassing that of Metals
The hardness of alumina ceramics is nearly three times that of stainless steel; silicon carbide is more than four times harder than stainless steel. This extreme hardness is one of many unique properties that makes Fine Ceramics “super materials” for modern technology.
Do Rolex watches fade?
Rolex has worked hard and consistently with developing gold that does not tarnish and change its look over time, and by getting full control over the gold manufacturing process, Rolex has been able to do just that.
Are ceramic bezels better?
Simply put, a ceramic bezel is widely known to be more reliable than a stainless steel bezel. It would help to keep this in mind when looking for your next timepiece as ceramic bezels do not scratch while their stainless steel counterparts are very prone to such damage.
Do Rolex dials fade?
There will always be more vintage watches, but there will probably never be more tropical watches, because modern dials are unlikely to fade. Which is why a Rolex Submariner with a brown tropical dial can run about twice as much as a regular one. A unique provenance and a bonkers color can send the price even higher.
Can I wear my Rolex in the shower?
All you have to do after diving or a day at the beach is simply to rinse your watch with fresh water to remove any salt and sand deposits: wearing your watch while showering at the end of the day should do the trick. The Oyster case of your Rolex protects it from water and makes it completely dustproof and waterproof.
Can water damage a Rolex?
One of the few things that can render a Rolex movement beyond repair is moisture. Unlike electronic devices, moisture damage in mechanical watches is not caused by the instantaneous presence of a conducting liquid.
What is the cheapest Rolex you can buy?
36mm Oyster Perpetual
What Is The Cheapest Rolex. The cheapest Rolex is the 36mm Oyster Perpetual which costs $5,800 MSRP. The Oyster Perpetual is a no date stainless steel sports model that is considered the most affordable or entry level men’s Rolex.
How long do ceramic plates last?
5-7 years
While steel body armor lasts about 15-20 years before you need to replace it, standard ceramic body armor only last 5-7 years.
Do ceramic plates break easily?
Although they can withstand the impact from a high velocity round, ceramic protection plates are breakable, and can be easily damaged or even shatter if dropped.