How do rotating bezels actually work?

We love the Submariner. And the GMT-Master. And the Yacht-Master. And the Sea-Dweller.

 

Noticed any pattern? If you said iconic Rolex models, you would certainly be correct, but we had something a little different in our minds.

 

Yes, all the above-listed timepieces have a rotatable bezel!

 

So many people like these watches for their masculine and strong look, which is mainly achieved thanks to the big bezel.

 

Although many people love it, there is still a large portion of those, who simply don’t know how it works and what to use it for.

 

If you’re one of those (there’s nothing wrong about that), we have a treat for you! Today, let’s explore how the rotatable bezels work.

 

First, we have to divide the bezels we have into 3 categories:

 

Photo source: Monochrome Watches

 

Unidirectional bezels

 

This bezel is used in diving watches and rotates in only one direction, which is counterclockwise. This is actually a safety measure since accidental rotations result in displaying a shorter elapsed time, which could turn out to be very unpleasant underwater.

 

Divers rely on these bezels to accurately show them their dive time and help them manage their oxygen. This one can be found in your Submariner or Sea-Dweller. 

 

Photo source: Hodinkee

 

Bidirectional bezels

 

These bezels rotate both ways and you can commonly find them in pilot and dual-time watches. Pilots use them to calculate their fuel consumption, time-zone changes, or flight time. For normal travelers, it is an easy way to track their home time zone. This bezel can be found on your GMT-Master.

 

Photo source: Monochrome Watches 

 

Ring command bezels

 

The ring command bezel is an ingenious novelty, particularly thanks to its integration into the watch mechanism. By simply rotating the bezel, you can set the date, time, or even second time zone without the need for any additional buttons. It makes operating your watch easier and more seamless but is also really cool. This bezel is the trademark of the Sky-Dweller line.

 

So, this concludes our short recap on bezels. Next time you’re buying yourself a nice watch with a rotatable bezel, you will know what it does and how it works.

 

You can see the most beautiful examples of these timepieces here.