Bezel
The bezel is the ring around the crystal on the top of the case. It can be fixed and purely decorative, or it can rotate and carry a scale for timing, a second time zone, or other readings.
On many sports watches the bezel insert, the coloured ring with the markings, is a separate part that can fade, scratch, crack, or be replaced. Its condition and originality affect value, especially on collectible references.
Check that a rotating bezel turns as designed, clicks cleanly, and lines up with the dial markers, and look closely at the insert's printing and fit.
Related terms
Where this comes up
Pages on this site that use the term.
- TUDOR Black Bay Pro 39mm, fixed 24-hour bezelWatch reference
- Rolex Yacht-Master 40, Rolesium, platinum bezel, slate dialWatch reference
- TUDOR Black Bay GMT 41mm, burgundy and blue bezelWatch reference
- Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT 44, black dial, calfskin strapWatch reference
- Grand Seiko Automatic Spring Drive 3-Day GMT, green dialWatch reference
- Seiko 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch, 6R55, 300mWatch reference
Learn the trade, not just the word
Plain-English guides to buying, pricing and selling watches as a business. Free, and written to be used at the counter.