There are several types of scales on watch bezels, including rotating bezels and unidirectional rotating bezels. These have a significant impact on the design and functionality of mechanical watches, but they are hardly just gimmicks. We will explain the types of bezels, how to use them, and their significance.
Learn watch terminology
As people become more fond of mechanical watches, perhaps their role as measuring instruments becomes secondary.
There is a certain romance to mechanical watches that are complex, beautiful, and represent the pinnacle of technology. Of course, this is an important factor, but let's go back to basics and look at the basic parts of a watch.
Learn the names of each part
The exterior of a watch is made up of parts such as the middle case, case back, bezel, lugs, and crystal, and these are sometimes collectively called the case. Generally, the middle case is referred to as the "case."
The movement and dial are enclosed in a case and case back, the dial is covered with a crystal, and the bezel is placed over the edge and fixed in place. The bezel sits on top of the case. Many high-end models also have sapphire crystal on the case back, allowing the movement to be viewed.
The crown and push buttons are located mainly on the right side of the watch, and there are mainly four lugs extending from the case that connect to the end pieces at the end of the bracelet.
The dial features Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, and bar indexes, and the basic function of a wristwatch is to measure time by pointing the hands at these.
Learn about the bezel
The main function of the bezel is to secure the glass, protect it from impacts and scratches, and prevent water from entering the watch, so it is generally fixed in place with screws or adhesive.
The primary function of a wristwatch is to display the time, but throughout history there have been attempts to equip it with various functions as an instrument.
Here, we will provide an overview of the bezel, which was given functionality as watches developed as measuring instruments.
Bezel Type
Bezels can be broadly divided into movable "rotating bezels" and non-movable "fixed bezels."
Rotating bezels can be further divided into "unidirectional rotating bezels" and "bidirectional rotating bezels." Unidirectional rotating bezels can only rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of rotation depends on their function as a measuring instrument.
Depending on the measurement being made, a bidirectional rotating bezel is used, and since it does not have a unidirectional rotation prevention function, it is also simply called a "rotating bezel."
