Rotating watch bezels are a type of watch complication. From diving underwater to piloting a plane, they can be useful for many different tasks depending on the bezel's specific function.
So what is the rotating bezel on a watch for? Let’s dive in.
What is a Rotating Bezel?
A rotating bezel is a movable ring that surrounds the watch face and rotates on its axis. It’s a type of watch complication and can have many different uses depending on the type of watch you have. It’s usually made from the same material as the watch case and will feature numbers, markers, and even different colors depending on its specific function and design.
Uses vary from watch to watch but the rotating nature allows you to mark your cardinal direction, time yourself in a race, or track how much time has elapsed, among many other uses.
Common Types of Rotating Bezels
While there are many different types of bezels, there are generally only two options for rotating bezels: unidirectional and bidirectional.
Unidirectional bezels
Unidirectional bezels, also known as diving bezels, only turn in one direction – counter-clockwise. They track elapsed time and, because they only turn one way, any accidental bumps to your watch won’t move the bezel and mess up your timekeeping.
Bidirectional bezels
On the other hand, bidirectional bezels rotate both clockwise and counter-clockwise. These bezels are also used to track elapsed time and can keep an eye on different time zones when traveling, among other uses.
Common Applications and Uses
Both unidirectional and bidirectional bezels can have multiple uses. Unidirectional bezels are an essential accessory for diving watches. Their one-directional rotation allows you to track time accurately in situations where being inaccurate can have serious consequences such as keeping track of oxygen tank levels, decompression stops, and bottom time. It also means that if you knock your watch, you’re unlikely to unknowingly turn the bezel and lose track of time.
Bidirectional bezels are most commonly seen in pilot and dual-time or GMT watches. They enable pilots to make quick calculations on factors such as fuel consumption, flight time, or time zone changes. For travelers, they offer an easy way to keep track of a second time zone, work like a compass, or help you set a timer for when your cruise ship leaves, making them perfect for global adventures.
Why Should You Get a Watch with a Rotating Bezel?
Everyone has their own reason for needing or wanting a watch with a rotating bezel. If you need to time yourself while diving, track a second time zone while traveling, stay on course while navigating, or if you find yourself wishing you relied less on smart devices during your trips and activities, a watch with a rotating bezel might be the ideal solution. The bezel you ultimately choose will come down to your needs and meet both the functionality you require as well as your personal style. Do you prefer a simplistic and elegant look? Or do you need a tool that can keep up with you and your adventures? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options for choosing the right rotating bezel.
Rotating Bezels in Timex Watches
One useful function of a rotating watch bezel is a compass, such as the ones found on our Expedition North watches. These powerful pieces of gear are designed to take you from street to summit and back again. They boast a number of impressive, top-of-the-line features like anti-reflective sapphire crystals, luminescent hands and hour markers, and rotating bezels that work as a compasses, making them the perfect adventure companions. Shop a few of our favorites:
Key Takeaway
Watch bezels have come a long way since their first introduction in the 1930s. They have evolved from being purely functional accents into more complex designs with innovative, useful features with many applications. Whether you’re an avid stargazer needing a useful compass or a frequent flier and require a GMT bezel for a second time zone, consider your lifestyle and hobbies to help get the most out of your watch.
