What is a bezel?

In our modern, digital world, classic wristwatches remain highly sought after and are still widely used, despite the possibility of conveniently checking the time on a smartphone. But regardless of whether the time is read from your own wristwatch or from the nearest church tower, every watch has a bezel. But what does this term actually mean?

The bezel is easy to find

The so-called bezel of a watch is the border next to the clock face. This term, which comes from French, refers to the moon, or more specifically, to the small moon. If you take a closer look at the bezel of a watch, you can actually see that its shape is comparable to a moon. A bezel can have very different meanings depending on the type of watch. A distinction must be made, above all, between small watches and large clocks.

Different meanings of the bezel

In earlier times, the so-called bezel on wristwatches initially served as a decorative feature. It also provided additional protection and served no other function. This is completely different today. Sometimes a bezel can be rotated to mark the exact time. However, each bezel can have a completely different scale.

Some watches with particularly modern bezels are now also capable of measuring pulse rate. This is also referred to as a pulsometer scale. The bezel does not necessarily have to be rotatable. It can also measure breathing rate. Such watches are often used in the medical field to obtain a precise overview of relevant parameters related to a patient's health.

What is the significance of the bezel in large watches?

Strictly speaking, the bezel does not have an important function in larger watches. However, here it serves a particularly decorative purpose. Especially in the Biedermeier period, watches were given this feature to make them more attractive. Back then, bezels could also be made from particularly high-quality materials. This meant that a watch could become a particularly important status symbol during this time. In any case, the common people could not afford a watch at that time. It was only in the course of the 20th century, around the end of the First World War, that watches could also be worn by the common people. This was made possible primarily by technological progress. It was now possible to produce a watch in large quantities in a short time using simple materials and modern machinery. If a wristwatch had a bezel, it could therefore also be made from a very simple and inexpensive material.

The first modern bezels

The first modern rotating bezel came onto the market in 1953. These were diving watches. This was a truly remarkable innovation at the time, as it allowed divers not only to read the exact time, but also to mark the exact moment of their descent.

Over time, other important functions were added. Many of these watches with a modern bezel can measure heart rate, record distances, or even determine precise speed.

The fixed bezel and its significance

The so-called fixed bezel is comparable to the models from the early days. It is inextricably linked to the watch case and is also considered particularly attractive. Sometimes it also features an additional scale that can measure physical parameters.

A bezel can also be found on so-called pilot's watches

On watches of this type, the bezel is anything but fixed; rather, it can and must be rotated in any conceivable direction for optimal use. The minute scale on this bezel is used for navigation. This allows the pilot to read the elapsed minutes of flight. This also allows for necessary changes of direction. At every takeoff, the zero point is set precisely to the minute hand. The rotating bezel is also the most common feature in watches of this type.

This isn't just about determining the minutes, but ultimately also about planning suitable flight routes. This system can be thought of as a kind of abacus or slide rule. It also enables the pilot to accurately convert nautical miles.

Bezels are also very interesting for small watches

Even the smallest watch models can be equipped with the most modern rotating bezels. Contrary to popular belief, these aren't simply an additional decorative feature; they offer a wide range of functions. The range of functions can vary considerably depending on the model. One popular feature is certainly the ability to set alarm times. Furthermore, it's often also possible to determine the compass direction.

What are the specific advantages of a bezel?

Ultimately, the advantages of such a feature are clear. Just a few decades ago, the primary purpose of watches was to decorate and thereby attract attention. However, this has changed completely. Only a few watches are fitted with a bezel purely for visual enhancement. In most cases, it's more about activating specific functions.

Key functions include setting alarms, marking the date, and displaying the exact time. This type of bezel can also be used as a diver's watch or pilot's watch. It can also be used to measure important health parameters. Some of these watches are capable of measuring your pulse and exact breathing rate.

How far did I travel on a particular day? How many minutes did it take? All of this can be determined using the bezel. Some are also rotatable, sometimes in both directions.

Even though they're now almost exclusively about determining certain parameters and enabling certain functions or even performing calculations, bezels remain an attractive feature. They kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Great technical achievements are combined with outstanding design. This is what excites many enthusiasts of such watches.