Rolex

One thing that has always fascinated me in vintage sport models, like the Submariner and GMT, is the beautiful bevels they displayed on their lugs. In my point of view, a very nice and elegant touch of class, which regrettably we do not longer see in their modern renditions.

As a matter of fact, modern Subs and GMT have a faint thin bevel, almost unnoticeable, on the borders of their lugs, which don´t look as nice as in the old watches. The new Explorer II, 42 mm Maxi Case has completely abandoned them.

An example of thin modern bevels can be observed on my 2008 model 14060m Sub non date. As you can understand, they can easily pass unnoticed:










May be this change was made to simplify the making and finish (polish) of the case, but nonetheless, I feel it is a shame this distinctive feature is no longer present in the modern versions.

At same time, I also notice that these bevels usually get rounded or thinned during service of vintage pieces, due to a bad polishing technique, and this is a good point to look for, in a good restoration work of a classic vintage watch.

Here I show the bevels of my old 5508 Sub no guards, of 1958, those of my recently serviced 1680, of 1977 vintage (I asked not to polish its original case), and those of my 5513 Sub no date, from the year 1978. Of course, they all show the signs of use and time.

Model 5508 (c. 1958)










Model 5513 (c. 1978)







Model 1680 (c.1977)









I feel that many Rolex fans would welcome the return of the old bevels on the lugs of modern renditions of the Submariner, GMT, and Explorer II.

Do you feel the same?

 

I hope that after reading and viewing this post, you will be motivated to show your own thoughts, and photos of the bevels of your own vintage Sport Rolex watches.

 

With my best cordial regards, Abel

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