Why Do Aluminum Bezels Fade?
Before we get to the discussion about how one can preserve the bezel on their watch, you should understand why these bezels fade in the first place. Just like everything else wearing out, there is more than one factor involved in making this happen.
Environmental Factors
Ultraviolet rays from the sun are one of the primary culprits behind fading bezels. The anodized coating on the bezel starts to break through after being exposed to UV rays for a while. Naturally, if you wear your watch every day, chances are you will be heading out under direct sunlight as well. That is where the aluminum bezel of your watch is taking the hit.
It is not just the ultraviolet rays that are bad for your watch but it is also things like sweat and saltwater. Contact with these or various chemicals can lead to the bezel fading over time. This especially takes place if you are not maintaining and cleaning the watch regularly.
Regular Wear and Tear
Even if you avoid taking out your watch under direct sunlight and make sure no chemicals hit the bezel, there is still a chance that the bezel will start to fade over time. Unlike ceramic, aluminum is a softer material, which means it is more prone to scratches. While this has nothing to do with the fading, the scratches can add to destroying the look of the bezel over time.
So, now that you know what’s causing the damage to the bezel, will it remain intact if you avoid a few things? Not necessarily. The material is still going to age and even well-maintained bezels will start to fade. This is simply due to the aging and natural oxidation of the aluminum material.
Protect Your Aluminum Bezel Watches
Being a watch collector or an enthusiast, there is a chance that you are already aware about this problem and you have landed on this article while searching about how to prevent this from happening. If the bezel is still in good condition, just follow a small set of rules and you should be able to extend the life of the bezel.
- Limited Exposure to Sunlight: Try not to wear the watch on hot sunny days or the days you are going out to the beach. Add a different watch with a ceramic or steel bezel to your collection for situations like these.
- Regular Cleaning: Make sure you clean the bezel every time you take it off your wrist. Just a good clean can ensure that the sweat or any chemicals don’t stay on the bezel slowly destroying it.
- Be Mindful of Where You Are Wearing It: There is a high chance if you have a watch with an aluminum bezel, it is a vintage piece since not many newer watches come with one. So, keep this piece for maybe special occasions or events. Try not to wear them at any sporting events or a place that is too dusty like a desert.
Got a Faded Bezel? Do This
In case the bezel is already faded, you can opt for one of the following options.
- Give it a new life: When you are opting for a watch polishing service, just ask the watchmaker if they can also provide refinishing for the bezel. Depending on the condition of the bezel, the watchmaker might be able to reanodize the bezel, potentially bringing it back to its original state. However, this is a delicate process that might not offer the best long-term solution.
- Replace the Bezel: It is relatively easier to get a bezel replacement for some of the popular models like the older reference Rolex Submariner or the GMT-Master. If you have one of those models, maybe consider replacing the bezel.
- Embrace the New Effect: Sometimes this faded effect doesn’t look too bad. It just depends on the watch. If I had an older generation Black Submariner, I would have personally loved the patina effect on the bezel. However, if I had the Kermit, I would have wanted the bezel to preserve its original color. So, this point comes down to what model you have and what is your personal preference regarding this.
