Watch Bezels Basics Part 2: Which Bezel Do You Need

Our previous article discussed what watch bezels are and explored their most basic configurations. Most watch bezels are either fixed, unidirectional, or bidirectional. Each type has something it does best and comes with its advantages and disadvantages.

Now that you understand the most common applications of watch bezels, it’s time to explore the innovations made on the humble watch bezel and see which functions tickle your fancy. It may surprise you to know that analog watches are used to help people do all sorts of things besides telling time. 

Before the advent of smartwatches, specialized watches had bezels that allowed people to calculate distances, help in navigation, and even determine heart rates, all without using a single electronic sensor. Here are seven famous watch bezel types you can look for when hunting for your next timepiece.

1. Tachymeter Bezel

The tachymeter bezel has markings that indicate speed per hour. It is usually marked in increments of one or five minutes. To use the bezel, you must first determine the speed of the object you are measuring. Then, you can align the tachymeter bezel to indicate the speed on the scale. The bezel will then show you the object’s speed in miles per hour, kilometers per hour, or other units.

2. Compass Bezel

This bezel is found on some dive watches and is used to help the wearer keep track of their direction. It usually has a rotating inner bezel with a compass rose that can help guide the wearer. 

3. Slide Rule Bezel

This type of bezel is found on pilot watches and is used to make quick calculations. Its markings allow the wearer to perform simple mathematical operations such as multiplication, division, and logarithmic calculations. 

4. Pulsometer Bezel

A pulsometer bezel is a type of bezel found on chronograph watches. It is designed to measure a person’s pulse rate quickly and accurately. The bezel is marked with a scale, usually in beats per minute (bpm). 

To use the pulsometer, the wearer must start the chronograph and count the number of beats occurring in a fixed period. The scale on the bezel is then used to convert the number of beats to a bpm reading. A pulsometer bezel is a valuable tool for medical professionals, athletes, and anyone interested in monitoring their pulse rate.

5. GMT Bezel

The GMT Bezel is usually found on watches with dual time zone functions and is used to keep track of a second-time zone. It has markings that indicate the time in a different part of the world. 

6. Lunette Bezel

The Lunette Bezel is a rotating bezel found on some dive watches. It is marked with a series of numbers and hash marks that indicate the length of a dive. As the diver descends, the bezel is rotated to the time of the dive, allowing the diver to keep track of the elapsed time underwater. This is important for safety reasons, as the diver needs to know how long they have been underwater.

7. Telemeter Bezel

A Telemeter Bezel is a rotating bezel found on some chronograph watches. It has markings that allow the wearer to measure the distance of an object in the distance. This is done by timing the time it takes for a sound to reach the wearer and then to read the corresponding distance from the bezel. This can be used for various applications but was extensively used by soldiers on the battlefield who needed to measure the distance of enemy targets.

Conclusion 

Today, many watch bezels are available to suit any style or preference. From the classic coin-edge bezel to the modern tachymeter or telemeter bezel, there is one for every occasion. Whether you are looking for a classic look or something more modern and functional, there is a bezel that can meet your needs. With the wide variety of bezels available, you can find the perfect one to complete your watch.

Visit SeikoMods today and get the perfect watch bezel to complete your Seiko watch! With our wide selection of bezels and other Seiko watch parts, you can find the perfect one to match your style and needs. Get started now and upgrade your watch today