Recommendation on watches with 12H/24H bezel?
Hi. Any recommendations on watches with 12H/24H rotating bezel?
I am looking for a watch for my backcountry backpacking adventures.
Specifically, I am looking for a watch that meets following criteria;
Price range USD 2,000-5,000
12H/24H bezel that rotates
Triangle instead of 12/24 numeral on the bezel (Seems trivial and limits the options, I know, but marking specific time is very important for me, which is why I want a rotating bezel in the first place.)
Two-tone bezel is ok as long as it is monochromatic like black/grey or black/white
Black or white dial and highly legible
100m+ water resitant
Lume
Case diameter between 38mm to 41mm (I have a tiny 6.1 inch wrist)
I have so far identified two candiates;
Oris Divers 65 12H - Strongest candiate so far although I haven't seen it in metal. My only complaint is the price. While within budget, it sounds too high for an Oris. Does anyone have experience with Calibre 400? Does it justify the price?
Longines Sprit Zulu Time (black) - I plan to try it on but at 42mm, it is likely too large for me. Does anyone wear it on tiny wrist?
I have looked at current models from Sinn, Seiko and Zodiac too but none really speaks to me.
Appreciate your recommendations! (Used is an option too so previous models are welcome too.)
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
I have the green bezel Zulu Time on an 18cm (7in) wrist and I think it wears perfectly. If you were really critical, there is a small amount of space under the lugs.
Lume is great and in the sunshine the indicies really pop. I know you said black, but in low light, the green bezel looks almost black, and the dial is a dark matt anthracite, so almost black. Try it, I think you might like it.
Why can´t you mark a specific time, with the 12 or 24 marker? Why does it need to be a triangle?
Maybe the Tudor BB GMT, or the Sinn 105, Sinn 105 UTC as alternatives.
I have the green bezel Zulu Time on an 18cm (7in) wrist and I think it wears perfectly. If you were really critical, there is a small amount of space under the lugs.
Lume is great and in the sunshine the indicies really pop. I know you said black, but in low light, the green bezel looks almost black, and the dial is a dark matt anthracite, so almost black. Try it, I think you might like it.
Looks great on you!
It doesn’t likely fit my 15.5cm wrist but will find one to try👍
Why can´t you mark a specific time, with the 12 or 24 marker? Why does it need to be a triangle?
Maybe the Tudor BB GMT, or the Sinn 105, Sinn 105 UTC as alternatives.
Simply because a triangle is easier to spot than numeral with my aging eyes😂
The Longines is a terrific watch, I found it wears a bit large however it's likely there's a 39mm version of the Zulu coming out this Summer - I have a feeling the proportions may be a little off though as it's likely to be as thick, just smaller diameter. My choice would be the Oris which I have tried a couple of times and really love - if / when this is available with a white dial, I don't think I will be able to resist.
Just to add in to the mix, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT meets your requirements, adds a GMT complication and is a good looking watch. Not sure it would beat the Oris for me though!
The Longines is a terrific watch, I found it wears a bit large however it's likely there's a 39mm version of the Zulu coming out this Summer - I have a feeling the proportions may be a little off though as it's likely to be as thick, just smaller diameter. My choice would be the Oris which I have tried a couple of times and really love - if / when this is available with a white dial, I don't think I will be able to resist.
Just to add in to the mix, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT meets your requirements, adds a GMT complication and is a good looking watch. Not sure it would beat the Oris for me though!
Thanks for letting me know about possible 39mm Zuru release.
I’ll find and try both Zuru and 65, and see if I want to wait for 39mm.
I looked at Zodiac on the web and I’m not sure if I like the indices. Unfortunately, there’s no place I can try it on….
Doesn't have a triangle but a marker at 12 on the bezel. ADPT Series 1. And this is much cheaper than your budget. #adpt #series1
There's also the Serica GMT which again has a dot instead of the triangle at 12 on the bezel. And this too falls below your price range. It has both destro and normal crown position options as well.
Doesn't have a triangle but a marker at 12 on the bezel. ADPT Series 1. And this is much cheaper than your budget. #adpt #series1
There's also the Serica GMT which again has a dot instead of the triangle at 12 on the bezel. And this too falls below your price range. It has both destro and normal crown position options as well.
Thanks! Serica one is very unique in dial configuration- I’ve never seen one like this.
Thanks! Serica one is very unique in dial configuration- I’ve never seen one like this.
Yeah. All Sericas are unique. You can watch a terrific video by YoureTerrific on the above piece here:
https://youtu.be/QuH-FPcPBMA
The new Marathon Navigator is really good. 100m WR with screw down crown. High accuracy quartz (+- 10 sec per year). Tritium tubes. The case is nice and thin. Case is 41 but it wears much smaller. Very comfortable. Easy battery changes. 12 hour bezel with triangle. The triangle also has a tritium tube as well.
First thing, both Longines & Oris are great brands with a long history of building quality watches. You should be able to purchase either for under $2000.00 if you're willing to do a bit of searching. As for the bezel, a 12 hour bezel is normally a fixed bezel. a 24 hour bezel is, generally, used on GMT watches and are bi-directional to keep a second time zone. If you're serious with spending up to $5000.00 then there are literally hundreds of high quality options available.
Save some money -- like most questions on this site, there's a Glycine for that:
https://www.ashford.com/glycine-gl0382.html
Price range USD 2,000-5,000 - ✔✔ Well under your range at $699.99, so perfect for backpacking and potentially getting bashed up
12H/24H bezel that rotates - ✔ Bidirectional 24Hr Bezel
Triangle instead of 12/24 numeral on the bezel (Seems trivial and limits the options, I know, but marking specific time is very important for me, which is why I want a rotating bezel in the first place.) - ✔✔ Triangle AND raised notch at 24:00 mark
Two-tone bezel is ok as long as it is monochromatic like black/grey or black/white - ✔ See pic
Black or white dial and highly legible - ✔
100m+ water resitant - ✔ 200M
Lume - ✔
Case diameter between 38mm to 41mm (I have a tiny 6.1 inch wrist) - 42mm, but under 11mm thick
UPDATE: I finally saw Oris Diver 65 12H and Longines Zulu Time in metal. I didn't pull the trigger on either. They are both beautiful, and that actually stopped me from buying. Neither looked like a watch that I would enjoy scratches and dents on, which is a showstopper as I intend to use it on my backpacking adventures in the wild, where scratches and dents are inevitable.
Feeling sad I didn't want either of them, I visited more watch stores just to cheer myself up. And it was there. Tudor Pelagos 42mm in black. It doesn't meet my criteria, including the biggest one - 12H/24H bezel. But it screams, "I am a tool watch! I will look cooler with scratches and dents👍" and I love it.
It didn't exactly go as I had hoped but it helped me realize what I am really looking for. Truly tool-like watch, matte finish and monochromatic, no shiny parts, and a rotating bezel.
My hunt for the perfect backpacking companion continues......
Late to the convo but +1 for the Marathon SSNAV-D! Just wore it on a 3 week trip abroad and not only has it kept perfect time but has been super easy to read, wear, and 0 concerns about durability too.