I'm ready to get the PO 8500 42mm with the matte grey bezel, but while doing more research I came across some older threads where people posted that the matte grey ceramic bezels scuffed up fairly easily. In one post, Archer mentioned a tool that could be used that would rub out the scuff marks and for most it worked. However, there was one poster that said they took their PO in to the OB to have the scuffs removed and they rubbed off the coating on the number and discolored it, so it no longer matched the colors of the other numbers on the bezel.

Has anyone else experienced this or was that an anomaly? For those of you that have or used to have the PO 8500 ceramic bezel (specifically matte grey), how has it held up over the years?

This would be my first watch, so please let me know if i need to just chill because high maintenance bezels are common in all watches. Haha

 

The whole point of switching over to ceramic is its visual durability outside of extreme impacts. You'll be fine.

 

I've had mine since 2012 and it looks exactly the same except for the scuffs/scratches on the case and bracelet.

 

They hold up well, but are not indestructible. If you watch the forums you can see some that have fallen out, some have cracked, and even one liquid metal version where the numbers started lifting out of the ceramic.

But generally the number of issues with them is small.

 

I've seen 1 for sale with very minor damage... it looks like the same hit got the sapphire crystal and scratched it. So it was not an inconsequential brush against something.

At the end of the day they are stronger/more durable then the non ceramic ones. But replacement costs are higher.

I'd say it's not an issue to worry about nor a reason to prefer one over the other.

 

Good to know. Thanks for the info.

 

Yeah, I just need to not drop it or slam it into something at high speeds. Good to know. I just wanted to make sure that this model wasn't so sensitive that I need to baby it. Thanks for the info.

 

I’ve managed to get scratches on a couple ceramic bezels, including the 8500 PO. took it to the OB and they got it looking new again. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, because if you can’t stop worrying with a ceramic bezel, you’re only going to worry 10x more with an aluminum one.

 

That’s good to hear, thanks. Does the OB provide that service for free?

 

Jeez guys

 

I've had my PO 8500 42mm since 2013 and the bezel is as good as new. I thought I had it scratched way back but it turned out that is was actually some kind of material that got stuck on the bezel when I hit the wall. I cleaned it with a very soft eraser.

 

Good question and its great to hear that the new technology is generally working and not just a sales gimmick. Look forward to updating my SMP to the current ceramic bezel in due course.

 

Imagine then the damage you would have done to alloy!

 

This. People who report that they have accidentally damaged their bezels more often than not find out that it was "the other guy" who got hit
I'm betting that in @hedet's case this was what happened.

 

Yep. The reason they can be restored is because it's usually just particles of some other material that just need to be removed from the bezel.

 

Great to know! Thanks.

 

So does anyone know whats going on with mine? Its looks as if the ceramic between the 10-15 min markers on the insert has gone a darker shade of black/grey. Cant work out how to remove it. Pencil eraser and all sorts of solutions wont move it

 

I really think it’s some type of oil or wax.

You could try having a watchmaker soak it in a detergent in an ultra sonic bath.

I doubt it’s in the ceramic just over the matte surface.

 

Thats what I thought it was initially! I thought it was some sort of greasy finger print. Im looking at it now and theres a certain shine to it, making me think its like a wear mark from a shirt cuff

 

I don't think a shirt can erode a ceramic bezel.