Know Why Some Watch Bezels Only Rotate in One Direction

Watch bezels are one of the watch parts that are somehow satisfying to rotate. It is that ring that encircles the crystal glass to secure it in place. But most of you are probably wondering why your watch bezel only rotates in one direction or doesn’t rotate at all. 

In this article, we will tell you about the watch bezel’s function and why some only rotate in one direction so you can gain more information about watches. 

What Is the Function of Watch Bezels?

Typically, you can find rotating watch bezels in analog diving watches. Divers use this part to compute the length of their dive. Before the diver descents, the 12 o’clock bezel marker must be aligned with the minute hand. This way, it will allow the elapsed time of up to 60 minutes to be read on the bezel. 

The bezel and minute hand combination can also be their tool to measure how much air remains in their air tank. It’s essential for divers to have a unidirectional, ratcheting construction because that’s where they base their already spent time underwater, signaling when it’s time to ascend.

Why Do Dive Watch Bezels Rotate in Only One Direction?

Dive watch bezels only rotate in one direction to prevent them from moving counterclockwise. If the bezel accidentally moved, the diver cannot accurately measure how long they have been underwater. If the bezel indicated that the time spent underwater is longer than actually spent, the dive would shorten. Essentially, a unidirectional bezel is for safety. 

How Can You Set the Dive Bezel? 

As a diver, you need to focus on the three critical measures to ensure your diving will be safe: the depth, time elapsed of your dive, and your remaining air supply. It’s not ideal to just presume when to ascend. It’s not enough to base your time to ascend on your air tank because you also have to consider the nitrogen stored within your body. 

You need to expel the trapped nitrogen you got from the dense air you breathe as you ascend. You can only do that if you’ve accurately timed your diving because it’s critical not to exceed the maximum time allowed for a given depth. For example, if you are diving to 90 feet, you can only be there no longer than 19 minutes; that’s why it’s crucial to set your dive bezel. 

You can set your dive bezel by rotating your bezel so that the 12 o’clock marker will be your sign that it’s time to exit the water. However, some divers usually use the less common approach in setting the dive bezel, which is to adjust the bezel so that the 12 o’clock pip lines up with the minute hand when the dive commences.  

Conclusion

Keeping your watch bezel in good condition is essential, most especially if you’re a diver. That part can actually save your life because that’s where you can know the correct time to exit the water. If it’s not rotating or working correctly, it’s best to replace it right away before using your watch for another dive. 

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