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A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
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Author:  SCD [ Sun May 12, 2013 3:38 pm ]
Post subject:  A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
I just got a Galactic 41 blue dial because I love everything about it, including the bezel font. Given how many people feel about the bezel as compared to the previous, more sober Cockpit bezel, I'm sure I will not change anyone's ideas about the aesthetics, and that's fine...to each his own.

But...there has been a notion that the Galactic-style bezel is not particularly functional, and now that I have one, I can see that it actually is quite functional. In fact, at a glance, it's easier to see what's going on than with the Cockpit, or even my current-model Aerospace, which has the same style bezel as the Cockpit, but with the additional clarity of numerals at 5, 10 and so on. The Galactic's bold numerals on an otherwise un-detailed bezel provide more visually distinct landmarks, so that at a glance you can more quickly see that it's been...oh...about 14 minutes...or whatever. Here's a picture for your consideration...

Image

Okay...I don't expect anyone to agree with any of this...start shooting. :)
Author:  P51 [ Sun May 12, 2013 3:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
Yes, you are absolutely correct in your observations. The dial font being a larger size makes it easier to 'dial in' (pardon the pun) the 'rough' number at a glance. The bezel is less busy. Which could be an advantage in certain situations. However, not having intermediate graduations (like your Aerospace does have) means its less likely you will achieve a 'finer' number, which may be important. Its more a guess without them.

So as a tool watch bezel there is less functionality with the Galactic version. I think the Aerospace chanpter ring has less graduations anyway, so how does this square with the bezel graduations? Its a mute point.
Author:  SCD [ Sun May 12, 2013 4:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
P51 wrote:
So as a tool watch bezel there is less functionality with the Galactic version...


We do agree about the different usefulness of each style, but I don't see that your conclusion follows. The ability to get a quick read at a glance can be quite useful for a "tool watch", no? Not to press the point too hard...all for fun. Just an observation I thought I'd share.
Author:  Etodd31856! [ Sun May 12, 2013 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
As a piece of jewelry Galatic. As a pilot/astronaut where seconds and precision count the other bezel. Just my opinion. :lingsrock:
Author:  Chronomat01LE [ Sun May 12, 2013 7:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
SCD wrote:
I just got a Galactic 41 blue dial because I love everything about it, including the bezel font. Given how many people feel about the bezel as compared to the previous, more sober Cockpit bezel, I'm sure I will not change anyone's ideas about the aesthetics, and that's fine...to each his own.

But...there has been a notion that the Galactic-style bezel is not particularly functional, and now that I have one, I can see that it actually is quite functional. In fact, at a glance, it's easier to see what's going on than with the Cockpit, or even my current-model Aerospace, which has the same style bezel as the Cockpit, but with the additional clarity of numerals at 5, 10 and so on. The Galactic's bold numerals on an otherwise un-detailed bezel provide more visually distinct landmarks, so that at a glance you can more quickly see that it's been...oh...about 14 minutes...or whatever. Here's a picture for your consideration...

Image

Okay...I don't expect anyone to agree with any of this...start shooting. :)


Glad to have someone here who shares the same sentiments as me. Fully agree with yr review. Function of bezel is for "quick reference" of elapsed time where legibility is more important than accuracy. I found it very useful when using it to time short appointments with my clients as sometimes I would peep at my watch to see how long I have taken, which at a glance I could tell straight away without "alerting" my client that I was looking at my watch. Even with rider tabs, one cannot know the actual elapsed time unless if he takes special note of the second hand position before he starts timing, which is a hassle IMO. A chronograph has to be assigned the task for such cases where exact elapsed time is required. In fact for the Buck Rogers bezel, if you really want to tell the exact minutes taken accurately you can actually utilize the minute markers on the dial as "rider tabs" to take reference. In the first place, IMO it's not very hard to tell the exact minutes taken without rider tabs since the interval between the numbers is only 5 minutes. Moreover in real life situations, except for professionals, we don't normally come across cases where we need such accurate timings... even if we do we cannot count on the bezel to do that. Any professionals or anyone who foresees that he needs accurate time elapses functionality should get a chronograph watch in the first place.

Actually the main issue on the bezel that polarized opinions is not really functionality but the fonts chosen, where many feel that they look dated and can go out of style. IMO any fonts can go out of style as long as they are discontinued in future models. I personally feel that the buck rogers fonts are distinctive and original, so I have no issue with them at all and hope that they can continue to be used for future models without getting discontinued, until one day people will recognize them as "Breitling Font" and not "Buck Rogers Font"....

Nice watch you got and wear it in good health...
Author:  P51 [ Mon May 13, 2013 2:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
SCD wrote:
P51 wrote:
So as a tool watch bezel there is less functionality with the Galactic version...


We do agree about the different usefulness of each style, but I don't see that your conclusion follows. The ability to get a quick read at a glance can be quite useful for a "tool watch", no? Not to press the point too hard...all for fun. Just an observation I thought I'd share.


Yes, no problems. I agree with you, it is still a tool watch, and the bezel is certainly useful. All I am suggesting here, in a friendly way, is it’s probably less useful than the Aerospace bezel as it does not have useful graduations between numbers. Although as I pointed out, there does not seem to be too many matching graduations on the chapter ring of the aerospace to make calculations, even though there are more graduations on the bezel. I don't own one, so it’s hard to tell from the view provided. It’s either a larger font for easier and quick observations, or more accuracy of the smaller font and graduations in between for counting purposes, etc. :)

As to which is the best tool, I will leave it up to the individual wearer. So hopefully any polarisation of the two bezels between members will come down to how each uses the bezel and not a matter of the bezel design itself. 8)
Author:  SCD [ Mon May 13, 2013 9:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
Well...thanks for playing along y'all. Cheers :)
Author:  RXPete [ Mon May 13, 2013 10:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
Congrats on the galactic. I agree with P51. It's definitely easier to see the 5 minute increments but anything beyond that is a rough estimate. For someone who uses that function for precise time measurements like me, that bezel may not work. I'd hate to over cook a steak due to estimating. :)

On another note, the newest bezels, like on the new SA, is a nice comprise between the old and new bezels.
Author:  Etodd31856! [ Mon May 13, 2013 11:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
Use the crono to cook the steaks (accuracy and precision) and the bezel to cook the chicken (rough estimate)!!!
Author:  P51 [ Mon May 13, 2013 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
Etodd31856! wrote:
Use the crono to cook the steaks (accuracy and precision) and the bezel to cook the chicken (rough estimate)!!!


Ah, good point. I don't use these types of bezels, so I would never have figured it. You could actually forget the bezel altogether and use the chrono anyway. Thats right isn't it? :?
Author:  SCD [ Thu May 16, 2013 7:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: A case for the...ahem...Galactic bezel
Thanks for the salutations. I'm sure enjoying the new watch. It doesn't bother me that over the course of the first two days the watch drifted about one second fast, then over the next four days it drifted back to the correct time. I know mechanical watches can be fickle, so I don't expect it to last necessarily...but it is a nice bonus for the honeymoon. :)
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