Watch-collecting influencer Ben Cook offers up a curated selection of his favorite watches on Bezel, including picks from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tudor, and more. 

Ben Cook's *Must-Haves*

Aluminum

Silver

Buckle

Gray

Fabric

Tudor, with its inception dating back to 1926, is a brand steeped in heritage and craftsmanship. Founded by Hans Wilsdorf (yes, that Hans Wildorf), Tudor is often considered the sibling brand to Rolex, known for its reliability and affordability. The Tudor Black Bay and Tudor Pelagos, offer a distinctive blend of vintage charm and contemporary performance. With its own unique identity, Tudor appeals to those seeking both history and innovation in their timepieces.

Tudor

Sapphire

The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight was introduced at Baselworld 2018. Compared to the original Black Bay, its case size is reduced in both diameter as well as height, and it is powered by the self-winding MT5402 which was introduced simultaneously.

Reference 79010SG-0002, added to the collection in 2021, has a 925 sterling silver case paired with a taupe dial.

Unisex

Automatic

Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 / Silver / Nato

None

Black Bay

Ceramic

Rotating

Steel

Fold

Oyster

Rolex, originally founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, stands as a paragon of horological excellence and timeless style. This Swiss watchmaking legend has consistently set the standard for precision, durability, and prestige. Rolex watches are renowned for their enduring value, making them both exceptional timekeepers and coveted collector's items. With iconic designs like the Rolex Submariner, Rolex Datejust, and Rolex Day-Date, this brand epitomizes luxury craftsmanship and innovation.

Rolex

Chronometer

There is perhaps not a watch more closely associated with the Rolex name than the no date Submariner. Since the introduction of the 6204 in 1953, the model has come to represent a large part of the design language and the overall essence of the brand. Released in 2012, reference 114060 picks up on this storied heritage with perhaps the most significant design changes since the inception of the Submariner. 
The most notable difference from the previous models is the introduction of the ceramic bezel, or Cerachrom in Rolex lingo. Compared to the aluminum bezels previously used, the ceramic bezels have a shinier appearance and are noticeably different looking, even to the untrained eye. Technically, they are much more robust as they are scratch-resistant due to ceramic being a much harder material than aluminum. The Submariner wasn’t the first model to use the ceramic bezel - this dates to 2005 with the GMT-Master II - but after nearly 60 years of using an aluminum bezel insert, the importance of the change cannot be understated from a design or technical standpoint.
The other standout change is the introduction of the Maxi case. The case diameter remains the same at 40mm, but the case is larger and the lugs wider. For many, this is the division between what could be called the original Subs and the modern Subs. With the production of the 114060 ceasing in 2020 to give way to the new 41mm Subs, time will tell if the Maxi case No Date Subs are looked back upon fondly.
The bracelet on the 114060 is completely solid and also features the new micro-adjustment Glidelock clasp. Remaining the same as the previous model is the movement, caliber 3130. 
The 114060 rightly has its own unique place among the No Date Submariner models and is the choice everyday watch for many today.


Black

Submariner No Date

Submariner

Jaeger-LeCoultre, also known as the watchmaker of watchmakers, was founded in 1833 in Le Sentier, Switzerland. by Antoine LeCoultre. JLC, as it is also referred to, is known for its intricate complications, elegant designs, and horological innovations. JLC is most well-known for its iconic Reverso collection—originally created to withstand the demands of polo players. With a legacy approaching two centuries, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to create watches that are both technically sophisticated and aesthetically refined.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Leap Year

Blue

Men's

Manual

Reverso Tribute Monoface Steel / Blue

Reverso

Green

Oyster Perpetual 36 Green

Oyster Perpetual

Rubber

Established in 1839 by Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe, Patek Philippe represents the pinnacle of haute horlogerie. This esteemed Swiss manufacture is revered for its uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. Each Patek Philippe watch is a masterpiece, meticulously created by skilled artisans and watchmakers. Known for its iconic collections like the Calatrava, Nautilus, and Aquanaut, plus legendary Tiffany&Co exclusive releases, Patek Philippe blends timeless elegance with technical mastery, ensuring its place in watchmaking history.

Patek Philippe

Date

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A-001 features a stainless steel case and a 'tropic' style rubber strap. It is powered by the self-winding caliber 324 S C.

Aquanaut / Black

Arabic

Aquanaut

Jubilee

The Rolex GMT-Master 126710 was introduced at BaselWorld 2018. It features a Pepsi bezel insert in ceramic, a jubilee bracelet, and the new caliber 3285.

GMT-Master II "Pepsi" / Jubilee

GMT-Master II

IWC, also known as International Watch Company, was founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland by an American watchmaker—Florentine Ariosto Jones. IWC is a brand known for its precision engineering & distinctive design plus has consistently produced exceptional timepieces that combine functionality and elegance. IWC's most popular models as of late are the Pilot's Watch and Portugieser. With a heritage rooted in aviation and maritime exploration, IWC continues to create watches that capture the spirit of adventure.

Pilots Watch Spitfire 39 Steel / Black / Arabic / Strap

Pilot

Omega, with its origins dating back to 1848, has been synonymous with precision and innovation in watchmaking. Founded by Louis Brandt originally as La Generale Watch Co., in La Chaux-de-Fonds, this Swiss brand ultimately grew to have a rich heritage in space exploration, having been the official timepiece of NASA missions. Omega's legacy includes iconic models like the Speedmaster, Seamaster, and Constellation, all celebrated for their performance and design. With a commitment to excellence, Omega continues to push the boundaries of horological achievement.

Omega

White

Seamaster Diver 300M Master Co-Axial 42 Steel / Ceramic / White / Steel

Seamaster Diver 300M

Titanium

Zenith was founded in 1865 in Le Locle, Switzerland by Georges Favre-Jacot. This Swiss watchmaker is arguably best known for its iconic El Primero movement, introduced in 1969. Zenith was so respected for this movement that, from 1988 - 2000, Rolex leveraged a version of it in their Daytona models. Zenith is currently owned by the luxury conglomerate, LVMH, headed by Bernard Arnaut. 

Zenith

Skeletonized

Defy Classic 41mm White Ceramic

Defy

Introduced in 2020, the Rolex Submariner reference 126610LV-0002 has a stainless steel case measuring 41 mm across, which is ever-so slightly larger than the previous generation. Fitted with a green Cerachrom bezel, this model is affectionately nicknamed the "Starbucks" by collectors. Power comes from the self-winding caliber 3235.

Submariner Date 41 "Starbucks"

Pelagos 39 Titanium

Pelagos

Ben Cook's Must-Haves