Nowadays, there are several choices for Rolex bezels including smooth, fluted, ceramic, graduated, and gem-set. Nevertheless, there is a special bezel that Rolex used before called engine-turned bezels. The engine was used to be called as its French name, and it represents a decorative technique using a complicated and repeated pattern is mechanically carved via a specific machine. Even though the engine-turned bezels are not produced anymore, sometimes there are still a few remaining in the secondary market. Let’s have a look.
This specific engine-turned bezel on the Rolex Air-King is exceedingly special. With the repeated exquisite lines, the bezel also has polished wider metal blocks at each hour marker. Together, the contrasting details form a striking geometric design.
Most Rolex steel bezels are smooth ones, hence an engine-turned steel bezel is something really special. It’s also an alternative option if you prefer a more distinctive bezel but not too flashy one.
This replica Rolex Datejust has a steel engine-turned bezel as well, but in another design to the Air-King one. For this replica watch, the engine-turned bezel has a continuous design of polished triangles divided by delicate lines.
At first sight, the design of the particular engine-turned bezel looks quite like the classic Rolex gold fluted bezel, while when take a closer inspection, they do have disparate designs. Note the complicated delicate lines on the engine-turned bezel that are never adopted on the fluted bezel. Moreover, it’s necessary to notice the fact that Rolex uses gold solely for their fluted bezels, therefore a steel engine-turned bezel will have a different luster compared to a white gold fluted bezel.  
This Rolex Date replica watch is a good example of the engine-turned bezel as it is made from 18k yellow gold instead of stainless steel. It is rare to see 18k yellow gold engine-turned bezels because of Rolex preference for using gold on fluted bezels.
Even though it might be a misunderstanding of the classic fluted bezel, the grooves of the gold engine-turned bezel have more texture due to the mixture of delicate lines and polished raised notches.
If you prefer a special and uncommon bezel design, then an engine-turned bezel may be just what you need. Different, distinctive, and discontinued, an engine-turned bezel adds a little something unique to a Rolex fake watch.