Gucci 11/12 Bezel Watch: The Original and Gucci Play
Brand Heritage · Gucci
A white dial, a fine gold bangle, a little ring of colour. Change that ring and the whole watch takes on a different mood.
The Gucci interchangeable bezel watch turns getting dressed into a small ritual: lilac beside a pale shirt, green and red against gold jewellery, navy with a dark sleeve. Known through references including 11/12 and 11/12.2, and also listed as 1100L, it is the vintage design behind the modern Gucci Play.
The vintage watches shown here are sold archive examples. Their photographs remain useful for choosing a colour set, understanding the bangle and seeing how the watch wears.
One watch, a wardrobe of colour
The little detail that changes everything
The cleverness is in how little has to change. On our photographed bangle watches, a plain white dial and two gold tone hands give the coloured bezel room to speak. The narrow bangle keeps the outline light, with almost as much emphasis on the bracelet as the watch face.
Black gives it a graphic edge. A pale ring softens the face. The green and red option makes the Gucci connection especially visible. Because the dial and bangle stay the same, the colours feel like different expressions of a favourite piece of jewellery.
Our reel calls this “12 watches in 1”. That is the pleasure of the design: twelve looks from twelve rings, with the same watch underneath. It also explains why a set can be so appealing as a gift. The wearer can find her own favourite colour rather than committing to just one.
Japanese watch specialist TiCTAC documents the 1100L (11/12) family in both slim bangle and bracelet versions, with sets containing up to twelve bezels. Read TiCTAC’s vintage Gucci overview.
Then and now
From the mid 1980s to Gucci Play
Gucci’s relaunch account places the original concept in the mid 1980s. Its appeal is easy to understand in the photographs: a recognisable fashion accessory with an unusually personal choice built into it. The bezel lets the wearer bring colour into an otherwise simple gold and white watch.
In November 2025, Gucci returned to that idea with Gucci Play. The new watch keeps the round face, bangle silhouette and interchangeable colour, while introducing ceramic bezels, a 28 mm case and an updated attachment mechanism. The press release describes archival research and vintage watches as part of the redesign.
Source: Gucci Play’s November 2025 press release, published by Europa Star.
Reading the reference
Gucci 11/12, 11/12.2 or 1100L?
You will see this design listed under several names. The engraved caseback gives you the reference for the individual watch; 1100L is also used in catalogues and vintage listings for the wider interchangeable bezel family.
| Name | How the name is used |
|---|---|
| 11/12 | A familiar family name for the vintage interchangeable bezel design. |
| 11/12.2 | The reference engraved on the caseback of our photographed bangle watch. |
| 1100L | Related catalogue and market terminology. TiCTAC calls the family “1100L (11/12)”, while Boley’s 1100L parts catalogue cross references the 11/12.2 caseback. |
| Gucci Play | The modern collection relaunched in 2025, with ceramic bezels and updated construction. |
Naming sources: Boley’s Gucci 1100L parts catalogue and TiCTAC’s vintage watch overview.
The fit matters
Two sizes, with two fixed bangle positions on each
The vintage bangle comes in a smaller size and a larger size. Both sizes have two fixed fastening positions. Choose the bangle size for your wrist first, then use its two positions for a small fit adjustment.
The closer position gives a snugger fit; the other allows a little more room. This is a limited adjustment, rather than the continuous movement of a sliding clasp.
How to check whether it will fit you
Measure your wrist where you normally wear a watch. Then ask for the usable wrist fit at both fastening positions, together with a clear photograph of the closure. Wrist shape matters too: a rigid oval bangle sits differently from a flexible chain bracelet.
Case diameter describes the watch head, while wrist fit describes the space inside the closed bangle. Use the fastening measurements to judge whether it will sit comfortably.
The earlier green and red archive listing records a maximum wrist fit of 17 cm and a photographed wrist of 15 cm. Those figures describe that particular watch and photograph; they are not a size chart for every Gucci bangle.
Start with our wrist measuring guide or the women’s watch size guide. The two size and two position description here concerns the vintage bangle model, rather than every bracelet variant or modern Gucci Play.
Inside the box
What counts as a complete bezel set?
Count the bezel on the watch as well as the loose rings. In each of the two sets photographed for this guide, twelve means one fitted bezel and eleven loose bezels. A listing that shows eleven rings beside the watch may therefore be showing twelve in total.
“Full set” can describe the colour selection or a watch with its box and papers. A useful listing names every included item: the watch, total bezel count, colours, presentation box and any documents.
The two archive sets have different presentation interiors. Box layout alone is not a reliable way to date a watch or identify its reference.
Look closely at every ring. A small chip, crack, damaged thread or missing colour changes what you are buying. If one colour is the reason you love the set, make sure that exact ring is included and fits securely. A beautiful box is enjoyable to own, but the watch, fastening and bezels still deserve their own inspection.
THE BEZEL STUDIO
Twelve colours. One little ritual.
Choose a colour, then see how it feels on your wrist.
01 / 12
Green and red
A colour for every mood.
Ask us about this colourThe photographed watch stays the same. Other bezel colours are simulated and approximate. Actual shades and included colours vary by set.
The modern return
Vintage Gucci bezel watch versus modern Gucci Play
Gucci Play YA151543 pairs a 28 mm gold plated stainless steel case with a white dial, Interlocking G detail and seven ceramic bezels. It has sapphire glass with an antireflective coating. The launch photograph below shows Gucci Play in its round green presentation box.
Scroll across the table to compare both versions.
| Detail | Vintage bezel bangle | Modern Gucci Play YA151543 |
|---|---|---|
| Case diameter | Approximately 26 mm including the interchangeable bezel, excluding the crown. | 28 mm gold plated stainless steel case. |
| Bangle fit | Smaller and larger bangle sizes, each with two fixed fastening positions. | 15 cm wrist size for YA151543. |
| Bezel selection | Varies by set. The two archive sets shown here have twelve bezels each. | Seven interchangeable ceramic bezels. |
| Bezel attachment | Screw on interchangeable bezel. | Click ball bezel attachment. |
| Movement | Swiss made quartz. | Swiss made quartz. |
| Water and care | Keep dry; avoid showers, swimming and steam. | 5 ATM, or 50 metres, as rated by Gucci. |
Gucci’s Australian website listed YA151543 at A$4,270 when checked on 10 November 2026. Vintage prices depend on condition, fit, bezel selection and included accessories. Check Gucci for current pricing and availability.
A vintage set offers the original design and the colour selection of the example you find. Gucci Play gives the idea a larger case and ceramic bezels. Your preferred proportions, bangle fit and colours will help you choose between them.
This comparison concerns YA151543. Other modern Play references can differ. We have not established compatibility between vintage and modern bezels, so confirm the exact system before buying replacement rings.
The small ritual
How do you change a vintage Gucci bezel?
On the vintage screw on type, the coloured ring turns around the outside of the watch face. Japanese retailer Kanteikyoku illustrates the process on a 1100L: anticlockwise to remove the ring, then clockwise to fit the replacement by hand. See the photographed demonstration.
- Place the watch over a soft, clean surface so a dropped ring is protected.
- Support the watch case and gently turn the fitted bezel anticlockwise by hand.
- Lift it away, check that the mating surfaces are clean, and position the replacement ring squarely.
- Turn clockwise gently until it sits securely. Stop if it catches or feels resistant.
A ring should not need force or a tool to overcome resistance. Have a watchmaker inspect an uncertain fit, damaged thread or stuck ring. These instructions concern the vintage screw on system; the modern Play uses the updated attachment described above.
Choosing a piece to wear
Condition, movement and what affects value
Start with the watch you would enjoy wearing and the colours you would actually choose. Then compare examples with similar fit, included rings and condition. An asking price is only one part of that picture.
- Case and bangle finish. Examine the edges, underside, hinge and contact points for wear. Gold tone or gold plating should not be read as solid gold.
- The two fastening positions. Check that the closure works properly in both intended positions and ask for the fit at each.
- Each bezel. Look for cracks, chips, distortion, damaged threads and a secure fit on the watch.
- Dial and glass. Clear close photographs help reveal scratches, marks and signs of moisture.
- Running condition. Ask what has been checked, whether the hands set correctly and when the battery was changed.
- Contents and provenance. Confirm the exact colour selection and what is known about the box, papers and replacement parts.
Movement and battery care
The vintage watch uses a Swiss made quartz movement. A watchmaker should identify the fitted movement and correct battery before replacement.
How do you assess authenticity?
Consider the watch as a whole: dial printing, case construction, engraved markings, bangle or bracelet, movement and supporting records. A crest, serial number or Gucci box alone is not enough. Clear photographs and a competent inspection matter more than a single visual shortcut.
For care, keep the vintage watch away from showers, swimming and steam. Store the rings separately from harder jewellery that could mark them, and avoid exposing the watch or bezels to perfume, solvents or cleaning chemicals. Read our watch care guide for everyday handling.
A colour for the day
How we would wear the Gucci bezel watch
The white dial makes the colour easy to work with. Pick up one small detail in your clothes or jewellery and let the bezel repeat it. There is plenty of personality in the ring itself, so a simple shirt or sleeve can be all it needs.
| Bezel mood | Wear it with |
|---|---|
| Green and red | A white shirt, denim and a small gold ring. The colour becomes the focal detail. |
| Lilac or pink | Ivory knitwear, a pale cuff or a soft dress for an afternoon out. |
| Navy or black | Office tailoring or a dark evening sleeve, keeping the outline crisp. |
| White or cream | Gold jewellery and light fabrics for a quieter, tonal combination. |
| Bright red or yellow | A plain outfit that leaves room for a small, deliberate flash of colour. |
Worn alone, the bangle has a clean, fine outline. If you enjoy a stack, leave enough space for the watch to sit comfortably and keep harder pieces from repeatedly striking the glass or bezel.
A few useful answers
Gucci bezel watch questions
Are Gucci 11/12 and 1100L the same watch?
The names are connected: TiCTAC describes the family as 1100L (11/12), and Boley’s 1100L catalogue cross references an 11/12.2 caseback. Use the exact engraved reference and inspect the particular watch, since size, movement, bracelet and included rings can vary.
Does the vintage Gucci bangle come in two sizes?
Yes. There are smaller and larger size versions of the vintage bangle watch, with two fixed fastening positions on each. Confirm the usable wrist fit at both positions for the exact watch you are buying.
Does “twelve bezels” include the one on the watch?
Yes in both archive sets shown here: one fitted ring and eleven loose rings make twelve. Other sets may include a different selection.
When did Gucci bring the bezel watch back?
Gucci relaunched the concept as Gucci Play in November 2025. The gold tone YA151543 comparison in this guide has a 28 mm case and seven ceramic bezels.
Can modern Gucci Play bezels fit a vintage 11/12?
We have not verified compatibility. The modern Play has an updated attachment system and its own case specification. Confirm the exact reference and bezel system before purchasing a replacement ring.
Can the bangle be adjusted?
Each of the two vintage bangle sizes has two fixed fastening positions. This gives a limited fit adjustment. Ask for both fit measurements and a closure photograph rather than assuming it can be resized like a conventional link bracelet.
What movement does the vintage Gucci bezel watch use?
Swiss made quartz. A watchmaker should identify the fitted movement and correct battery before replacement.
Where can I buy a Gucci interchangeable bezel watch in New Zealand?
The vintage examples in this article have sold. Browse the Gucci collection for current listings, or enquire about finding a bezel watch. Tell us your preferred colours, wrist measurement and budget.
Sources and photographs
From the reference to the wrist
- Fingertips Gucci 11/12.2 example and Circle Auction bezel watch catalogue: 26 mm case and bezel diameter references.
- Gucci Play YA151543 official product page: modern specifications, seven ceramic bezels and Australian retail price, checked 10 November 2026. Modern product image credited to Gucci.
- Gucci Play press release, Europa Star, November 2025: the mid 1980s predecessor, modern relaunch and updated attachment mechanism.
- Boley Gucci 1100L parts catalogue: reference cross references and documented movement variants.
- TiCTAC vintage Gucci overview: 1100L (11/12) naming, bangle and bracelet examples, and bezel set variation.
- Kanteikyoku’s illustrated vintage 1100L bezel demonstration: removal and fitting of the screw on bezel system.
- Gilded Hour’s green and red bezel archive set and lilac bezel archive set: original photographs and individual listing records. The sizing explanation also draws on our handling of the vintage bangle model.
Original vintage watch photography by The Gilded Hour. The Gilded Hour is an independent preowned watch retailer and is not affiliated with Gucci.