GMT's - explain to me

fat bloke · 13-12-2018 3:26pm #1

I'd like a GMT and I was looking at the Steinharts as an example - but I'm trying to figure out the bezels on them. Some of them look like dive-watch bezels, some don't, but - are they supposed to be able to move? Or what's the story?

- For example the Steinhart Ocean one GMT has a ridged dive style bezel and it says in the description "adjustable second time zone using turning bezel and watch hand".

But the vintage GMT bezel is smooth edged and that line is not in the list of functions.

Does the bezel need to move in a GMT? Are they unidirectional as in a dive watch? What's the function of the bezel if movement is optional on a GMT?

Main reason for asking is I actually use my dive watch bezels ALL the time as hourly timers. Every time I stick something in the oven or a pot on the stove I set the bezel to time it. It's a function I really miss when I wear any other style watch (short of a chronograph obviously.

thelizardking1 · 13-12-2018 4:21pm

fixed bezel = 2 time zones
directional bezel = 3 time zones

The bezels on Steinhart's Ocean One GMTs (not the vintage) are all unidirectional like the dive watches.

The bezel of the Rolex GMT Master (to which the Steinhart pays hommage) is bidirectional.

A unidirectional bezel is unidirectional purely to prevent extending your dive timing by accident.

Steinhart and various other homage brands use a unidirectional bezel as a cost saving measure so the only difference between these and the dive watches are the movements and bezel inserts.

13-12-2018 4:32pm

Some GMT watches have the GMT hands fixed to the main time (on a 24 hour scale). For these type a rotating bezel is used to tell time in 1 extra zone.

Other GMT watches have independently adjustable GMT hands. Incl the Vintage GMT you are looking at. You can point the GMT hands wherever you want so a fixed 24hr bezel (or dial markers) allows one other time zone.

Some have both a rotating bezel, fixed 24hr markers, and a rotating 24hr bezel. This type allows 3 time zones.

SpannerMonkey · 13-12-2018 10:10pm

fat bloke wrote: »

Main reason for asking is I actually use my dive watch bezels ALL the time as hourly timers. Every time I stick something in the oven or a pot on the stove I set the bezel to time it. It's a function I really miss when I wear any other style watch (short of a chronograph obviously.

im gonna steal that idea i never thought of that, thats brilliant

and i shall use it on my Steinhart GMT.

as for Steinhart all i can say is they are an excellent quality watch you wont regret it . i have the black red version ( coke version if you want to call it that ) and i love it

fat bloke · 14-12-2018 9:48am

So am I right in saying this is a fixed bezel?

https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/ocean-vintage-gmt-neu.html

@spannermonkey, is yours the 39 or the 42? I wonder how the smaller one wears? My other two main watches are a seiko diver (42) and a Richard LeGrand Odyssea (41).

hi5 · 14-12-2018 10:42am

That's a fixed bezel and has an adjustable 24 hour hand instead, adjustable bezels normally have a serrated outer edge for your fingers to grip.

fat bloke · 14-12-2018 11:09am

hi5 wrote: »

That's a fixed bezel and has an adjustable 24 hour hand instead, adjustable bezels normally have a serrated outer edge for your fingers to grip.

Ah, right. That's a pity. I love a good bezel I do. It's like a fidget toy for me

14-12-2018 1:55pm

fat bloke wrote: »

Ah, right. That's a pity. I love a good bezel I do. It's like a fidget toy for me

Steinhart rotating bezels are quite hit and miss in terms of tightness, up/down play etc. Some are fine, some are very poor.

When the Ocean One 39 launched most early owner complained about bezel slop.

eg: "The most sloppy bezel action of any of my divers at any price range"
https://forums.watchuseek.com/f275/39mm-ovm-out-now-exclusively-gnomon-4588715-post44844775.html#post44844775

From an honest seller: "Sloppy bezel action, as most users reported"
https://www.mywatchmart.com/listing/329498-fso-gnomon-exclusive-steinhart-ovm39/

fat bloke · 14-12-2018 2:04pm

Really???!

Ah balls, I'd hate that:(

Alanstrainor · 14-12-2018 4:37pm

I got an Ocean One 39 in August and my bezel is perfect. My experience was that the bezel movement was quite stiff at first, but it has loosened up after a time. It is definitely not sloppy in rotation and I do use it a lot. A thumbs up from me at least. Perhaps they improved it over time.

SpannerMonkey · 17-12-2018 2:21pm

fat bloke wrote: »

So am I right in saying this is a fixed bezel?

https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/ocean-vintage-gmt-neu.html

@spannermonkey, is yours the 39 or the 42? I wonder how the smaller one wears? My other two main watches are a seiko diver (42) and a Richard LeGrand Odyssea (41).

mine is the 42 . wears perfect for me . and my bezel was tight if anything rotates perfectly

GMT's - explain to me

Comments