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September 2021 Lookbook // The Four-Handers
Our monthly highlights on how we rock these timepieces!
Published by: Samuel Ng
Published by: Samuel Ng
Sep 04, 2021
You could say many of our plans for traveling and overseas vacation are as if still a dream, one dying for like a child wanting to head to an amusement park but been grounded back at home for the coming two years. Yes, I know things are getting better (or is it) where some countries can travel but never too lightheartedly due to the ongoing pandemic. But where sorrows poured out, there's always a gleam of hope shining through the dark alley from the other side. And one of the drivers for that are watches that mend to travel with us. That's right, I'm talking about those GMT watches.
In the most Gnomon way of seeing watches, we tend to pick those that pack versatility in the utmost un-complex manner as possible. Therefore, in this lookbook, I'll like to rediscover those proper four-handers, high water-resistance (minimum of 100m), and travel-ready. These are brilliantly created as a chalice of hope to once more live the glorious unworried maelstrom of round-the-world traveling without looking indecorous even when enjoying them now on your wrist at home.
Steinhart Ocean 1 GMT Blue/Red 2
Let's start with the classic of all classics, the Steinhart Ocean 1GMT Blue/Red 2. The blue/red combination for its 24-hour bezel is the staple look for the uber traveler's watch. Why? It's simply iconic, recognizable, and gets the job done wherever you go. Whether using the Ocean GMT underwater or on the plane, this watch (and the remaining few listed below) is ever-ready for it.
What is intriguing is the combination of an old-school jubilee-styled bracelet that harkens back to the epoch where elegance is added to the already sporty mix. The movement relies on either the ETA 2893-2/SW330 élaboré, where allows one to quick-set the GMT hand (my personal preferability) and date. You could learn more about how it works in my teammate's article What Matters. With it comes a renewed surge of desire to rock this GMT when I can travel again.
Squale Sub-39 GMT Vintage
Speaking of retro-elegant timepieces, I'd knew I have to add this up in the mix: the Squale Sub-39 GMT Vintage. This particular model is where a proper dive watch meets GMT function, and I'm not complaining. The Sub-39 is a relatively new offering, or should I say, re-issue by the eponymous dive-watch maker, notably one that is the early original works back in the sixties. This new edition stays faithful to the original design while packing a bi-directional 24-hour bezel and GMT hand that many will appreciate.
The Sub-39 GMT takes a vintage cue with the aged markings, setting an anachronistic look without trying too hard. Besides, it's a vintage case, after all. The watch wears excellent size at 39mm and sets forth as a strap monster where a rubber or NATO would put it ready for action. I can't wait to try this watch once the border is open and head over to some tropical diving spots where this would be more apt than any of my accessories.
Yema Superman Worldtime GMT Coke 41mm
The World-time GMT Coke could be as classic as Steinhart GMT Blue/Red for two specific reasons. The black and red bi-tone bezel is the runner-up of the blue and red, although in a less striking manner which is a good thing. Second, the Yema Superman is the quintessential super-hero diver for the French brand, and now it comes with the GMT bezel and a fourth hand. Oh yeah, one might not think of Yema when it comes to GMT watches, but they did and with the same savoir-faire.
I'm impressed with this model because the implication of the vintage oversized markers just freshens things up a little and aid readability. Also, Yema has kept their signature bezel locking system which keeps the Superman look in place. Lastly, Yema excels by cladding this GMT beauty with their latest generation in-house Caliber: the YEMA3000 automatic GMT. This indeed led it to be another valued mechanical timepiece that holds the "in-house" movement mantra.
Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT "Sumi-Iro" Ref. SARF005 / SPB221
Speaking of in-house movement watches, I am not confining myself to those designed ground up to tackle the ocean's depth. That's right, I have included the new offering from the Japanese Seiko. This particular Presage model might just bring Seiko back to the GMT game, with a new sharp-edged case and impeccable build. Of course, this SARF005 could not be overlooked on the excellent dial work and case finishing, usually found in their higher-tier Grand Seiko models.
The Seiko truly showcases a powerful and fresh interpretation of beautiful Japanese artistry embodied in its unique sharp case designs. Best yet, it's built to be used when traveling thanks to the additional GMT hand and the steel 24-hour bezel design that closely resembles the bezel on the historical Seiko Ananta Spring Drive GMT Ref. SNR021. Another notable detail that I favor would be the additional power reserve indicator and the sub-dial display, balancing the entire dial blissfully without feeling a tad off-balance.
Steinhart Ocean 1 GMT Two-tone Black/Khaki Ceramic
As with the classics as mentioned above, here's one that exemplifies the eighties glamour. The Ocean 1 GMT Two-tone might be a newer offering from Steinhart stable, but its aesthetics pack much retro and chic. The two-tone trait is extended more through the bezel and crown and its two-tone sports steel bracelet. As mentioned previously, we could see the embracement of the 80s fashion today, with brands re-releasing two-tone sports and dress watches in the trendiest ways.
Its unique neo-vintage aesthetics does not stop with the watch case itself but flow through the rose gold "snowflake" handset. Steinhart meticulously paired the traveler's diver with the perfect vintage elements, encapsulating the 80s nostalgia to its fullest. That said, aside from its empirically good looks, it represents some of the best value for money, modernly built "vintage" four-hander of today. Oh, if you dig or own one of these kinds, do remember to join us on the #FourHandFriday tag.
In the most Gnomon way of seeing watches, we tend to pick those that pack versatility in the utmost un-complex manner as possible. Therefore, in this lookbook, I'll like to rediscover those proper four-handers, high water-resistance (minimum of 100m), and travel-ready. These are brilliantly created as a chalice of hope to once more live the glorious unworried maelstrom of round-the-world traveling without looking indecorous even when enjoying them now on your wrist at home.
Steinhart Ocean 1 GMT Blue/Red 2
Let's start with the classic of all classics, the Steinhart Ocean 1GMT Blue/Red 2. The blue/red combination for its 24-hour bezel is the staple look for the uber traveler's watch. Why? It's simply iconic, recognizable, and gets the job done wherever you go. Whether using the Ocean GMT underwater or on the plane, this watch (and the remaining few listed below) is ever-ready for it.
What is intriguing is the combination of an old-school jubilee-styled bracelet that harkens back to the epoch where elegance is added to the already sporty mix. The movement relies on either the ETA 2893-2/SW330 élaboré, where allows one to quick-set the GMT hand (my personal preferability) and date. You could learn more about how it works in my teammate's article What Matters. With it comes a renewed surge of desire to rock this GMT when I can travel again.
Squale Sub-39 GMT Vintage
Speaking of retro-elegant timepieces, I'd knew I have to add this up in the mix: the Squale Sub-39 GMT Vintage. This particular model is where a proper dive watch meets GMT function, and I'm not complaining. The Sub-39 is a relatively new offering, or should I say, re-issue by the eponymous dive-watch maker, notably one that is the early original works back in the sixties. This new edition stays faithful to the original design while packing a bi-directional 24-hour bezel and GMT hand that many will appreciate.
The Sub-39 GMT takes a vintage cue with the aged markings, setting an anachronistic look without trying too hard. Besides, it's a vintage case, after all. The watch wears excellent size at 39mm and sets forth as a strap monster where a rubber or NATO would put it ready for action. I can't wait to try this watch once the border is open and head over to some tropical diving spots where this would be more apt than any of my accessories.
Yema Superman Worldtime GMT Coke 41mm
The World-time GMT Coke could be as classic as Steinhart GMT Blue/Red for two specific reasons. The black and red bi-tone bezel is the runner-up of the blue and red, although in a less striking manner which is a good thing. Second, the Yema Superman is the quintessential super-hero diver for the French brand, and now it comes with the GMT bezel and a fourth hand. Oh yeah, one might not think of Yema when it comes to GMT watches, but they did and with the same savoir-faire.
I'm impressed with this model because the implication of the vintage oversized markers just freshens things up a little and aid readability. Also, Yema has kept their signature bezel locking system which keeps the Superman look in place. Lastly, Yema excels by cladding this GMT beauty with their latest generation in-house Caliber: the YEMA3000 automatic GMT. This indeed led it to be another valued mechanical timepiece that holds the "in-house" movement mantra.
Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT "Sumi-Iro" Ref. SARF005 / SPB221
Speaking of in-house movement watches, I am not confining myself to those designed ground up to tackle the ocean's depth. That's right, I have included the new offering from the Japanese Seiko. This particular Presage model might just bring Seiko back to the GMT game, with a new sharp-edged case and impeccable build. Of course, this SARF005 could not be overlooked on the excellent dial work and case finishing, usually found in their higher-tier Grand Seiko models.
The Seiko truly showcases a powerful and fresh interpretation of beautiful Japanese artistry embodied in its unique sharp case designs. Best yet, it's built to be used when traveling thanks to the additional GMT hand and the steel 24-hour bezel design that closely resembles the bezel on the historical Seiko Ananta Spring Drive GMT Ref. SNR021. Another notable detail that I favor would be the additional power reserve indicator and the sub-dial display, balancing the entire dial blissfully without feeling a tad off-balance.
Steinhart Ocean 1 GMT Two-tone Black/Khaki Ceramic
As with the classics as mentioned above, here's one that exemplifies the eighties glamour. The Ocean 1 GMT Two-tone might be a newer offering from Steinhart stable, but its aesthetics pack much retro and chic. The two-tone trait is extended more through the bezel and crown and its two-tone sports steel bracelet. As mentioned previously, we could see the embracement of the 80s fashion today, with brands re-releasing two-tone sports and dress watches in the trendiest ways.
Its unique neo-vintage aesthetics does not stop with the watch case itself but flow through the rose gold "snowflake" handset. Steinhart meticulously paired the traveler's diver with the perfect vintage elements, encapsulating the 80s nostalgia to its fullest. That said, aside from its empirically good looks, it represents some of the best value for money, modernly built "vintage" four-hander of today. Oh, if you dig or own one of these kinds, do remember to join us on the #FourHandFriday tag.
