Today, the so-called 'Explorer' dial is very fashionable and sought after.”
The Steinhart Adventure Polar White is our third sports watch with this coveted dial format. After the launch of our Ocean 39 Explorer, alongside the new Ocean Adventure tool watch released by Steinhart, we’d knew to come together for another amazing collaboration which might be the Swan-song that bears a stark white dial. The Ocean Adventure Polar White encapsulates vintage charm of the 1960s dive watches that, has a rare dial layout with the combination of three arabic numbers along with standard baton hour markers. This special edition is once again, made exclusively for Gnomon Watches and bears a close resemblance to the much recognized Ocean One Vintage but now with the versatile Ocean Adventure Classic case. The spectacular timepiece will be made in limited production to maintain it's exclusivity.
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Steinhart Ocean 39 Adventure Polar White - Gnomon Exclusive
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The charm of the Adventure Polar White lies in it's dial, and where things just get interesting. With many requests from collectors, taking design cues from rare dive watches that are highly sought after from the 1960s. Why is it so? The dial layout, which is coined as the “Explorer-style” dial was first found on super rare 60s sports watches, where the arabic 3-6-9 numbers are applied on a tri-compax layout. These timepieces were once worn by mountain climbers whom tackled world’s greatest marvels by pushing the human limits. Therefore the “explorer” moniker has stick with watch enthusiasts ever since.
Many enthusiasts have been demanding a watch like this from the German brand and we have finally delivered in a unique white dial with aged markers. The new Ocean Adventure Polar White keeps the “sweet-spot” of 39mm in diameter, has a lug-to-lug of 47mm, and a thickness of 13mm. It wears oh-so-sweet on the wrist of both men and women.
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3-6-9 Arabic numerals applied markers
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The watch we’re looking at today is a brand new model from Steinhart. Many enthusiasts have been demanding a watch like this from the German brand and Steinhart has finally delivered. The new Ocean 39 Adventure Classic is 39mm in diameter, has a lug-to-lug of 47mm, and a thickness of 13mm. It wears oh-so-sweet on the wrist of both men and women. The fixed bezel is fully mirror-polished, resulting a luxe aesthetic, while balancing its ruggedness with a multi-finished mid-case with precision. Also, with a fixed bezel the watch is neither a diver or a dress model in particular, but instead it became a proper tool watch that is versatile to be worn in many occasions and adventures.
There’s just something about 3-6-9 dials and we felt we have hit the ball right off the bat with this timepiece. The baton indices add a unique twist to the classic 3-6-9 layout, where circular indices are normally used. This gives the watch a more rugged appeal - and rightfully so.
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Swiss Superluminova
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The screw-down crown and case back give it 100m of water resistance, allowing this watch to be a great choice for a daily. The watch also comes affixed with a domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coatings on the inside. This ensures a certain level of scratchproof-ness and readability even in harsh lighting conditions. We knew vintage designs are our forte and thus having the brilliant matte white dial to have aged-looking markers and handset would create a nice harmonious vintage look throughout. Together with the white background, it elevates the unisex appeal even more without throwing off any legibility. Readability in poor lighting conditions will also not be an issue as the watch is painted with a generous coating of Swiss Superluminova on the hands and indices. The Steinhart Ocean Adventure Polar White will take just about anything you throw at it.
Powering the watch is the Swiss Selita SW200-1 Elaboré movement. It has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800 BPH and has a power reserve of roughly 38 hours. The elaboré grade movement is used here, which is a step up from the typical SW200 calibre that you will find on most watches. Compared to the standard grade, a Selita Elaboré movement is adjusted in three positions and has better daily accuracy. This movement has been used for many years and has proven itself to be reliable, accurate and cost-efficient during servicing.
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Swiss Selita SW200-1 Elaboré movement
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To complete the utilitarian sports watch look, Steinhart attaches a 20mm Oyster-style bracelet that has a great taper to 16mm and a signed Steinhart buckle. The bracelet offers a sporty, charming look to the watch. Steinhart also offers drilled lugs on the case, allowing the wearer to change straps easily. Drilled lugs are a major plus here, as the exclusive model is a real strap monster and I can already think of 5 different combos that will look amazing. If you’d like to, you can check out our strap offerings here.
In conclusion, the Steinhart Ocean Adventure Polar White is a no-frills sport watch that is extremely well built for not a lot of money. This could be the main reason behind our partner Steinhart’s success too. You get a classic dial layout with a vintage package that we all love, a reliable Swiss automatic movement, tremendous value and then some. It will not feel out of place with a suit and tie, or with beach shorts and a pint of beer in hand. An all-rounder indeed.
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