Ocean 39 GMT Melon - Gnomon Exclusive

Steinhart was founded in 2001 based on the ethos of offering high-quality, Swiss-made watches at an honest and accessible price tag. Over the years, the German watch brand tirelessly seeks to develop a broad genre of quality mechanical timepieces. As a result, Steinhart's Ocean One collection has gained widespread popularity amongst watch enthusiasts. It is even more so with the Ocean Vintage series. The fusion of modern watchmaking commingles with vintage flair makes them stand out from many other diver watches.

Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Melon - Gnomon Exclusive

As a partner who started with Steinhart, Gnomon Watches has worked closely with the brand since the beginning, abetting Mr. Steinhart and his team to introduce these valued-for-your-money watches to an even larger audience. Our strong bond has allowed us to further launched an array of exclusive models where our specific designs speak to watch enthusiasts like us. These achievements and recognitions can only be seen through both companies' excellent relationships. So fasten your seatbelts as we unveil a new Steinhart x Gnomon exclusive. PS. This particular one has got the whole Gnomon team pretty excited.


The latest release is another perfect tie-up between two brands with the same values and a strong passion for watches. We are introducing the Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Melon - Gnomon Exclusive. Once again a limited production GMT Ocean timepiece, the "melon" moniker is as quirky as its colours, and, as you guessed it, in shades of the ripped melon fruit. As many might know, our exclusive usually straddles the vintage path, like the aged looks and period-correct elements. But this particular GMT Melon is more than our usual execution. It is the first time we attempt bold, unusual colours from the early sixties for the 24-hour bezel and GMT hand, which turns out to be just as fun designing as wearing it on the wrist.

Satin brushed lugs with polished sides & bezel

Only available exclusively for Gnomon, The new Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Melon is still seen as a period-correct GMT watch that seeks to be different among the big sea of mostly conservative all-black or blue dive watches at the time. And in a vintage manner, a smaller case size? Check. A unique look? Check. New materials? Check. The Melon comes in at 39mm in diameter with a compact 47mm lug-to-lug. It has just a thickness of about 14mm, thanks in part to the domed sapphire crystal atop the dial. What we like about this case is there are additional details to it. There are additional polished bevelings at each lug of the case, and it does not come with crown guards, allowing Steinhart to bring back the "big crown" look for us. This particular style could only be found on those premium Ocean 39 models.


The Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Melon - Gnomon Exclusive features a unidirectional 24-hour GMT bezel, allowing you to track a second-time zone. There's another first attribute to be highlighted here. What's so unique and distinctive about the bezel is that, for the first time, we requested Steinhart to use a sapphire bezel insert in a vintage bakelite form that's been used in the sixties. Sapphire was the choice of material to mimic the gorgeous bakelite bezels of yesteryears. It was expertly chosen - with the bezel giving off a charming vintage hue - while still retaining the benefits that a modern material like sapphire offers. The bezel features two shades of green - a darker and a lighter shade, just like the colours of the sweet melon fruit, as mentioned earlier. The bezel rotates anti-clockwise with a solid 120 clicks and can be done with ease thanks to its polished grooves.

Matte egg-white dial with circular indices

Moving on to the dial, the Melon features a matte, egg-white white dial with circular indices, except a triangular index at 12 o'clock and the baton indices at 6 and 9. A color-matching date wheel can be found at 3 o'clock, while the Mercedes hands and a more extended GMT hand in the "melon" colorway complete the look. The hands all hit the printed outer minute track accurately, with none being too lengthy or too stubby, which enthusiasts will appreciate. Steinhart's 6.5mm screwed-down signed crown, and case-back offer the watch an impressive 300m water resistance. 


The hands, indices, and the bezel insert (just like the Bakelite bezels of the past) are generously painted with Swiss C3 Superluminova. We got to say that the orangey "aged" colour befits the melon theme here, as you get the idea once we open one up and see the inside, pardon my digress. Nevertheless, the watch offers a superb glow that will last quite a long time, ensuring maximum readability in darkness. At the other end of the spectrum, the domed sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating on the underside, ensuring that the dial would be legible in harsh lighting.

Old radium looking SuperLuminova

The ever-dependable Selita SW330-2 movement is powering the watch. It has 25/26 jewels, beats at 28,800 BPH, and has an independent GMT hand. This is a workhorse Swiss movement that has been widely used in the industry, guaranteeing robustness, longevity, and ease of service. A screwed-down case-back protects the movement. While plain at first sight, the case-back reveals a brilliantly etched "exclusive for Gnomon" - showcasing our noteworthy collaboration with Steinhart over the years, cumulating to this latest Steinhart x Gnomon timepiece.


A 20mm oyster-style bracelet is affixed to the watch. The bracelet is well-built and elegantly tapers to 16mm to a signed Steinhart clasp. The style and taper of the bracelet contribute to the classy yet robust look of the watch, giving wearers great comfort while still oozing style.

On the wrist

The new Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Melon - Gnomon Exclusive is the latest in our line of Steinhart x Gnomon collaborations, and only will be produced in limited quantities. Featuring new material and colours that both Steinhart and Gnomon have never used. And by catering a refreshing take to what might be a sober and no-nonsense sports watch space, the timepiece is a killer that has got all of us at Gnomon buzzing. This watch signifies our long-standing relationship with Steinhart and how we constantly take in feedback from our fans and produce well-liked watches by many. Harry Styles sings it best in his hit single Watermelon Sugar - "watermelon sugar, high." This Ocean 39 GMT Melon - Gnomon Exclusive has gotten us all high with excitement, and I am sure it will do the same to you too.