I’m getting vexed with the constant missing of the mark of manufacturers with my ‘perfect’ watch — a 40-ish mm black dial GMT with a lumed 1-23 bezel and jumping hour hand that’s not the thickness of a house brick or gaudy. I do like the PO gmt — but it’s far too thick to be a one-watch choice.

I have owned the ‘Bond’ SMP300GMT, which was retired some years back. However, I hated the blue dial and short stubby gmt hand, but the movement was great and the fit was pretty good too.

Last year I threw on one of the new SMP300s, and it felt like a really good fit, and this got me to wondering what the chances are of Omega releasing a GMT in the range — and if so, when!?

 

Dang it! I thought this might be an announcement of a new release for a reasonable sized GMT from Omega that wasn’t an Aqua Terra, not just another grouse that such a watch doesn’t exist!

But seriously, I agree a Seamaster Pro or Seamaster 300 with a GMT hand would be better than the Planet Ocean models. Those look spectacular — I am still tempted by the black and white one — but they are just too thick and wide for me.

 

Thickness has been an issue with Omega watches since they went fully in house with the co-axial movements, even for watches without special complications.

As the previous generation 300M didn't have a model with GMT function either I wouldn't keep my hopes up for Omega making a new one.

 

Omega have dropped the ball when it comes to catering for the regular/average wrist. Thickness is a huge problem because of the co-axial movements and exhibition casebacks. I'd trade the caseback and a bit of water resistance for some thinner watches. Especially when it comes to the Seamaster 300 diver and the 39.5mm Planet Ocean.

 

The 8500/8900 is no bigger or thicker than the Rolex 3135/3235 and you see those in plenty of relatively slim cases ie Datejusts and Explorers. The watch thickness is driven almost exclusively by sapphire casebacks and more detailed dials with raised markers and domed crystals...

the new Seamaster is case in point. The 8800 movement is similar in dimensions to the previous model 1120 / 2500 and yet the new SMP is significantly thicker than any previous SMP with any of those older movements.

 

Ah okay - that would make sense tbh. All said and done, I prefer Omega equivalents for how interesting they are (not to mention accessible and not with stupid hiked up prices). I do need to get a sporty tool watch and might look at the Planet Ocean 39.5 in blue... maybe the white Seamaster 300 diver...

 

The PO gmt is unreasonably thick at 17mm — it makes it almost unwearable in most circumstances. I’ve reasonably sized wrists (7 1/2”), so the 45mm isn’t the issue — it the thickness of the case. My Bremont is 16mm, and it’s too thick as it is.

I’ve never been interested in display backs — I read the time from the front! I don’t go showing people the movement or the spinning rotor — I frankly don’t care how pretty it is, I care whether I can get my backpack on without it getting caught on the damn watch.

GMTs have been available at 12mm thick for 50 years! And with 100m water resistance — so the thickness must be to do with case/dial/vac, as you’ve said. The SMP300 is a more wearable thickness (even with the engraved dial — which I don’t prefer). I’m surprised Onega haven’t heard the feedback on thickness and done something about it.

 

Agreed. Omega need to calm down with the chunky things — there’s frankly no need for it. The PO could easily be 3mm thinner if the gave up the display back an lowered the Crystal slightly — though perhaps that would affect the 600m rating.

I don’t really like the new black and white models. They look cheap and tacky like a $10 ‘ceramic’ watch off the market. I liked the black dial/bezel from the previous model. However, a gmt in the Ti SMP300 case would be spot on: I love the matt bezel and dial. A much needed return to style and subtlety from Omega

 

I tried the 39.5mm PO on the other day and it wasnt too bad. I havent worn a watch with a bezel for a few yrs now, sticking with the AT 3 hand and chrono range so visually its a bit of getting used to, but proportionately the watch sat well on the wrist..

 

I am dreaming of a current white SMP with added red GMT hand and in mu humble opinion that would kill Explorer by mile. Obviously that would be the case only if additional hand would not add extra 1-2mm to the thickness. It that dream comes true my current "whitey" would be the only Omega I would flip.

 

How big’s your wrist and the smaller PO isn’t available as a gmt, sadly

 

7.5”. I normally wear 41.5mm AT but I’ve been looking at downsizing to the smaller 38.5 (8500 calibre) or 38mm (8800 calibre) watches.... thought I’d try on the dive version while i was there as the AD was well stocked this time...

 

I wonder if our feedback isn’t representative of the larger client base.

I used to dismiss the notion that the 41.5mm AT was too large until I handled one in person. It does feel too big for what the AT line represents, so I am glad they offer a midsize as well.

 

There are some indications that they have. The new Bond 300M is thinner, the trilogy railmaster and the new speedmaster racing too (that’s off the top of my head). I guess that, if they can make it thinner, they won’t shave off 3mm in one generation, that would make the previous one worthless instantly. It will happen gradually.

 

Well........ just build your own!

This is mine, but you could change the bezel to a lumed one if you wanted. The photo of the insert is from eBay. Easy to do if you wanted.

 

Holy! Where do you find a lumed bezel on eBay!? I have been toying with this idea, but couldn’t find a lumed one. I’m also not sure of the reference difference between the two SMP GMTs — is it a bracelet difference? (2535.50.00 and 2234.50.00)

The gen bezels are marmite, and I can’t stand them, but they look totally different with a full bezel! Do you have an eBay link to the lumed bezel? Yours looks great!

 

No, sorry I do t have a link. I saved the photo a little while ago! Just search for lumed bezel insert. I think this one was for a Seiko IIRC

 

Misleading title

 

Boo! I would have liked one for the SMP — but I’ve never seen one. Lumed bezels are becoming more common, and they’re a must for a gmt owner who actually uses the function a lot!

 

Fixed.