Review of the OCEAN7 G-1 GMT

As watch reviewers, we are always on the look out for watches that appeal to a wide crowd rather than just “watch nerds.” OCEAN7 Watch Company has been making watches that fit both descriptions for sometime, so when they offered to send a review sample of the new G-1 GMT, it was tough to guess where it would land. What we found was that the G-1 GMT clearly offers something for everyone.

Let’s start with the specs:

• 42x13mm Stainless steel case (brushed/polished or PVD).
• ETA 2893-2 GMT movement.
• Swiss BG W9 blue luminous paint (model specific).
• Sapphire crystal.
• 300m/1,000ft water resistance.
• Steel bracelet with screwed links.
• 22mm lugs.
• A choice of 5 colored bezel inserts.

Our review unit is the stealthy all-black model: a matte finished PVD on the case and bracelet, and an flat black GMT bezel. The dial is also matte black, and the sword hands and bright orange GMT hand look amazing.

The G-1 GMT sits very low; measuring in at 13mm thick, it’s hard to believe they got 4 hands and an astounding 300m water resistance in such a low-profile design. Compared to most dive watches that boast 300m, this is a breeze to wear. It has a weighty confidence, but fits under any sleeve.

The G-1 is reserved — the only real color on this variant is the matching orange of the GMT hand, and the “7” on the dial. The lume is a blue colour reminiscent of some Seikos, and it is both bright and well applied. The dial markers are inlaid and have a mil-diver style showing the date (black on white) at 3 o’clock.

The fit and finish on this second generation G-1 is outstanding. The signed screwdown crown has three positions: at neutral you can wind the movement or screw the crown back into place; at position 1, a clockwise rotation will advance the GMT hand with the opposite advancing the date display; finally, position 2 will give you access to setting the standard time. The screw-down crown is solid and accurate, as it should be when connected to such a nice movement.

The G-1 comes powered by the great ETA 2893-2 GMT movement which runs at 28,800 VPH and features hacking stop and a 24-hour hand. For those who have not used a 24-hour hand, it makes one full revolution of the dial over 24 hours which means that 12 pm is at 6 o’clock on the dial. This features allows you to track two timezones: one using the standard time hands, and the other using the GMT hand and the 24hr bezel. The bezel has a grippy coin edge and a light but clicky turn.

The included bracelet is nice and light. It features solid end links (spring bars), and the outer links of the bracelet are screwed together. The clasp has a fold-over design with a signed safety. The bracelet is a perfect fit for the G-1 and integrates beautifully with the lugs. I will mention that the PVD on the bracelet is very light and after some considerable time on my wrists, there is noticeable wear. If PDV wear bothers you, go with the brushed/polished model instead (brushed on top and polished on the sides of the case).

This is a watch that is up for just about any task and does so with little fuss or explanation. I wore it on a twelve day trip to San Francisco and it kept up perfectly. The G-1 is light enough to be worn without consideration, classy enough to be worn with any attire, and with the GMT complication, it is a traveler’s best friend. It’s amazingly accurate; many days, it showed no deviance at all, and after a month, it is usually within +/-4 seconds.

The G-1 starts at $549, which is an amazing price for a watch of this quality. Many other watches that feature this movement retail for hundreds to thousands more, and the G-1 is without a doubt the best design from OCEAN7 that we have reviewed to date. The model as reviewed is $599, and the buyer can choose from a series of bezel colors to suit either finish.

OCEAN7 Watch Company have outdone themselves on the new G-1 GMT making a very cool watch that doesn’t sacrifice quality, features, looks, or everyday practicality.