Winfield Oconus GMT Watch Review

44m, True GMT and Assembled in USA

by Don Evans

Winfield Oconus GMT

Winfield Oconus GMT

The Winfield Oconus GMT is one of the latest models from the Maryland-based brand. This new GMT is one of three models using this new 44mm case design, the other two are a diver and a chronograph. Yes, this is a 44mm watch, a nice change of pace from the sub 40mm watches that have been dominating the microbrand space, and good news for those fellas out there who still prefer a bigger watch.

Despite its listed size, this is not some massive beast of a watch, as the length of the case is still only 50mm and it tops out at 13.5mm thick, meaning if you have the wrist size to pull it off, this is easily an everyday watch. And like all Winfield watches, it’s assembled, tested, and regulated in Ohio, has 200m of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal, and this one comes with a canvas travel pouch and two straps. And for those that always like to get a deal, it’s currently on sale for $652.

Specifications-

44mm Stainless Steel Case

22mm lug Width

50mm Lug to Lug

13.5mm Thick

145 grams in Weight

Sapphire Crystal

PVD Stainless Steel Bezel Insert

120 Click Unidirectional Lumed GMT Bezel

Miyota 9075 GMT Movement

200m Water Resistant

Screw Down Crown and Case back

Horween Leather Strap

Nylon Nato Style Strap

MSRP $725

https://winfieldwatch.com/products/oconus-stainless

Winfield Oconus GMT

I am of course no stranger to Winfield watches, as I have reviewed 2 of their previous models, which were both field-style watches, or simple, clean, and rugged tool watches, which Mark has translated into this new lineup as well. While I have this Winfield Oconus GMT in hand, this same 44mm case is now being used to make their first dive watch, with a traditional dive watch dial layout and also one that is more of a mission timer with a slightly different bezel and dial layout. And if you like timing things, there is also a quartz chronograph available as well, and all but the diver come in a black PVD model as well.

This new case is all about being a tool watch. The top and sides are all brushed, while the outer bezel edge and crown are highly polished, for the slightest contrast so your wife can’t say it’s not a dress watch. The case design of this Winfield Oconus GMT and all the new models I have seen described it as a beefy Seiko SKX (I actually said that) and even a Captain Willard homage. I freely admit I thought it was more of an homage until I got this watch in hand. Once I did, it was easy to see, that while it may have a similar profile, this is no homage. This is a very different watch than either of those, both in terms of size, lugs, and finishing. The only thing in common it has with either is the 4 o’clock crown.

Winfield Oconus GMT

That case profile has some uniqueness to it as well. While the flat or slab-sided case is pretty straightforward, you’ll notice how the bezel is set into a beveled area around the top of the case. This not only gives the Winfield Oconus GMT a little extra pizazz but it also allows for good clearance to grasp and rotate the bezel.

And let’s go ahead and talk about that bezel. This may be a GMT watch with a 24 bezel, but the comprise here to build all these new styles with the same case is that this is a unidirectional 120-click bezel, much like a dive watch generally is, and not bi-directional that you may expect. Still functional, but will just take you a couple of extra clicks to set the bezel for your timezone.

Winfield Oconus GMT

GMTs are still all the rage in 2024 and Winfield didn’t want to be left behind, so yes this is using the Miyota 9075 GMT movement. This movement allows for the hour hand to be independently set, and this function essentially removes the quick set date function, but for those that are traveling often, a true GMT watch is what you want to be able to easily set the time once you arrive.

The large dial is nicely laid out with printed indices and numerals, some touches of color with a red second hand and a blue GMT hand that matches the GMT dial text. Winfield believes in taking your watch with you on all your adventures and being able to easily read the time is a must, and they have achieved that here.

But Don, this is a 44mm watch, that is huge! Well, that depends on what you consider huge. I will admit, that it’s been a while since I have worn a 44mm watch as I normally am in the 42mm camp for personal wear, and let’s face it, a lot of watches reviewed here are much smaller. Yet, I still like a larger watch and this one despite that 44mm case, is not a massive chunk on the wrist.

On my 7 1/2 inch (19.05cm) wrist, the 50mm lug to lug, curved lugs, and just the overall design and shape allow this to be an easy daily wear piece. Granted, if you have a 6 1/2 inch (16.51cm) wrist, it will probably look large, but yet again, some folks like that look as well. Either way, with a flat case back and all I previously mentioned, the Winfield Oconus GMT looks and feels good on my wrist.

This model comes with two straps, the nylon grey nato style shown above, which should easily fit an 8-inch (20.32cm) wrist, if not larger, but the same can not be said for the Horween Leather strap. Now this Horween pull-up leather, which will only get better the more you wear it and will gain its unique patina (like a good pair of Redwings), the strap is short. I am in the third hole from the bottom, and that barely allows me to put the excess into the two keepers. If your wrist is much larger than mine, plan on wearing the nylon strap until you find something more suitable. Changing the strap is done with a prong tool as this Oconus utilizes drilled lugs over quick-release spring bars.

With 6 layers of X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova. ย I was expecting the Winfield Oconus GMT to be a lume torch, and I was not disappointed. The steel PVD bezel is all lumed, and hands, indices, and even the W logo, as well as the border around the date, are lumed. Lume junkies will love it. And don’t worry, this doesn’t fade out quickly, this will last quite a few hours. Think Lum-tec.

Winfield Oconus GMT

Old school may be an overused term, but this Winfield Oconus GMT is old school, or maybe more appropriately OLD SCHOOL COOL. It’s 44mm at a time when most microbrands are doing 38-40mm, it’s a solid chunk of 316l steel, and the case back is no frills, no quick-release spring bars, or lumed crowns. No, this is a straightforward tool watch, with an easy-to-read dial, a GMT complication, good water resistance, and lots and lots of lume. It almost feels like it’s still 2010. And, that’s not a bad thing, as I think choices are good.

Check out the Winfield Oconus GMT and all their new models at their website HERE.

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