zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: unidirectional bezel, its a very cool
: feature and I don't understand why thy don't
: put it on regular divers watches? However on

Actually it is a BI-directional bezel, used to indicate the GMT hour. The reason it is not on regular diving watches it that they don't have the GMT function, so use a different, unit-directional bezel calibrated for use in timing a dive. Dive watches are designed for timing a dive. GMT watches are for telling time in multiple time zones. Big difference, requiring different bezel markings.

The GMT *BI*directional bezel turns both ways and indicates the hour for the 24 hour hand. Rotating it allows tracking a third timezone.

The SMP Diver's 60 minute *UNI*directional bezel is used to measure dive time by the difference between the minute hand and the big triangle marker on the bezel. It turns only one way, to avoid getting bumped and turned on a dive in the direction that would cause the wearer to *over* estimate his air supply left.

: the GMT it felt very flimsy and there was
: very little friction required to rotate the

The bezel is essentially the same as on all other SMPs, except for the small difference in the uni- versus bi- directional movement system. But then, you were looking at a used watch, so that specific one may be loose or some moron thinking it too tight lubricated it with WD-40.

: oversized painted 24 hour numerals make the
: watch look like a cheap fossil. I know

I agree that the numbers are too oversized. but other than reducing the size of the numbers, I see nothing wrong with the bezel. If it were only polished steel, then the numbers NEEDED for the GMT feature would be gone.

: The dial is WHITE, not just creamy white, its
: WHITE!!! This must be an acuired taste I

So what's the matter with a crisp, clean white?

: I'd exchange the bezel for a normal SMP 60
: minute bezel if thats possible... is it?

That would be stupid. The bezels serve totally different purposes. You need to read up on the GMT function, as you seem completely unaware of the significance of how the GMT bezel is a CRITICAL part of the GMT function of that watch.

: The case looks great but in my opinion the SMP
: looks naked without the helium escape, some

That's simply personal preference. The feature is really just a gimmic anyway. Doesn't really give you anything useful except a detail to bore your friends with.

Also interesting that you place so much significance on the GMT lacking the Helium Relief Valve of the SMP Diver, yet didn't seem to notice that the GMT also does not have the diver's clasp on the bracelet! But again, the GMT is not a diving watch.

: I am a real perfectionist and cannot justify

Your critique focused entirely on the immediately obvious visual aspects of the watch with no indication of any understanding -- and sometimes complete disregard -- for the functions the markings and features are for.

I don't really get anything out of this review -- just some superficial quibbling over how many knobs, which way they turn and what colors and lettering size were used.