(Updated on September 01, 2022)
Usually, I do not review watches for a long period of time, but this time, I would like to introduce MY Oak and Oscar Humboldt GMT. Me, like every other watch enthusiast out there have been looking at GMT watches. Maybe because traveling is a thing again? We are all sick of lockdowns, tired of being paranoid at home. Certainly, reintroducing travel for me has been hard, and I do not doubt that I am not alone on this one.
For my personal GMT, I specifically have been looking at three watches that have the same movement, the Sellita SW330-2. The candidates this time were, the obvious winner: O&O Humboldt GMT, the Monta Atlas and the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander. I chose the O&O, obviously not because of the price or the movement, but because it is a different interpretation of a GMT watch. The Humboldt GMT has hints of different watches that attract me, the sandwich dial, design of the dial and colors. But there is more to it, the anti-magnetism inner case, bracelet quick micro adjustments, and design originality is what made the O&O the watch of choice this time around.
First things first, this is a rugged watch that you can do it all with. I treat all the watches I own the same way. Ultimately, they all are watches that I can do everything with, and this doesn’t mean that they need to have sapphire crystal, indestructible case, etc. Pretty much all watches I have, have been capable enough for me to do anything. Although, there are some that require more caution and mindfulness when you wear them, like my grandfather watches, the ones with acrylic crystals, etc. With the Humboldt, you can feel the heft of the watch, which, not directly related but it gives you a sense of security and ruggedness. Sapphire crystal, closed case back, shock resistant and antimagnetic enclosure, make this watch good enough to go hike and then sit to work on your computer. Worry free in all situations.
Useful While Traveling
This is a very interesting fact, to me at least, that a lot of GMT watches have a fixed bezel, the Humboldt, has a bidirectional bezel. You can track 2 time zones with the main hour hand and the GMT hand, adding the movement of the bezel, allows for a third time zone… Simple and amazing! The movement has three crown positions. When you unscrew the crown, embossed with the O&O logo, you can wind the movement. Buttery smooth if I may add. When you pull to its second position, you can change the date counterclockwise, or move the GMT hand turning the crown clockwise. Its final position lets you change the time using the main hour hand and minutes hand.
The Dial
The O&O dials are some where I have had reservations. To not dwell on the topic or try to make the sales pitch long, these dials you must see in person. Some pictures can make them look plain and without any depth, which being extremely honest, turned me away from them. The dials are far from being plane, they are sandwich dials, and yes, they have depth. Again, you need to see them to fully appreciate them.
The Case
I mean, I thought we spoke about the case already? More details? ok. For the ones that like dimensions, 39.5mm case diameter, 12.5 case height, width between lugs is 20mm, lug to lug is 46.8, double domed Sapphire crystal and closed case back. Yes, these dimensions are from the O&O website, but I double checked with my caliper. The bezel is greatly done, making the watch very proportionate. Turning the bezel is very easy and satisfying. Lugs are perforated for your strap swapping convenience.
The Bracelet
I repeat this to everyone that asks or that doesn’t, buy the watch with the bracelet. If you try to get the bracelet afterwards, it will be more expensive. Obviously, I followed my own advice and got the bracelet. It is very flexible and sturdy, a combination of oyster and flat link. All brushed and it fits the watch perfectly fine. There are 7 removable links. All with a one-piece screw, which already has Loctite, a detail that other brands should pay attention to and adopt. The bracelet has a taper from 20mm to 16mm, which is very much appreciated. I am glad that more brands are adding dramatic tapers to the bracelets. It adds a different level of comfort while wearing them. The clasp is 19mm which makes it stand out a bit but nothing that hinders the wearability of the watch. The clasp is adjustable and lets you do micro adjustments on the fly. One thing that I need to add to the clasp is how hard it was at the beginning. Getting the watch on during the first week destroyed my fingers and nails. I am one month into ownership, and it is all good. I might be getting the hang of it or just getting stronger? We will never know. UPDATE: After almost 3 months of ownership, the clasp is absolutely easy to use, with zero risk of coming undone while wearing it.
Final Thoughts
Well, I have been wearing this watch, almost, every day for a month. It was not a “one month watch” experiment but I have legitimately gravitated towards it. I like the weight of it, the design, the functionality, and specially during these hot days, the easiness of adjusting the clasp on the fly. I have done everything with this watch, from working on my computer, multiple backyard projects, playing with my kids, oil changes, other car projects, and the list will only keep growing. Now that traveling is getting back to normal, this watch will definitely come with me. Not many complains from me regarding this watch. No bezel misalignments, hard to grip bezels or misaligned items on the dial. Yes, the clasp is hard, but it is only a matter of time for it to smooth out (UPDATE: Again, after 3 months is a joy to use the clasp). If you, like me, have been looking at O&O but haven’t been able to pull the trigger, schedule a call, try to visit their HQ, or visit a watch event to see the watches. There is more O&O owners than you think, this can be another option for you to experience their watches. O&O is a brand with a lot of hidden details on their watches, either just for fun or actually functional. I will not ruin the fun and let you find out for yourself. The Humboldt GMT is a watch I am glad to own. O&O is a brand to keep an eye on, for sure.
DL
