Ever since I first found this community, I always wanted a rep of this watch. While I've never really warmed up to the white "blanco" GMT, the black one has always been my favourite Seamaster (along with the James Bond SMP).
Unfortunately reps of this model always seemed to have some fundamental flaws: Either they had white datewheel, or didn't have the white window/box around it. They also had bad bezel inserts with lousy "18" and "9" numerals. Some dealers have used sales pictures of this rep with correct black datewheel, but have shipped bad ones with white. Bummer!
I almost gave up, but then one day Wackobirdkeeper (a RWI dealer) found this one! Wacko is a friend and a fellow watch nut and I asked him to find another for me... preferably asap. I absolutely needed this watch!
This watch has flaws, but nothing really serious. Of course the bezel was misaligned as usual, but that was a 5 minute fix. The hands (GMT hand and minute hand) are a bit too short. This is typical flaw on most Seamaster reps with "sword hands".
Unlike standard Seamasters the GMT winding crown screws down very deep. I was delighted to see that this was replicated flawlessly.
The datewheel is correct black and it has the correct white window around it. The bezel insert looks correct too, and the "color switch" from black to silver around markers 18 and 9 is spot on. The case construction is solid and the caseback is just as good as on the more expensive ETA models.
The dial has very strong and nice wave pattern, excellent, crispy and accurate print... and the crystal has antireflective coating. However, it's ironic that the crystal on the genuine isn't AR coated. Personally, I find the whole "AR issue" a bit exaggerated.
The modified Asian 21J "faux GMT" has similar functionality as the ETA 2836-2. When you unscrew the crown to the date set position (the genuine doesn't have a quick-set date) and turn it anti-clockwise you're able to set the GMT hand independently. For more detailed information about the functionality of a "faux GMT" can be found from my replica Rolex GMT Master II review HERE.
Unlike on Rolex GMT Master the GMT hand should be under the hour hand. So the infamous "hand stack" is correct on this rep.
Although the movement is "faux" it serves its purpose perfectly: to track the 2nd timezone. I don't know if Wacko checks his watches before he sends them out, but mine has been ETA-like accurate, winds silently and has good power reserve. Just out of curiosity... it would be nice to see Ziggy's review and breakdown of this movement (and the basic Asian 21J) eventually.
The date font is fair, but not 100%. The hands are coated with very strong Super Luminova, but the hour markers have typical weakish replica lume on them.
The old genuine GMT's came with the "Bond" type bracelet, and I'm planning to get extra one for my watch as well. All the current models use the standard "Speedy" bracelet. It's less original, but still very nice looking watch bracelet. It has beautiful brushed and polished finish.
The diver's extension is tight, firm and solid (deployed in the picture) The Seamaster markings are "stamped" on the clasp, which is inaccurate. They're engraved on the genuine.
I found out that the polished "stripes" are separated from the brushed parts. This can be considered inaccurate, but it's not detectable at all (unless you remove a link). Actually I found this quite hilarious, and I've never seen such bracelet construction before. The bracelet uses pins as a resizing method, which is accurate.
So... the rep has some typical inaccuracies, and the minutiae details can't be compared to some new super accurate reps. So what's the catch then?
The catch is that this is the best replica of the Omega Seamaster GMT ever. Actually it's the only decent Seamaster GMT replica I've seen. Despite the flaws it looks fundamentally correct. Another catch is that it costs $95! Wacko sold out every single one of these as soon as he was able to source them. I'm not surprised as this is probably my best "bargain rep" ever... $95 is literally a steal for a great, great looker as this.
You can certainly find gems from the cheaper Asian rep models, as this watch proves once again.
I see huge sales potential with this one, and it can be considered Omegas answer to the "Noobmariner". If you don't own any Omegas yet, I think this rep is perfect "starting model". It's also a great addition to any Omega fans collection... and it easily survives the comparison between some much more expensive rep models.
PS: Merry Christmas 2006 to all members at RWG, TRC and RWI!
