The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I work in IT for the military, and I use Zulu time at work along with local. I live in FL and spend a lot of time in the water, both fresh and salt water. Doing just about anything you can do in the water. Currently, I use the bezel on my watches as a "GMT function". I love the Explorer II and GMT Master II models, but am a little nervous about the 100m water resistance. Is that a valid concern, or am I being a little OCD? If valid, does anyone have any ideas, or should I just keep doing what I'm doing? Thanks!

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Rob
Breitling SO Steelfish, silver
Breitling SO Abyss, silver
Rolex Submariner, no date

I guess I have a couple of thoughts here. If you're not going terribly deep in the water, the rating wouldn't seem to be an issue. On the other hand, while I know all these watches are rated for water, do you want to do that all the time with your $4000 Rolex? I took my old GMT Master snorkeling a couple of times without incident, but I was out of town, with one watch. At home, when I have worn a watch in the water, it's been a quartz.

I have been told by a watch guy that the risk for some of the dive watches is actually in shallower water because the watch is built for water pressure-- if there is a leak into the watch it would more likely be at shallow water. I've no idea if it's true, but the guy is generally reliable.

Frankly, I'd take a quartz diver into the water most of the time and save the GMTs. If you're traveling and only have one, I suspect the watch is good for and has been tested for beyond 100m--that's just how Rolex is. I'd have to look through the books for the ratings of other GMT pieces, so maybe others who know off the top of their heads could help there. I might suggest a JLC Master Compressor Geographic. The inner separate watch dial for GMT is so much better IMO. It should have an ample dive rating.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

The new GMTIIC's have the triplock crown (same as on the Sub). Apparently the only difference is the strength of the caseback and the possibility of it buckling under extreme pressure. I dont think you would have any issues with using it the water, as long as you dont plan very deep scuba sessions.

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-RJ

I wore my '69 GMT as a dive watch for years.
Never went deeper than 100'.
I wore that thing for everything....I never took it off.
Wore it in the shower for a couple of years, slept with it on.
Wore it skydiving....I mean everything.
B/4 I gave it to my son my wife wore it strictly as a dive watch.

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"In the end there can be but one"

Have you any interest in something like the Omega Seamaster GMT (ref. 2234 I think)? Would have to find a used one these days but would give you the GMT function plus some extra WR, guessing they are rated at 200 or 300M like other Seamasters (?). Just a thought, and wouldn't have to spend a whole lot of $$.

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

My choice of preference would be a Steelfish GMT. But it will be difficult to get one.

Sent from my Galaxy SII using Tapatalk

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- This is Ghost Rider requesting a fly-by. - Negative Ghost Rider. The pattern is full.

Your advice is right on the money.

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An ever changing collection.....

Omega Seamaster GMT 2535.80.00

Thank you all for the inputs!!! I'm not a huge Omega fan, which at times causes me to "put the blinders on" so to speak. They never even entered my mind as an option. After doing a quick image search of the model, I really like it! Couldnt find the WR, but youre probably right on the 200-300m mark. My only beef is their whole spin on the "pepsi/coke" thing with the bezal. With it having a prctical function, I could get used to that actually. Plus on the market, the price is right. Time to research it some more. Keep 'em coming! Thanks again all!

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Rob
Breitling SO Steelfish, silver
Breitling SO Abyss, silver
Rolex Submariner, no date

Makes me feel a lot better looking into them knowing your story. I don't own many watches, but the ones I do own cost a bit of money. To me anyway, and I want to wear them every day I can. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars so have it sit in a drawer, and have 2 Breitlings in the rotation, and looking for a third option..... Also did you see that Archie read my post? He also read several of your inputs. He told me to go F myself obviously. It made my day!

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Rob
Breitling SO Steelfish, silver
Breitling SO Abyss, silver
Rolex Submariner, no date

A little non-Omega, but with some military/pilot style roots: Hamilton navy GMT - 200m WR

http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en/gents/k ... /H77615133

I'm sure more ideas will pop up .

Um, ORIS TT1 DIVERS GMT DATE ? 300m WR - (more aggressive diver)

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Check out the great white GMT. I think its nicer than the other ones. Its been discontinued for a while now, but they show up for sale here and there.

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-RJ

Hey...For 12 yrs. I only had the Rolex...That's why I did everything with it.
No...Didn't see Archie. Where is the old Sot? Is he drinking again?

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"In the end there can be but one"

It's good to know that what I'm looking at will handle everything, because that's what I intend to do with it. What's the point of having it if you don't wear it, right? Yeah, Archie was talking about us on his youtube channel. Personally, I think the guy is hilarious, and knows his stuff. Though, his delivery can be a bit harsh at times. But, that's his "Archie" character. But yeah, I appreciate all the ideas. The Omega RJ pointed out I really like, but I'm afraid I'll catch hell trying to find one. I change my straps out all the time, and think it would be a good option. That or the Explorer II prior to the new 42mm. Not big on that one.

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Rob
Breitling SO Steelfish, silver
Breitling SO Abyss, silver
Rolex Submariner, no date

Have you given any thought to UTS? They make a solid GMT tool watch rated to 1000m. I think it would be a viable option given what you want to do with it.

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Suunto Elementum Terra
Schaumburg Watch, Lindbergh & Benson AquaTitan
Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600
~ RotaryRx7