The GMT is useless without an illuminated bezel.

[watchmavan]

The only reason I can think of (which I don't agree with) would also say say that ANY watch without lume was also useless.

Conclusion: useless OP


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[CRM114]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

Debate...

If you're talking about what you've listed as owning (a BLNR GMT Master II) there is nothing to debate, you're simply wrong.

In fact, the bezel could fall completely off and you're still good to go because...

With a de-linked hour hand on the Master II, one sets UTC (or 2nd time zone) using the 24 hr hand and the local time with the hour hand. Those 2 time zones are simultaneously displayed/read using the dial plots (where every plot represents 1 hr using the 12 hr hand and 2 hrs using the 24 hr hand). not the bezel. The bezel is only needed if one wants to turn it to reflect a 3rd time zone (as indicated by the 24 hr hand).

Since the 24 hr hand is lumed and distinctive in shape, it's easy to tell what time it is in the 2nd zone in the dark using it and the round plots that denote, for that hand, every 2 hours around the dial.

If you can't read 24 hr time using an independently-set, lumed 24 hr hand against a plotted 12 hour dial then perhaps you made the wrong watch choice and something digital that lights up may be more suitable. The watch, however, is still completely useful for displaying 2 different time zones if you've actually set it correctly.

[challer]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Use the flashlight feature on your iPhone.

Well then I don’t need to look at the watch..,

[Ragna]

Originally Posted by CRM114

[...]With a de-linked hour hand on the Master II, one sets UTC (or 2nd time zone) using the 24 hr hand and the local time with the hour hand. Those 2 time zones are simultaneously displayed/read using the dial plots (where every plot represents 1 hr using the 12 hr hand and 2 hrs using the 24 hr hand). not the bezel. The bezel is only needed if one wants to turn it to reflect a 3rd time zone[...]

Youre right.

But OP could say then "well what about the third time zone".. which is a core feature of the watch.


At the end i think we can all agree in two things:

1- Illuminated bezels are indeed easier to read

2- People dont need illuminated bezels to read them in 99% of the cases.
(Considering that "hard to read in the dark" doesnt mean "impossible do read".)

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by Ragna

Youre right.

But OP could say then "well what about the third time zone".. which is a core feature of the watch.

The OP said "Useless", which it clearly is not when it comes to displaying GMT. Bringing up the 3rd time zone would just be an example of someone trying to move the goalposts away from their original statement when proven wrong.

[uncufunc]

Not useless, but I think adding lume would improve the functionality of the watch (though it is plenty functional without).

[Ragna]

Originally Posted by CRM114

The OP said "Useless"

Yes he did. Maybe he was a little bit hyperbolic.

"Useless" would be the equivalent of "impossible to read"

I pay the compliment of assuming the OP doesnt think that.

An illuminated bezel would be easier to read in the dark. I think (i hope) theres no debate in that.

But an illuminated bezel would depart from the dressy inclinations of the GMT to some owners (again i assume).

I personally wouldnt change a thing in it.

Leave the GMT alone ! Lol

[AJMarcus]

[SeaAndSky]

Nonsense.

[eco8gator]

Should it be...I'd say yes considering the original design was a lumed bezel.

I do like my BLNR as is but it would be amazing if they came up with a ceramic, sapphire sandwich bezel with glowing numbers.

[Bladeshot]

There’s always some light available. It works for me, as is.

[dricig]

Lets not pretend that the 6 digit GMT is a tool watch, it's jewelry.
No need for bezel lume.

[The Argonaut]

Have a look at this. On a Bakelite, it looks great and would be very useful. Tempus Machina for those interested.

[Ichiran]

Grand Seiko has some GMT models that have lume on the bezel. Quite useful IMO.

Pic from Blade Review.
img-grand-seiko-SBGE001-02.jpg

[JP(Canada)]

Hasn't been an issue for me, but I could see how it might be useful.

[JP(Canada)]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Grand Seiko has some GMT models that have lume on the bezel. Quite useful IMO.

Pic from Blade Review.
Attachment 1097822

Handled one, not long ago. Beautiful watch.

[wach16]

Originally Posted by Tools

Yes, he is a flashlight salesman.

Hahaha

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

Debate...



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Well the first GMT-Master ref 1675 was introduced in 1959 since then models have changed and countless millions sold.So millions did not feel the GMT was useless without an illuminated bezel,as it was and still is a very popular watch.

[mountainjogger]

Since when?

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well the first GMT-Master ref 1675 was introduced in 1959 since then models have changed and countless millions sold.So millions did not feel the GMT was useless without an illuminated bezel,as it was and still is a very popular watch.

Exactly.

[mmaggi]

Originally Posted by dricig

Lets not pretend that the 6 digit GMT is a tool watch, it's jewelry.
No need for bezel lume.

[cerendigit]

no

[TimeToWatch]

Mine seems to be keeping time just fine...

[Bizcut1]

I Love my Tudor...the "tool" feel of it...in a darkened plane cabin though, the GS lume rocks the world.

[904VT]

It doesn’t matter if there even is a bezel at all honestly bc the GMT hand is scaled to 1/2 . It’s not that complicated

[webble1]

It’s not that difficult to see where the GMT hand is and double it from what I can see.

[daveo5]

The GMT was introduced in 1954 at the request of pilots of a major airline. It has served well as a tool watch since that time although pilots no longer need to rely on it’s timekeeping abilities. Rolex has never seen the need to “light up” the bezel to facilitate use of the GMT.


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[psv]

I got to GMTs (Pepsi & TT CHNR) because I like the look and how they wear, but I never use the GMT function. I can do the math/time conversation in my head faster than it takes to read the dial (I have to do it pretty much daily).

[dddl]

Useless??? ... I don't think so!

[lamnyc]

If you think so, don't buy one.