Review: Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Titan Premium Ceramic
An homage watch with its own identity
It was in April of 2024 that I thought about adding a watch to my lineup. I’d long thought about getting a Rolex GMT Master II “Batgirl”, but that’s one I’m not going to spring for unless I can get it from the Rolex A.D.
This was unlikely to happen as Rolex sports models were (and at the time of this writing still are) the unobtanium of the horology world. Those of you in the know are aware you can’t just walk in to Rolex, present the money and walk out with the watch. By circumstance or by design, you have to be somebody for them to sell to you.
I’d already splashed out for a secondary-market Rolex ‘Root Beer’ (ref 126711CHNR) and its aftermarket price first soared and then, well, plunged. So from here on, I intend to hold out for the A.D. and a list price.
Amusingly, the last time I ‘watered the grass’ by visiting my Nashville A.D. and reminding him of my name I told him that Keith Urban had sent me to pick him up a Batgirl. He said “We’d better call him about the size.” It was a good laugh.
Speaking with my pal Hobby Of Hours, Darren discussed several reasonably priced alternatives - he’s a veritable encyclopedia of these brands and can remember details and names to a degree I cannot hope to. He suggested among others a Steinhart.
I got looking at them, and I saw one that seemed appealing; the Ocean 39 GMT Titan Premium Ceramic.
It’s got a ceramic bezel, an all-titanium case and bracelet, and is powered by the respectable and reliable ETA decorated automatic 2893-2 Elaboré.
I considered it and in a couple of days decided that it was one I wanted to own. The option that clinched it for me was the availability of the ‘5-link’ bracelet which is not dissimilar to a Rolex Jubilee bracelet. I emailed to ask about it (their customer response is extremely good) and was told that while there isn’t a titanium 5-link, the steel one can be used. I thought that was good enough, and went ahead to order it.
Ordering online was easy through their web site. While there are a number of distributors around Europe and Asia, there isn’t one listed in the United States, and of course it’d be rather unlikely for a retailer to carry one in Nashville. But the site looked professional, was located in Germany (generally very reliable), and the customer response was fast and in English. It’s been a number of years since I’ve been to Germany, but my impression of the professionalism of its corporations was always generally favorable. The watch itself and its movement are Swiss.
Steinhart has a web directory of its company employees, which is charmingly reassuring. Companies that put forward the employees in a personal way like that seem to send a message that they’re accessible and stand behind their products.
Ordering was quick and easy, and even with international shipping I received the order within two days.
The first thing I did on receipt of the watch was swap to the steel bracelet and resize it. This made the watch Jubilee-style, and a little heavier.
For several months I wore it like this, and enjoyed it. I enjoyed the look of it and a number of people noticed it favorably.
The movement keeps good time. It drifts a little as any mechanical movement in its class will, but not out of line with expectations.
The display back allows you to watch the customized rotor turn. It’s a nice touch.
After six months or so, I decided it needed a little bit of a change, so I removed the 5-link and replaced it with the original titanium bracelet. I’ve been losing a substantial amount of weight so I needed to size it down a bit as well.
Once it was all-titanium again, I noticed right away that the watch was far lighter and more comfortable than with the steel. At only around $100 for the 5-link, it was an affordable accessory, but if it were made a little more delicately it could be substantially lighter. In the end, I think I preferred both the look, the finish and the weight of the titanium bracelet.
I consider this to be a valuable and happy purchase. I liked the vibe I got from dealing with the company. The service was fast and responsive. I had no problems, but if I did I got the sense the company would stand behind their product and make it right. The watch is comfortable, especially with the titanium bracelet. It keeps good time and it conveys a feeling not dissimilar to watches at a much higher price point.
Both the product and the company exude quality and reliability. I can wholeheartedly recommend this, and likely any other Steinhart watch.