steinhart concorde review

Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Concorde Review: A Golden Flight

A vintage charm wrapped in a luxurious gold coating

Date Published
August 24, 2023
Author
Gnomon Watches
Category
Shop Highlights

Steinhart and Gnomon Watches are like brothers who walk on the same path in the watchmaking industry to deliver the best timepieces for customers. This Steinhart Concorde review will take you through how the collaboration between the two creates appealing Steinhart x Gnomon exclusive watches

Designed exclusively by Gnomon Watches, Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Concorde captures the essence of both style and functionality. With its intricate details, exceptional movement, and a nod to aviation history, the watch is a masterpiece that transcends time. 

As it is known from Steinhart, the brand always pursues the goal of making value-for-money watches to larger audiences. The same also applies to this Steinhart Concorde watch which flaunts a luxury gold-tone appearance but is sold at an impressively affordable price.

Aviation-Inspired Aesthetics

A gold coating case and bracelet that radiates luxury
A gold coating case and bracelet that radiates luxury
MovementSW330-2, élaboré
Dimensions39mm in diameter, 47mm lug to lug, 12mm thick
MaterialStainless steel 316 L with yellow gold coated satin and polished
BraceletStrap Stainless steel 20 x 16 mm, 5 links, screwed, gold color PVD-coated
Water resistance300m
Price$790.00 USD

The Ocean 39 GMT Concorde draws inspiration from the iconic Concorde aircraft, a marvel of aviation history that epitomized speed and luxury. The timepiece exudes the same aura of sleekness and sophistication.  The name was inspired by the supersonic commercial jetliner that crisscrossed the Atlantic from 1969 to 2003

Its 39mm stainless steel case, polished to a mirror-like finish, echoes the fuselage of the supersonic aircraft. The crown, resembling a turbine engine, adds a touch of mechanical elegance.

The dial of the Concorde GMT pays homage to the aircraft’s cockpit instruments. The matte black backdrop serves as a canvas for the luminous hour markers and hands, reminiscent of the clear readability required for pilots navigating at high speeds. The gold GMT hand, shaped like an airplane, completes the look of the dial. The overall design is a harmonious blend of aviation heritage and modern watchmaking.

Further, the Steinhart Concorde follows in the footsteps of our GMT Melon exclusive, this time honoring a complete gold GMT diver. Its vintage and extravagant allure encapsulated the spirit of the 1960s and 1970s, an era when utilitarian timepieces were adorned with opulent elements such as gold.

Made only in limited quantities, there is a lot to unveil in this vintage-inspired timepiece. Not to mention that the watch aims to distinguish itself from the extensive collection of predominantly traditional all-black or blue dive watches available during that period.

As for the vintage charm, the Steinhart Concorde fulfills all the classic criteria in its execution. It features a smaller size for the watch case and flaunts a unique look with a splash of gold for the overall look. This particular style definitely stands out among other Ocean 39 models.

Read also: Best Pilot Watches: The Luxury Ones for Now and Later

A Gold-Coated Case with a Luxurious Charm

The 316L stainless steel case completed with PVD treatment in yellow gold
The 316L stainless steel case is completed with PVD treatment in yellow gold
A yellow-gold tone bracelet to match the case
A yellow-gold tone bracelet to match the case
The bracelet is equipped with a flip-lock mechanism
The bracelet is equipped with a flip-lock mechanism

Exclusive to the Gnomon Watches store, this Steinhart Concorde flaunts a luxurious appeal with its gold color. The case is constructed from 316L stainless steel and undergoes a complete PVD treatment in luxurious yellow gold, resulting in a magnificent appearance. 

With a diameter of 39mm and a modest lug-to-lug measurement of 47mm, the case maintains a compact profile. Its thickness, approximately 13.8mm, is partly due to the curved sapphire crystal that covers the dial. With the mentioned sizes, the watch would perfectly sit on almost any wrist size both men and women.

The upper part of the case features a satin-brushed finish, which starkly contrasts with the highly polished mirror finish on the sides. With that said, despite being gold-coated, this type of finishing would reduce glare and reflections on the watch case, enhancing legibility and ensuring the watch remains readable under various lighting conditions.

As if making a unique contrast with the glamorous gold color, the bezel is designed in a cigar brown color. This unidirectional bezel serves not only as a timer but also allows the wearer to track a second time zone, meaning that it is a GMT bezel. 

The bezel stands out as truly distinct and exceptional due to its unprecedented use of color, which Gnomon Watches specifically requested from Steinhart. This color, presented in a weathered manner reminiscent of the 1960s, introduces a unique element that transcends time.

To recreate the vintage charm of yesteryears, the choice of aluminum as the material for the bezel was deliberate, effectively mirroring the original bezels of that era. This selection was made with careful consideration, resulting in a bezel that exudes a captivating antique shade while preserving its strength and purpose. 

Complementing the case, the bezel showcases gold markers in a 24-hour configuration. Engineered with precision, the bezel rotates counterclockwise with a sturdy 120 clicks, a seamless action facilitated by its finely polished grooves.

With a reliable bezel comes a water-resistant rating that allows the wearers to enjoy this stunning timepiece for underwater exploration. The watch achieves an impressive water resistance of 300m along with its screw-down crown and a case back that bears the brand’s signature.

Pairing with the gold-coated case is a jubilee-style stainless steel bracelet with a satin brushed finish, mirroring the case’s yellow-gold tone. The bracelet is equipped with screw links and a flip-lock mechanism, gradually tapering from 20mm to 16mm. This design refinement imparts an enhanced sense of elegance to the 39mm model.

Read also: Are Gold Watches Tacky? A Brief Answer and Recommendations

The Steinhart Concorde Has a Classic Dial

Similar to the bezel, the dial of Steinhart Concorde is designed to emphasize that the main star is still on the dial – despite the gold-coated case and bracelet. The dial comes in a matte brown dial with circular “nipple” indices, except a triangular index at 12 o’clock and the baton indices at 6 and 9.

The triangular index to indicate the 12 o'clock
The triangular index indicates the 12 o’clock
A good amount of Swiss Super-LumiNova to ensure legibility in low-light conditions
A good amount of Swiss Super-LumiNova to ensure legibility in low-light conditions

To further enhance the practicality, the watch features a date window at 3 o’clock that blends well with other elements on the dial. The concise and stubby hands precisely align with the outer minute track, a detail that will be valued by enthusiasts. 

Further, Swiss Super-LumiNova has also been generously applied to the hands, indices, and bezel insert to improve visibility in low-light conditions.

The luxurious gilt gold accents suit the opulent theme, yet the watch provides an enduring luminosity that guarantees excellent readability in the dark. On the opposite end, the domed sapphire crystal features an anti-reflective coating on its underside, ensuring that the dial remains easily readable even in bright lighting.

The combination of brown and gold color might not be a universal option for many. Yet, the Steinhart Concorde, somehow, seamlessly blends the idea of luxurious vintage with modern tastes.

Reliable GMT Movement

Beating at the heart of the watch is the reliable GMT movement. The Steinhart Concorde is driven by the ever-dependable Selita SW330-2 movement. This movement has been trusted by many for its longevity, robustness, and ease of service.

The Selita SW330-2 movement has 25/26 jewels, beats at 28,800 BPH, and features an independent GMT hand. While the caseback might look plain, it features an engraved serial number to indicate the exclusivity of this Steinhart x Gnomon exclusive edition.

Final Thought

In the ever-evolving world of watches, the Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Concorde comes as reminiscent of the glorious past. This Steinhart Concorde review shows how Steinhart x Gnomon’s exclusive timepiece captures the essence of luxury and functionality in one exquisite package.

The use of a full gold color for the case and bracelet is also a new journey for both Steinhart and Gnomon Watches. Nonetheless, it creates a refreshing take for a reliable tool watch and its enthusiasts alike. 

Read also: Hands-On: The Classic Steinhart Ocean 39 Vintage Review

Gnomon Watches first opened her doors for business online in early 2002, founded by bona fide horology suitors who share a profound passion for watchmaking and fine craftsmanship.

More Stories
waterproof watch vs water resistant
Waterproof vs. Water Resistant in Watches: A Full Guide