MICRO-MONDAYS: The Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT has a long name, and an impressive spec sheet
Fergus NashWhen you’re contemplating buying a watch that is so clearly an homage to an established model, you have to be absolutely sure that you’re getting your money’s worth. There’s no shortage of watches which look like a Rolex just to make quick sales, but the Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT Automatic 1250M is just as trustworthy as its name is long. Merging the best elements of the GMT-Master II and the Deepsea Sea-Dweller from Rolex, Oceaneva have created a hefty value proposition with a luxury feel.
The case
Image may be a big consideration when it comes to watch cases, but functionality certainly can’t be ignored. The Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT actually has the highest depth rating of any automatic GMT watch at the time of writing, marked as 1250M or 4101ft. That’s an extra 30m than the rating of the Rolex Sea-Dweller, proving that this is no cheap imitation. It also includes the helium escape valve on the left-hand side of the case, allowing potentially catastrophic gas build-up to escape the case, without creating an eyesore.
In terms of aesthetics, the Oceaneva case doesn’t stray too far away from the Rolex influence. The lug shoulders may flow a little bit more gently, but the overall impression is very similar. That said, the wearing experience is moderately improved with a reduction in diameter to 42mm and lug-to-lug at 49mm. The 15.5mm thickness isn’t an issue either, especially considering the water resistance. The screw-down crown is engraved with the Oceaneva trident, and protected by crown guards.
The dial
Originality may not be Oceaneva’s strong suit, but it’s not really the point of the Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT. The dial layout is definitely in the same vein as the GMT-Master II, complete with the Mercedes hand set and the applied indices. The rehaut section beneath the bezel alludes to the Deepsea Sea-Dweller, with ‘Helium Escape Valve’ printed at the top and ‘683 Fathoms’ at the bottom. The main thing which sets it apart from being a straight clone of elements is the circularly-brushed dial pattern visible on the silver and grey models, and the darkened ring behind the indices which gives them an extra bit of contrasting power.
One of the main benefits of not being Rolex is the creative liberty that Oceaneva have with colour variations. There are a total of nine references of the Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT, across the three dial colours of blue, silver, and dark grey. All models feature bi-colour bezels in the style of a GMT-Master II, but with BGW9 luminous markers. Some of the most popular versions are the blue dial with a blue and silver bezel, the silver dial with the same bezel, and the grey dial with a black and green bezel. No matter what your preference is, it’s exciting that such colour variation is available on ceramic bezels at this price point.
The bracelet
Made of the same 316L stainless steel as the case, the bracelet of the Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT is simple, but a reminder of how far affordable bracelets have come. The large male end-link does protrude, effectively extending the lug-to-lug distance despite its curvature, but the 22mm lug width also allows for fitting a wide variety of aftermarket straps should you want to experiment. The milled clasp has four holes for micro-adjustment, an engraving of the Oceaneva trident, and doesn’t add too much bulk to the underside of your wrist. The use of polished surfaces on the centre links also adds to a greater sense of luxury and dressiness.
The movement
The Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT is powered by the Seiko NH34, providing a reliable and cost-effective GMT complication in an automatic movement. The first position is used for winding the movement, while the second position adjusts the GMT hand with a clockwise twist and the date display with a counter-clockwise twist. The third position is used to adjust the main hours and minutes. It beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour over a power reserve of 41 hours, and can be easily regulated thanks to the Etachron system if the accuracy performance isn’t up to your standards.
The Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT pricing and availability:
The Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT is available now on their website, and is currently on sale for nearly 68% off the RRP. Price: US$319.99 (RRP US$999)
| Brand | Oceaneva |
| Model | Deep Marine Explorer Pro Diver GMT Automatic 1250M |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 15.5mm (T) x 49mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 1,250 metres, helium escape valve |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Blue, silver, grey |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Strap | Steel bracelet |
| Movement | Seiko NH34, automatic, 21,600 vph |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$319.99 (RRP US$999) |