GMT bezel as a timer

[prushkovez]

Hi folks, would I be correct saying that the GMT bezel can be used in the same manner as the Sub's timer?

[Rollieo]

No.

Sub has 120 clicks, you technically can even go every half minute.

GMT has 24 clicks, so you can only set it every 2.5 minutes.

Setting the timer means you set the bezel to the minute hand to “start the clock”. Doesn’t really work on a GMT when you can’t line up the minute hand with the indicator on the GMT.

With that said, when I want to do crappy timing I use my GMT as a timer. I at least know if say around 20 mins has passed, within about 2 minutes

[eonflux]

I use my GMT bezel as a crude timer, and every 2.5 min, it's as precise as my Sub

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by Rollieo

No.

Sub has 120 clicks, you technically can even go every half minute.

GMT has 24 clicks, so you can only set it every 2.5 minutes.

Setting the timer means you set the bezel to the minute hand to “start the clock”. Doesn’t really work on a GMT when you can’t line up the minute hand with the indicator on the GMT.

With that said, when I want to do crappy timing I use my GMT as a timer. I at least know if say around 20 mins has passed, within about 2 minutes

Unless we’re talking about a 5 digit GMT - same bezel ring as the sub (120 clicks). So it can be used as a timing bezel in fact.

[prushkovez]

Yes, I meant very approximate timer as you cannot always line up bezel with the minute hand.

Thank you all!

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

Unless we’re talking about a 5 digit GMT - same bezel ring as the sub (120 clicks). So it can be used as a timing bezel in fact.

So what's the point of the new GMT bezel and how is that an upgrade?

[Dan Pierce]

Absolutely. I use a rotating bezel as a simple timer [or reminder] everyday regardless if it's a GMT or diver. It's the most used feature for me besides telling time.
dP

[SubDate]

2 changes I never understood about the new GMT….
- no Glidelock clasp
- 24 “position” bezel instead of the old 120 click bezel

I say “position” bezel because it does not even click. Change both of the above and it would be a better model in my opinion. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it Rolex!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Absolutely. I use a rotating bezel as a simple timer [or reminder] everyday regardless if it's a GMT or diver. It's the most used feature for me besides telling time.
dP

Exact same Dan. I also don’t live life to the exact minute / second, unless of course I’m timing a steak

[Harry-57]

Yes. It's a useful feature and adds to the versatility of the watch. If I was timing something where less than 2.5 minutes was critical I would be using a different watch or getting my phone out. Day to day, plus or minus 2.5 minutes is usually good enough for my needs.

[Joearch]

GMT as basic timer works for me for simple things.

[Stan Cooper]

My 16710 has 120 clicks, and I often use it to time parking meters.

[Calatrava r]

It is a perfect timer for measuring hours elapsed, I would think.

[Old Expat Beast]

How do people without rotating bezels manage to time their steaks or check their parking meters?

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

How do people without rotating bezels manage to time their steaks or check their parking meters?

They are paying fines and eating well done steaks. What a horrible way to go through life.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

They are paying fines and eating well done steaks. What a horrible way to go through life.

dP

[Rollieo]

Originally Posted by East of Eden

So what's the point of the new GMT bezel and how is that an upgrade?

Better as a GMT, worse as a timer.

[WatchGuy1966]

I use(d) differently (My GMT is gone).

For instance, if my parking meter was set to expire at 45 minutes after the hour, that's where I would put my indicator. Same for grilling and laundry.

Off topic, I think a countdown bezel would be helpful as well.

[BDII]

I did for a bit, but went back to a sub bezel.

[WS9D]

I've use my gmt for "ballpark" timing all of the time. If I'm wearing a gmt and need precise timing, i'l resort to the *cough *cough iGaget in my pocket.

[East of Eden]

I use the timer waaay more than the GMT, several times a day. To me the best thing about the GMT is the smaller size than the new Sub.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

How do people without rotating bezels manage to time their steaks or check their parking meters?

They use their cell phones.

[sien]

For simple things, Yes.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by East of Eden

So what's the point of the new GMT bezel and how is that an upgrade?

The new GMT bezel is an engineering marvel of springs, ball bearings and a floating ring that matches each hour (zone) it is intended for- Quite the upgrade!!

The old one is a wire sticking into a divot on the bezel ring.

It's not an egg timer.

[Rollieo]

Originally Posted by Tools

The new GMT bezel is an engineering marvel of springs, ball bearings and a floating ring that matches each hour (zone) it is intended for- Quite the upgrade!!

The old one is a wire sticking into a divot on the bezel ring.

It's not an egg timer.

I’d love to see an exploded view of this. Any chance you know where to see it?

[Njkdog]

You could, you just have to think about it a lot more. A normal timer you just read it, using a GMT as a timer, you’d have to do some small calculations in your head.

[Soultime]

I thought the most polar option was to count down how many beers are left in the fridge from a 24 pack.