In 2001, Günter Steinhart founded the brand based on the ethos of offering high-quality, Swiss-made watches at an honest and accessible price tag. Over the years, the brand has grown by leaps and bounds, becoming a brand that is extremely popular amongst watch enthusiasts.
The main reason behind Steinhart’s success is fairly simple. They offer what the masses want at a terrific price point whilst not compromising on build quality. It is said that Mr Günter often sports a Steinhart on his wrist too! If that is not a solid affirmation of quality, I don’t know what is.|
Steinhart Ocean 39 Metropole Sunray Chocolate
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The watch we’re looking at today is a brand new model from Steinhart - an extension of the Ocean 39 Adventure Classic. Many enthusiasts have been demanding a watch like this from the German brand and Steinhart has finally delivered. Coined to be the “homeland” collection, the new Ocean 39 Metropole is 39mm in diameter, has a lug-to-lug of 47mm, and a thickness of 13mm. It wears oh-so-sweet on the wrist of both men and women.
Let’s start with the case, Made entirely of 316L stainless steel, the watch features fine satin-brushed finishing on the top of the lugs. The sides of the case and the fixed steel bezel are well-polished, adding a touch of refinement to a classic sports watch.
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3-6-9 Arabic numerals applied markers
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There’s just something about 3-6-9 dials and Steinhart have hit the ball right off the bat with this timepiece. The baton indices add a unique twist to the classic 3-6-9 layout, where circular indices are normally used. This gives the watch a more rugged appeal - and rightfully so. The screw-down crown and case back give it 100m of water resistance, allowing this watch to be a great choice for a daily. Speaking of which, the “homeland” of Steinhart is in Augsburg, thus the city landscape is engraved onto the case back beautifully, reminding one of where Steinhart came from.
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Swiss Superluminova BGW9
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The watch also comes affixed with a domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coatings on the inside. This ensures a certain level of scratchproof-ness and readability even in harsh lighting conditions. Readability in poor lighting conditions will also not be an issue as the watch is painted with a generous coating of Swiss Superluminova BGW9 on the hands and indices. The Steinhart Ocean 39 Metropole will take just about anything you throw at it.
Powering the watch is the Swiss Selita SW200-1 Elaboré movement. It has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800 BPH and has a power reserve of roughly 38 hours. The elaboré grade movement is used here, which is a step up from the typical SW200 calibre that you will find on most watches. Compared to the standard grade, a Selita Elaboré movement is adjusted in three positions and has better daily accuracy. This movement has been used for many years and has proven itself to be reliable, accurate and cost-efficient during servicing.
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Swiss Selita SW200-1 Elaboré movement
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In conclusion, the Steinhart Ocean 39 Metropole is a no-frills sport watch that is extremely well built for not a lot of money. You get a classic dial layout in funky colour that we all love, a reliable Swiss automatic movement, tremendous value and then some. It will not feel out of place with a suit and tie, or with beach shorts and a pint of beer in hand. An all-rounder indeed.
