GAW ESPLORATORE 1300m by Gruppo Ardito [the Italian Explorer]

GAW who are well-known for rugged, larger than life fixed bezel diver’s watches has created their most universal design to date. This is the Esploratore (explorer) a GMT model from GAW that inspires travel and adventure with its modest size and Swiss made ETA 2893/2 GMT caliber. The 39mm in diameter case of the Esploratore from the CuSn12 bronze, a higher performing alloy whose characteristics outshine other lower grades; meanwhile for your comfort the case-back has been produced using the same mighty Titanium Grade 5 that is typical of GAW’s more hardcore diver models such as the KRAKEN. A domed Sapphire crystal sits atop a dark gradient green dial with its white hands and markers and prominent red arrow-head GMT pointer. Like any GAW the watch has been hand finished and supplied with a beautifully handcrafted leather strap while the watch’s superior construction is illustrated the by 8 Allen screws (4 on the back and 5 on the bezel). The crown is a customized CuSn12 bronze screw-down type. The water-resistance of 1300m is guaranteed by 1 sub-glass O-Ring and an L-shaped ring that works on the perimeter of the glass while the bezel has the task of packing the glass against the case. Finally this new handcrafted explorer comes in a handmade wooden box with a white and blue coated interior and external logo. Inside is booklet of assistance and warranty in a logoed envelope, a personalized headpiece with magnet and additional key for dismounting the bezel, strap and buckle, as well as spare OR and screws for closing the case-back.

Thoughts? Quite an unexpected model from GAW owing to its size and perhaps the GMT movement but still with the same type of rugged case construction and use of materials that we find in more serious models. Would be interesting to see if GAW ever decide to include a rotating bezel with one of their models. But what do you think?