EMG is one of those brands that just can’t seem to fail. From the DL63 chronograph, to the Monaco-inspired Horizon, to the retro Nemo diver, they have produced sophisticated, modern watches that evoke a classic feel. The latest, is the dual-crown Odyssey Automatic GMT that I have in for review today.
Please note that the review sample is a prototype and well-loved one at that so do try to overlook the odd ding or desk-diving marks.
The Odyssey has dead-on proportions for a modern, mid-sized watch. Its brushed stainless steel case is 40.5mm wide, 48mm long, and 13mm thick to the domed sapphire crystal with 20mm between the lugs – all of which adds up to a manageable size that still commands sufficient attention, particularly once you factor in the two crowns. I found it to be quite a comfortable fit on my 6.75” wrist and easy to wear with a buttoned cuff.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of the case is the way EMG has treated the lugs. They’ve got a tight taper and pronounced curve coupled with a polished bevel running the length of the case, meeting the polished edge of the bezel, and continuing right to the lugs’ clipped ends. It’s a sleek look, lending the case a sharp, tailored appearance.
I dig the gear image on the crowns. It’s nice that both are signed and I like the “compressor” look.
While we are lingering around the lugs, let’s take in the bracelet too. It is excellent. It is brushed, with tight-fitting solid end links. Those three short, ovals that comprise the links are individual pieces, not a single fused unit. The combination of the soft shape, short length, and smooth articulation makes for quite a comfortable bracelet. It fastens with an 18mm, signed, push-button, flip-lock clasp with six micro adjustments. If you can’t get a proper fit with this one, I really can’t help you. You should probably go for a strap instead. Lucky for you, EMG supplies a black Perlon pass-through. Drilled lugs make the swap a breeze.
EMG offers the Odyssey in three color schemes: Midnight (black dial, gray/white bezel), Pepsi (black dial, blue/red bezel), and the Sunrise shown here (white dial, white/yellow bezel). Regardless of your choice, you will get a clean, uncluttered dial printed with generous layers of BGW9 on its raised markers. A black paddle handset exudes a charming retro diver style that stands in sharp contrast to the yellow arrow GMT hand. There is a framed date at 6 o’clock, where dates look best.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a useful GMT without a 24-hour bezel. The top crown sets it easily and securely, then screws down (as does the primary) so it won’t slip or admit any water. Which raises a good question: just how water-tight is this thing? It doesn’t say on the dial, or the case back, or the website. As it turns out, it’s good for 200m, which is exactly what you want in a tool/travel watch. This is important, because GMTs are made to travel, and one never knows what a journey will bring. A good travel watch should be ready for anything. After all, one never knows if that party on the yacht in Positano might end with a midnight swim – or, if you are living my life, whether you will have to retrieve your daughter’s Queen Elsa tiara from the drainage ditch between the “Minnie” and “Goofy” lots. Either way, healthy water resistance will come in handy.
On the backside, we find an engraved map with the world’s time zones. Very cool and quite handy for a watch of this variety. Behind it, lies a Swiss Sellita SW-330 automatic movement (25 jewels, 28.8k bph, 42hr power reserve). Essentially, an ETA 2893-2 with extra jewels. It’s a quality unit by any name.
The Odyssey is day, all-around watch well suited for everyday wear, whether at home or on the road. It is available for pre-order directly from EMG right now. Delivery is expected in November. It lists for $750, which is not bad at all from a 200m diver with a Swiss auto GMT, but it gets even better if you use the discount code THETIMEBUM to knock $50 off.
For more information or to order one of your own, head over to EMGwatches.com.
