I first became aware of About Vintage through a social media post for their gorgeous 1926 At’Sea–a quartz diver with uncompromising style and build quality. Since then, they have released a series of small-batch timepieces that have been equally attractive, and sold equally quickly. Most recently, they upped the ante with their Haagen GMT Automatic–a watch limited to 250 pieces which sold out almost immediately.
I feel like the 1982 GMT World Traveler might suffer the same fate. I say suffer, because enthusiasts might find it difficult to get their hands on one.
The 1982 GMT is housed in a stainless steel case which is 41mm in diameter and 12mm thick with a 20mm lug width. It has a 60-click bi-directional bezel, with a two-tone 24 hour dial, allowing it to track up to three time zones in conjunction with the extra GMT hand. There are two colourways on offer: a grey on grey, and a blue on white. Both sport sunray black dials with luminous dot markers and dive-style hands. Their is also a date complication at three. With its screwed-down caseback, the piece offers 100m of water resistance.
The 1982 GMT is powered by a quartz movement, the Swiss Ronda 515.24H. It is accurate to within -10/+20 seconds/month, and has a four-year battery life. It is the brand’s first quartz-movement GMT.
The watch will come standard on a five-link, stainless steel bracelet with a quick release.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 41mm Diameter 12mm Thick 20mm Lug Width 60-Click Bi-directional Bezel Screwed Down Caseback 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Domed Sapphire with AR Sunray Dial Date Window at Three Luminous Dots and Hands |
| Movement | Ronda 515-24H GMT |
| Strap | 5 Link Stainless Steel Bracelet /w Quick Release |
Of Interest
About Vintage intend to launch the 1982 GMT World Traveler on October31st. In the interim between now and then, you can sign up for notifications through their website. Presale prices will include a 20% discount for one watch and a 30% discount for the purchase of two timepieces. Your presale purchase will also include the choice of a second strap.
Quibbles
It is unclear from the website what material is used for dial lume.
Final Thoughts
Both references of the 1982 GMT World Traveler exude a vintage warmth. The unconventional colour choices feel faded and gently patinaed. The lumed markers and hands give off the same impression. Combined with these aesthetics is a solid, accurate workhorse movement that makes the timepiece a candidate for your grad-and-go, daily-wearer. At the presale price of $319USD, the 1982 GMT is an attractive package.
For more information, and to sign up for the presale, please visit the brand website.
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Calibre321 
I’m still undecided about these, I like the look but I feel the patina should come naturally, not straight from the manufacturer. They’re still cool though
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Fauxtina is always a controversial
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I’ve seen About Vintage watches a lot in local ADs – but they seem to lack online presence. This was a fun read – thanks for the review!
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An under-the-radar brand that offers value for money. Neat!
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Agreed
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