Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsColorado Watch Company GCT
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Measurements
Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.
Vanguard Steel
GCT
Diameter
42mm
42mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
n/a
Thickness
12.6mm
lowest
13mm
Water Resistance
100m
150m
highest
Power Reserve
42h
42h
MSRP
$790
n/a
Movement
Miyota 9039
Automatic
Case
4 specsCrystal & Dial
3 specsMovement
2 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
Owners widely praise the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel's aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. Some owners, however, note distortion from the sapphire crystal and a lack of minute markers. One owner found the crystal distortion problematic and mentioned difficulty with replacement due to hand fitment. The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is priced at $730 and features a forged carbon dial with 'Old Radium' Super-LumiNova. Overall, owners appreciate the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive dial and aged case finish, despite some reservations about the crystal.
Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.
Owners praise the Colorado Watch Company GCT for its "Made in USA" marketing and value at $1700 retail, with one owner finding it comfortable on a 7-inch wrist and worth the wait. However, some find the painted indices uninspired, and one owner reported their example required regulation after losing time, though it now runs well. Another owner found the Colorado Watch Company GCT too thick, with crown placement making it wear tall. Overall, owners rate the Colorado Watch Company GCT positively for its domestic manufacturing emphasis and perceived value, despite some reservations about dial finishing and wearability.
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