GMT bezel question

[Time2watch]

Sorry guys, I had posted this question on another thread but I think my question was just buried with other responses pertaining to the main thread.

My question is about the GMT watch. Some have a 2 colored bezel and some don't. For example one half is blue and one half is red. Or Black and red. Is a 2 part colored bezel used for anything or is it just for looks? I have heard that it can be used to tell day from night. If that is the case then can someone provide instructions on how that is used?

Thanks

[diver88]

:):)

I was always under the impression it was to identify daylight from dark hours,

but as you say, not all do this. my Omega GMT is all one color. probably a really good explanation, but AFAIK, daylight-dark explanation is all I've ever heard.. someone will know for sure,

diver88:):)

[shimside11]

Here's a great resource and explanation of the GMT:

http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/gmtmaster2review.html

[Time2watch]

Here's a great resource and explanation of the GMT:

http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/gmtmaster2review.html

Thanks, I have read that article before. So far the bezel looks cosmetic. However a long time ago someone stated it helps by telling day or night. At this point I am back to point A again. Not sure if its cosmetic or if there is a use for it.

[bullandvodka]

The historic reason for the red/blue bezel was that Rolex created the GMT watch for Pan-Am pilots. Pan-Am's colors were red and blue. The colors don't relate to daylight vs. night as that varies with your latitude and time of year (unless you are at the equator and only on one of the 2 solstice days). My thought is that the colors signify AM and PM.

Lots of other manufacturers copy Rolex's look, but they may or may not understand the significance of blue and red. Of course, Rolex also made a red/black, all black, and the brown/cream combination. These were copied as well. I'm not aware of any significance to these combinations other than stylistic concerns.

[LarryD]

It sure would have been nice to be a fly on the wall when these watches were being developed.

From a pilots perspective, the original watches were designed by pilots for pilots and the "look" of the watch is that of an artificial horizon.

From a functional perspective, the original watches needed the bezel turned to show a different time zone from the "standard" you had your watch set by. A quick look at the bezel would tell you if you were on your "standard" or if you had it set for something different.

[Time2watch]

Great guys, that answers my question. Cosmetic it is.

Thanks