The Out of Order London Big Ben is a contemporary GMT wristwatch created by the Italian microbrand Out of Order. Designed with frequent travelers in mind, this model integrates a Swiss-made GMT movement with a bold dial inspired by the architectural lines of London’s famous Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben.
The watch belongs to the brand’s travel-themed series and focuses on combining robust everyday construction with practical dual-time functionality. Its stainless steel case, distinctive dial pattern, and 24-hour bezel create a watch designed for users who move between time zones but still want a distinctive visual identity on the wrist.
Within the broader landscape of modern microbrand watchmaking, the London Big Ben GMT stands out for merging Swiss mechanical reliability with a playful urban design concept.
Design
The overall design of the Out of Order London Big Ben reflects the brand’s recognizable aesthetic language, combining functional sports-watch architecture with visual references to travel and urban landmarks.
The stainless steel case features a classic round profile typical of modern sports watches. The lugs are short and slightly curved, helping the watch sit comfortably on the wrist while maintaining a robust visual presence. Brushed surfaces dominate the case finishing, with subtle polished accents that add contrast and prevent the watch from appearing overly utilitarian.
A prominent bi-color 24-hour bezel frames the dial. The bezel insert uses a dark blue and black color scheme with clear 24-hour numerals, allowing the wearer to track a second time zone. The scalloped bezel edge also improves grip, reinforcing the practical tool-watch character of the model.
The dial is the most distinctive visual element of the watch. Instead of a traditional flat surface, it features a pattern inspired by the structural geometry of the Big Ben clock tower, creating a subtle architectural texture across the dial. This motif adds visual depth without reducing legibility. Large circular hour markers surround the dial, complemented by bold rectangular indices at key positions, creating a balanced and easy-to-read layout.
The hands are broad and clearly shaped, with generous luminous material applied for improved visibility. A red-tipped GMT hand adds a striking contrast and clearly distinguishes the secondary time indication from the standard hour and minute hands. The date window appears at 3 o’clock, integrated cleanly into the dial design.
Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal, chosen for its scratch resistance and clarity. The watch is paired with a solid stainless steel bracelet, whose brushed links match the case finishing and reinforce the watch’s everyday durability.
Case & Construction
The case of the Out of Order London Big Ben is constructed from stainless steel and measures approximately 40 mm in diameter, a size that strikes a good balance between sporty presence and daily wearability. The proportions allow the watch to remain versatile enough for a wide range of wrist sizes while maintaining the visual strength expected from a travel-oriented sports watch.
Construction quality reflects the brand’s focus on practical durability. The case combines brushed surfaces with refined machining along the edges, creating subtle contrast while preserving a tool-watch character. The screw-down crown helps protect the movement and contributes to the watch’s overall water resistance.
The dial is shielded by a flat sapphire crystal, a material commonly used in modern sports watches due to its high resistance to scratches. The solid caseback reinforces the structural integrity of the watch and protects the mechanical movement inside.
Water resistance is rated at 100 meters (10 ATM), allowing the watch to handle everyday exposure to water such as rain, hand washing, or recreational swimming. This level of protection aligns well with the watch’s role as a practical travel companion rather than a specialized diving instrument.
Movement
Powering the Out of Order London Big Ben is a Swiss automatic mechanical movement, most commonly identified as the Sellita Caliber SW330-1, a well-known GMT caliber widely used across the modern watch industry.
The SW330-1 is an automatic movement designed to provide reliable dual-time functionality while maintaining the durability and serviceability expected from Swiss calibers in this category. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and typically incorporates 25 jewels to reduce friction within the gear train. The movement also offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, allowing the watch to continue running for nearly 2 days when not worn.
As an automatic movement, the caliber uses a rotor-based winding system that converts wrist motion into stored mechanical energy. This eliminates the need for manual winding during regular use, making it particularly convenient for everyday wear. The movement also features hacking seconds, enabling precise time setting when synchronizing the watch.
Within the watchmaking industry, Sellita movements have developed a strong reputation for reliability and accessibility. The SW330-1 specifically has become a standard solution for GMT watches produced by independent brands and microbrands, offering proven performance while keeping costs manageable.
Functions & Complications
Beyond its basic timekeeping function, the Out of Order London Big Ben model integrates several practical complications designed for travel.
The most notable is the GMT complication, which allows the watch to track a second time zone using the dedicated red GMT hand and the 24-hour bezel. This function is particularly useful for international travelers, pilots, or professionals working across multiple regions.
In addition to the dual-time display, the watch includes a date complication positioned at 3 o’clock. This feature provides quick access to the current calendar date without disrupting the overall balance of the dial layout.
Together, these complications create a watch that remains easy to read while offering meaningful everyday utility.
Performance
In daily use, the Out of Order London Big Ben offers a balanced combination of functionality, comfort, and legibility.
The 40 mm stainless steel case provides a confident presence on the wrist without becoming oversized. Its proportions make the watch suitable for extended wear, while the steel bracelet distributes weight evenly for improved comfort.
Legibility is one of the model’s strongest characteristics. The large hour markers, broad hands, and contrasting GMT pointer allow the time to be read quickly even at a glance. The application of luminous material on the markers and hands further improves visibility in low-light environments.
With 100 meters of water resistance, the watch is robust enough for everyday activities. Combined with the reliability of the Swiss automatic movement, the model performs well as a daily companion for users who appreciate practical mechanical watches with travel-oriented functionality.
Technical Data
Brand: Out of Order Watches;
Model: Out of Order London Big Ben GMT (Ref. OOO.001-019.LO.SS);
Year: 2020+;
Case Material: Stainless Steel;
Case Diameter: ~40 mm;
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal;
Water Resistance: 100 m / 330 ft (10 ATM);
Movement: Automatic Mechanical Watches – Sellita Caliber SW330-1 (Swiss Movement);
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date Display, GMT Hand, Automatic Winding;
Complications: GMT, Date Display, Rotating Bezel;
Bracelet / Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet;
Type: GMT Watches, Sports Watches, Tool Watches, Travel Watches;
Sex: Unisex Watches;
Nationality: Italian Watches.
Retail Price (Launch): €400 / $430.
The Out of Order London Big Ben illustrates how modern microbrands reinterpret traditional horological functions through contemporary design themes. By combining a Swiss GMT movement with a dial inspired by one of London’s most recognizable landmarks, the watch connects travel functionality with a strong visual narrative.
Within the Out of Order collection, the model represents the brand’s interest in urban storytelling and global travel culture. Its practical dual-time display, durable construction, and distinctive dial design make it appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical watches with personality.
As a result, the London Big Ben GMT stands as a well-balanced example of modern microbrand watchmaking: reliable Swiss mechanics, accessible pricing, and a design identity that remains immediately recognizable.
You can explore current auctions and listings for this watch on Catawiki using the search link below.
