Are you a frequent traveler or someone who needs to keep track of time in multiple time zones or do you just like to rely less on smart devices? In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we will explore the best GMT watches available in the market that cater to your specific needs. We explore established luxury brands and emerging watchmakers to cater to different budgets and preferences.
Best Overall GMT Watches
Baltic Aquascaphe GMT
The Baltic Aquascaphe GMT is a total gem for anyone who loves a good mix of classic style and practical features. It’s built for adventure with a stainless steel case that’s ready to take a dip up to 100 meters deep. Plus, the dial is easily legible with glow-in-the-dark markers, and it’s all tied together with a comfy rubber strap.
Grand Seiko Elegance GMT Four Seasons “Spring”
A piece in Seiko’s Four Seasons collection that sports the “Shunbun” dial, which isn’t your average watch face. The inspiration for the design is the Japanese cherry blossoms, which change hues as it catches the light. It comes together with a classic brown titanium bracelet with a 3-fold clasp.
The GMT functions with a separate hand pointing to a 24-hour inner bezel. The watch isn’t just pretty, it’s sturdy with a 39.5mm stainless steel case and a dual-curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. This Grand Seiko also has a see-through case back, so you can get a peek at the engine inside. We’re talking about Grand Seiko’s 9S86 movement, a high-beat caliber that’s accurate to +5 to -3 seconds a day.
Rolex GMT Master ii
This is a traveler’s dream watch with its iconic two-tone Cerachrom bezel that doesn’t just turn heads but also tracks dual time zones effortlessly. Built to last with its robust Oystersteel and topped with a virtually scratch-proof sapphire crystal, is resilient and sophisticated. The precision of its perpetual movement is a testament to Rolex’s engineering prowess. And for those long flights, the Oyster bracelet’s Easylink comfort extension means your watch will always fit perfectly.
Best GMT Watches Under $5000
Longines Spirit Zulu Time
This watch is a tribute to history with a modern twist. The ‘Zulu Time’ feature lets you nail down a second and a third time zone. Sporting an automatic movement with silicon balance-spring technology, it’s both precise and durable. The design is a nod to the aviators of old, with a clean, legible dial and its vintage charm. Plus, the robust case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal mean it’s ready for whatever life throws your way.
Bulgari Aluminium GMT
This watch’s GMT feature comes with a dedicated GMT hand with an arrow that points to a 24-hour scale on the bezel. But the appeal of this Bulgari timepiece isn’t just its functionality. The automatic BVL 318 caliber movement is the power source, an engineering feat at just 3.3mm thick despite its complexity.
As far as looks, pure Bulgari aesthetics. The watch’s aluminum case brings a classic look, while the rubber strap adds a casual and sporty feel.
Best GMT Watches Under $2000
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT World Time Automatic
A timepiece that deserves a prime spot in your collection. Twisting the bezel simply and easily sets the GMT hand to your chosen time zone. The Super Sea Wolf comes with the Swiss-made STP 3-13 automatic movement, ensuring reliability and precision. The vibrant colors and classic aesthetic hark back to the golden era of dive watches. The robust construction and sapphire crystal make it durable for life’s adventures. It also wouldn’t be a Sea Wolf without its water resistance which makes it a GMT and a dive watch.
Monta Atlas
The Monta Atlas has features that stand out in the crowded world of GMT timepieces. The GMT function has an intuitive design that is easy to use. A dedicated hand tracks a second time zone against a 24-hour bezel, a true boon for the frequent flyer. Atlas doesn’t skimp on movement quality. It’s powered by the Monta Caliber M-23, a Swiss-made automatic movement known for its precision and reliability.
But it’s not all about functionality. The watch also boasts a robust stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, and a handsomely crafted bracelet that’s comfortable for all-day wear. Its water resistance is substantial too, making it a versatile choice for both land and sea.
Best GMT Watches Under $1000
Bulova Wilton GMT
This watch is a treat for those who crave a classic look paired with modern utility. The GMT feature is straightforward: a fourth hand circles the dial in sync with a 24-hour inner bezel. At the heart of this watch beats the reliable Miyota 9075 movement, renowned for its precision and durability. Bulova doesn’t play it safe with aesthetics either. The Wilton GMT showcases a dial with an ocean-colored world map equipped with a coordinates dial and a leather strap that makes it versatile.
Vaer G5 Meridian
The G5 Meridian’s GMT function is a nod to classic design, featuring a fourth hand that sits against a 24-hour bezel. This makes ease it easy to track a second time zone. It’s an ideal feature for travelers, digital nomads, or anyone who moves about the globe often.
Ticking inside this handy timepiece is a Swiss-made Sellita SW330 automatic movement, renowned for the smooth sweep of its hands. The G5 Meridian isn’t just about inner workings. Its unique features include a 39mm stainless steel case that hits the sweet spot for most wrist sizes and a double-domed sapphire crystal that stands tough against scratches and knocks. The minimalist dial and water resistance make it as suitable for a swim as it is for a board meeting.
Best GMT Watches Under $500
Timex Q GMT
The GMT function is delightfully easy to use, with a fourth hand and a bi-color bezel that allows travelers to easily keep an eye on a second time zone. At the core of the Timex Q is a quartz movement, ensuring you get precision timing with minimal upkeep. Two themes sum up this watch: practicality and classic design. The watch features a stainless steel bracelet that has a throwback charm. It also has a functional battery hatch that makes for easy adjustments. Also, its 38mm case size ensures the watch sits comfortably on a range of wrist sizes, and the luminant hands make it a cinch to read.
Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001
A watch that’s redefining accessible travel timepieces. Its GMT function features a striking red hand that points to a 24-hour bezel. Beneath its robust exterior, the Seiko 5 uses the dependable Seiko Caliber 4R34 automatic movement. This eliminates the need for constant winding. This is a watch for the on-the-go lifestyle. The see-through case back adds a touch of intrigue, revealing the inner workings. From the luminescent markers on its dial ensuring visibility in low light to its solid build and water resistance, the Seiko 5 Sports GMT is all about versatility.
Best Affordable GMT Watches
Timex Waterbury Traditional GMT
The GMT feature is a dream on this watch. It offers an extra hand that is set against a 24-hour ring on the dial, making it straightforward for dual timezone tracking. The heart of the Waterbury Traditional GMT is a reliable quartz movement. It is maintenance made easy, without sacrificing precision.
But the Waterbury isn’t all about the internals. It flaunts a distinguished look with its classic leather strap and a dial that’s true to the Timex heritage. Luminous hands mean you’re never in the dark, and the solid water resistance means it’s durable enough to take on whatever your travel itinerary has in store.
Vostok 650539
The GMT operates through a simply dedicated 24-hour hand. It is easy to set and stellar in its function. Ticking inside this Vostok model is a precise automatic movement that’s built to endure, providing you with the dependability you need without the fuss of batteries.
What sets the Vostok apart are its unique, military-inspired aesthetics. This is a watch that we recommend for your most rugged adventures thanks to its sturdy construction and water resistance that can handle the unexpected dips and dives of life. The low price will also not have you worried about scuffs or damage so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
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What does GMT mean for watches?
GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time, which is a time standard used in the field of watchmaking. GMT watches are timepieces that have an additional hour hand equipped, allowing the wearer to track multiple time zones simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for frequent travelers or individuals who work in international business. With a glance at their wrist, they can easily tell the time in their home country and the local time in their current location.
The GMT function on watches has a rich history and has deep roots in the world of aviation. In the early days of long-distance air travel, pilots needed a way to accurately determine their position and coordinate with different time zones. The GMT watch became an invaluable tool for these aviators, allowing them to keep track of their departure time and destination time simultaneously.
What are the two types of GMT watches?
The two main types of GMT watches are “True GMT” and “Office GMT”. They are also known as “flyers” and “callers”.
On a “True GMT” or “flyer”, the local time hour hand can jump quickly in one-hour increments without hacking the movement. The date function, if present, is tied to this jumpable hand. On an Office GMT or “caller”, to reset the local time, you need to stop the movement and set the time just as you would on any watch. To reference a second time zone on an Office GMT, you use the bezel.
Is a GMT an everyday watch?
If you’re jet-setting across time zones like a boss, then yes, a GMT watch is beneficial to use every day. But if your daily routine consists of shuffling between your office and the local coffee shop, well, maybe a GMT watch is a bit overkill. I mean, unless you’re really into knowing the exact time in Timbuktu while sipping your latte, then go for it! Otherwise, you should save that extra time zone functionality for your next globetrotting adventure.
Are GMT watches dressy?
GMT watches are like the James Bond of timepieces. They effortlessly add a touch of sophistication and suave to any outfit. These watches can easily pair well while rocking a tuxedo or a tailored suit. It’s like having your time-traveling butler on your wrist, ready to whisk you away to any time zone in style. So yes, GMT watches can be dressy, but they also have that air of adventure and intrigue that sets them apart from your average dress watch.
Why is Rolex GMT so expensive?
The high price of Rolex GMT watches is a result of their exceptional craftsmanship, use of premium materials, and their status as luxury status symbols. These watches are meticulously crafted by the hands of skilled artisans. Every tiny detail, from the movement to the bezel, is a result of precision and care.
What is GMT in an Omega watch?
GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time and it is a feature that can be found in certain Omega watches (among other brands, too). Like the other watches mentioned, this feature allows the wearer to keep track of time in multiple time zones simultaneously.
Why is GMT so popular?
One of the main ones is its historical significance. GMT is based on the time at the prime meridian, which runs through Greenwich, London. Greenwich became the center of world time and the basis for the global system of time zones in 1884. People love to be associated with something that has such a rich history and legacy.
The practical reason for its popularity is its use as a standard reference for aviation, navigation, and even in scientific research.
Are GMT watches any good?
If you’re someone who’s constantly traveling, then a GMT watch is a helpful accessory. It allows you to keep track of multiple time zones without having to fumble around with your phone or rely on those iffy airport clocks. Plus these watches have an iconic sophisticated look that many people want.
