The GMT function is one of the most useful complications in the watch world. Having two time zones in view at the same time is very practical in our globalized world. It’s therefore not surprising that every self-respecting watch manufacturer has a GMT watch in its range. Let’s take a closer look at the ten most popular models with this complication.
What does the abbreviation GMT stand for?
Let’s start with a little historical digression: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – the mean local time in Greenwich in south-east London, through which the prime meridian runs – was used as the reference time for determining local times in other time zones for a good 100 years. GMT was based on the rotation of the Earth and the movement of the Sun. In 1972, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) replaced Greenwich Mean Time as the reference value. UTC is measured using atomic clocks and is significantly more accurate than GMT. Today, Greenwich Mean Time is it’s own time zone based on UTC. However, because the time is exactly the same in both systems, GMT and UTC are often used interchangeably.
What makes GMT watches so practical?
A GMT watch has the advantage of being able to display two time zones simultaneously. Different models do this in different ways, of course, but what these watches all have in common is that they are a helpful companion for frequent travelers who want to keep track of different time zones. So are GMT watches only for people who travel a lot? No. A GMT watch can also be useful for keeping track of another time zone where a friend, colleague, or loved one is currently located. Many people also simply appreciate the look of GMT watches.
The Top 10 Best GMT Watches
There are many reasons to buy a GMT watch. With the following list, we want to offer you a small decision-making aid. Maybe you’ll find the right model for you among our top ten best GMT watches.
1. Rolex GMT-Master II
A true classic, reinterpreted: the Rolex GMT-Master II. Steel models of this sporty icon currently have the attention of watch fans around the world. Thanks to their two-tone bezels, various GMT-Master II models have earned nicknames like the “Pepsi” (red and blue bezel) and “Batman” (blue and black bezel). Oyster or Jubilee bracelets, a case that’s water-resistant up to 100 m (328 ft, 10 bar), and an unmistakable look make the GMT-Master II THE GMT watch par excellence. The Pepsi ref. 126710BLRO is one of the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s more affordable models. The only problem is that, due to high demand, prospective buyers can expect long waits of three to five years for new models. This makes the GMT-Master II extremely sought after on the secondary market, resulting in significant price premiums.
2. Tudor Black Bay GMT
The little sister of the Rolex GMT-Master is the Tudor Black Bay GMT. With the same functionality and trendy retro design, the Tudor is a relatively inexpensive alternative to the GMT watch from Rolex. This underdog impresses both new and second hand with its affordable prices. With a Black Bay GMT, you have a reliable watch that lives up to Tudor’s motto “Born to Dare.”
3. Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT
The Breitling Chronomat has a long and eventful history in its role as one of the first pilot’s watches with a slide rule bezel, one of the most popular pieces of equipment in the US Air Force, and one of Breitling’s flagships. That history has given rise to a watch that combines the quintessence of a Breitling chronograph with the advantages of a GMT watch. The Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT is a striking watch that remains true to itself in all its different versions. The wide variety of models guarantees that everyone can find a suitable, highly functional timepiece.
4. Frederique Constant Classics Index GMT
Frederique Constant designed the Classics Index GMT for lovers of classic dress watches. It’s an elegant and understated watch that goes well with both formal and casual wear. With a comparatively low price, the Classics Index GMT fits into any budget.
5. Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time
Patek Philippe offers a wide range of GMT watches. You can readily identify these models by the “Travel Time” in their names. For our list, we chose the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time reference 5524G. It’s designed to look like a pilot’s watch from the 1920s and 1930s. The look is characterized by large luminous Arabic numerals, wide luminescent sword hands, and a pointer date at 6 o’clock. The two pushers at 8 and 10 o’clock also striking. They make it easy to set the local time forward or back by one hour. Although the white gold watch is by far the most expensive GMT watch in our small selection, it’s hard to beat in terms of prestige.
6. Grand Seiko Elegance SBGE269
Grand Seiko has long since established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality luxury watches. Along with excellent craftsmanship and technical innovations, the Japanese brand’s timepieces offer a unique aesthetic. One example is the ref. SBGE269 from the Elegance collection. The watch is equipped with Seiko’s ultra-modern Spring Drive caliber 9R66, which combines the best of quartz and automatic movements and achieves an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month. The 40-mm stainless steel case and the link bracelet are perfectly finished with accurately polished and satin-finished surfaces. The white dial is also a feast for the eyes. It has a texture modeled after freshly fallen snow.
7. Hublot Big Bang Unico GMT
Do you like things a little more futuristic and want to make a conscious statement with your GMT watch? Then the Big Bang Unico GMT from Hublot may well be the model for you. With its typical Big Bang look, the Unico GMT has an additional GMT function and a day/night indicator that can display the morning and evening hours for both time zones by rotating a small disc at the center of the dial. This hard-to-ignore GMT watch will appeal to anyone who likes something a little more extravagant on their wrist.
8. Blancpain Villeret Time Zone
Villeret is a small, picturesque municipality in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Just as picturesque as the village is the watch of the same name from the traditional brand Blancpain. The Villeret Time Zone is for lovers of timeless design and sophisticated complications. We were particularly taken with the reference 6260-3642-55. The watch has three subdials. The one at 12 o’clock clearly indicates the second time zone, the subdial at 9 serves as a day/night indicator, and there’s a small seconds dial at 6. A date display is located at the typical 3 o’clock position.
9. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT
No top ten list is complete without a watch from Omega. James Bond’s favorite brand is a must. The Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT has definitely earned its place here. At first glance, it’s almost indistinguishable from the standard Planet Ocean. The only signs that it’s a GMT watch are an additional hand for the second time zone, a 24-hour scale on the rotating bezel, and the inscription “GMT.” As a professional diving watch, the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT is also ideally equipped for underwater adventures. The timepiece is water-resistant to a depth of an impressive 600 m (1,968 ft, 60 bar).
10. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande GMT
The Reverso Grande GMT from Jaeger-LeCoultre is an exquisite piece of haute horlogerie and is brimming with sophistication. As is typical of the Reverso, this GMT version also has a reversible case with two different dials. One of them shows you the current home time with the date and small seconds, as well as whether it’s day or night. The other dial displays the second time zone and remaining power reserve, and also has a day/night indicator. Another indicator shows whether the displayed time is before or after your local time zone. This makes the Jaeger-LeCoultre GMT an undeniably impressive watch that will set the hearts of many collectors racing.
