We recently wrote about the best travel watches, where we talked about both GMT and World Time watches, which are both great for traveling and for keeping time in multiple time zones. Today we are going to go deeper into the GMT watches.
If you're into watches, you probably already know that having a GMT watch is a game-changer. It's like having a secret time-traveling tool right on your wrist! But with so many options out there, finding the best GMT watch can be a bit tricky. Don't worry, though, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of GMT watches and help you find the perfect one for your collection.
What Are GMT Watches?
A GMT watch, short for Greenwich Mean Time watch, is a type of wristwatch designed to display multiple time zones simultaneously. It is a useful tool for travelers, pilots, and individuals who frequently need to track time in different parts of the world. The key feature of a GMT watch is its ability to indicate two or more time zones at once.
The primary timekeeping mechanism in a GMT watch is similar to a regular watch, which typically displays the local time. However, in addition to the local time, a GMT watch has an extra hand or a dedicated sub-dial that can be set to a different time zone, often represented by a 24-hour scale. This allows the wearer to easily reference both their local time and another time zone, typically referred to as the "GMT" or "Zulu" time, which is often based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
GMT watches are popular among frequent travelers, pilots, and professionals who need to coordinate activities across different time zones. They are also appreciated by watch enthusiasts for their functional and aesthetic appeal. Some GMT watches allow for tracking more than two time zones, making them even more versatile for international travelers or individuals who need to stay in sync with multiple locations.
True GMT Watches
"True GMT" watches are a specific type of GMT watch that offers a unique feature in the context of dual-time watches. What sets them apart from regular GMT watches is the ability to independently adjust the local time and the GMT (second-time zone) hand without affecting the watch's accuracy or stopping the movement. In other words, you can change the second time zone without altering the primary timekeeping function.
Here's how a "True GMT" watch works:
• Local Time: The main hour and minute hands display the local time, which is typically set to the time zone you are currently in.
• GMT Hand: These watches have a dedicated GMT hand that can be set to a different time zone. You can adjust the GMT hand forward or backward to indicate the time in another location, often in a different time zone. This GMT hand usually makes one full rotation every 24 hours.
• Quick Adjustment: True GMT watches are equipped with a quick-set feature for the GMT hand. This means you can change the GMT time independently without stopping the movement or affecting the local time. This is a practical feature for frequent travelers who often switch between time zones.
• Date Function: Many True GMT watches also have a date function, and the date can be adjusted separately from the local and GMT settings.
24-Hour Scale: True GMT watches often have a 24-hour scale on the watch dial or bezel to aid in reading the time in the GMT zone.
Best GMT Watches
13. Seiko 5 Sports GMT
We already talked about this watch before, but we can’t point out enough how great this watch is when it comes to value for money ratio.
The Seiko 5 Sports GMT is a great affordable automatic GMT watch, and it is one of the best on the market for its price. It has a robust automatic movement, a comfortable and durable case, and a versatile design that can be dressed up or down. It also has a GMT function, which allows you to track two time zones simultaneously.
Although it is not a “true GMT” watch, it is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a reliable and versatile timepiece.
12. Q Timex GMT
This watch is a reissue of the original Q Timex from the 1970s. It is a quartz watch with a GMT function.
It is powered by a Swiss Ronda 505.24H quartz movement. This movement is known for its accuracy and reliability. The watch also has several other features, including an INDIGLO® backlight, 50m water resistance, and a day and date window.
The Q Timex GMT is a great affordable GMT watch. It is well-made, reliable, and stylish. It is also a good choice for people who are looking for a watch with a GMT function that is easy to use.
11. Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T
Pilot's watch is known for its durability, reliability, and advanced features. It is powered by Citizen's Eco-Drive technology, which means that it is powered by light and never needs a battery. The Skyhawk A-T also features atomic timekeeping, which means that it is always accurate to within a second of the official time.
Next to all this, it features a GMT function. It is not the easiest Watch to read time and other information, but if you love these types of watches, or are looking for a pilot and GMT in one, this is the one.
10. Hamilton Khaki Field Auto GMT
The Hamilton Khaki Field collection is well-known for its military-inspired design and robust build, and the Khaki Field Auto GMT is a notable addition to this lineup. It has a rugged and utilitarian design, inspired by military field watches. It typically features a stainless-steel case with a brushed or matte finish, along with a durable fabric or leather strap.
As the name suggests, this watch features a GMT complication, allowing you to track two time zones simultaneously. The GMT hand can be set independently from the main hour and minute hands. The dial of the Khaki Field Auto GMT is typically designed for readability, with large Arabic numerals, and bold hands, and often includes Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
9. Victorinox FieldForce Classic GMT watch
FieldForce Classic is a Swiss-made field watch with a GMT function. It has a 42mm stainless steel case with a black or silver-white dial. The dial features bold hands and numerals, as well as Super-LumiNova® for easy readability in low light conditions.
The GMT hand is tipped with a red Swiss Army knife-shaped counterweight, which is a signature design feature of Victorinox watches and is a fun add-on to the watch.
It is powered by a Swiss automatic movement that offers a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and light swimming.
8. Certina DS Action GMT watch
The DS Action GMT has a 43mm stainless steel case with a black or blue dial. The dial features bold hands and numerals with Super-LumiNova® for easy readability in low-light conditions. The GMT function is indicated by a red arrow hand that points to a 24-hour scale on the outer edge of the dial.
The Watch is also equipped with Certina's DS Concept, which is a suite of features that make the watch incredibly durable. These features include a double case back, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a reinforced case construction.
7. Baltic Aquascaphe GMT
The Baltic Aquascaphe GMT embraced a vintage-inspired design that appealed to watch enthusiasts who appreciate a classic, timeless look. It featured elements reminiscent of vintage dive watches from the mid-20th century.
Baltic is known for its attention to detail and use of high-quality materials. The Aquascaphe GMT was typically crafted from stainless steel, and it featured a sapphire crystal for added durability and scratch resistance. The watch featured high-quality luminous material on the hands, markers, and bezel, ensuring excellent readability in low-light conditions, which is a crucial feature for a dive watch.
Baltic drew inspiration from vintage French dive watches, particularly those from the 1950s and 1960s. This heritage influence added to the watch's appeal.
6. Steinhart Ocean One Vintage GMT
Steinhart is a German watch brand known for producing high-quality timepieces that often pay homage to iconic watch designs, including Rolex models. Steinhart Ocean One Vintage GMT is intended to be a homage to the Rolex Explorer II, particularly the vintage models.
One of the primary reasons people opt for homages like Steinhart's is affordability. Rolex watches, especially vintage models, can be incredibly expensive and difficult to obtain. Steinhart offers a more budget-friendly alternative for those who appreciate the design but can't afford a Rolex.
The watch typically comes in a stainless steel case with a brushed or polished finish. The case size may vary depending on the specific model, but it generally falls within the range of 39mm to 42mm in diameter, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes.
5. Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 GMT
Imagine a watch that is both rugged and stylish, with a sleek design and a GMT function that allows you to track two time zones simultaneously. That's the Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 GMT.
It has a 44mm stainless steel case with a uni-directional rotating bezel. The dial is available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and green. All dials feature bold hands and numerals with Super-LumiNova® for easy readability in low-light conditions.
At the heart of the Seastrong Diver 300 GMT is the AL-240 automatic movement, which offers a power reserve of up to 38 hours. The watch is also water resistant to 300 meters, making it suitable for swimming, diving, and other water sports.
4. Maen Hudson 38 GMT
The Hudson 38 GMT has a 38mm stainless steel case with a variety of dial colors to choose from, including black, blue, green, and white. The dial features bold hands and numerals with Super-LumiNova® for easy readability in low-light conditions. The GMT function is indicated by a red arrow hand that points to a 24-hour scale on the outer edge of the dial.
In addition to its GMT function, the Hudson 38 GMT also features several other useful features, including a date window at the 3 o'clock position, a uni-directional rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale, and a screw-down crown.
3. Lorier Hyperion GMT
Going one with the micro brands, we have Lorier, a young independent watch brand that was founded in 2017 by husband and wife team Lorenzo and Lauren Ortega. The brand is known for its affordable, well-made watches that are inspired by vintage designs.
Lorier is a young independent watch brand that was founded in 2017 by husband and wife team Lorenzo and Lauren Ortega. The brand is known for its affordable, well-made watches that are inspired by vintage designs.
Lorier watches are powered by reliable automatic movements and feature high-quality components, such as sapphire crystals and solid stainless steel cases. The Hyperion GMT has a 39mm stainless steel case with a variety of dial colors to choose from, including black, blue, and cream. The GMT function is indicated by a red arrow hand that points to a 24-hour scale on the outer edge of the dial.
2. Boldr Venture GMT
The Boldr Venture GMT is a perfect everyday watch for the man who is always on the go. It has a rugged, go-anywhere design that will look great in any situation, from a business meeting to a weekend hike. The watch is also powered by a reliable Swiss automatic movement, so you can be sure that it will keep accurate time no matter where you are in the world.
If you need a watch that can keep up with your busy schedule, The Venture GMT is the perfect watch for the job.
1. Linjer GMT Watch
And for the end, here is something for the true minimalist who wants to have a simple and elegant GMT watch. So we are presenting you The Linjer GMT. Linjer is a micro brand watch company that was founded in 2016. The company is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and it is known for its minimalist and affordable watches. Linjer watches are inspired by Scandinavian design, and they feature clean lines and simple aesthetics.
The Linjer GMT Watch is a popular model from the brand. It is a classic GMT watch with a 41mm stainless steel case and a sapphire crystal. The watch is powered by a Swiss automatic movement and features a 24-hour hand for tracking a second-time zone. The GMT Watch is also water resistant to 50 meters.
Let’s Conclude - GMT Watch For You
As you continue your horological journey, remember that the perfect GMT watch is waiting to accompany you on your adventures. With its dual-time capability and timeless design, It is a reliable friend that is not bound by trends and time zones. Enter the world of GMT watches now, explore its details, and discover which model best suits your taste and passion.
FAQ:
1. What is a GMT watch?
A GMT watch, short for Greenwich Mean Time watch, is a timepiece designed to display multiple time zones simultaneously.
2. How to use GMT watch?
• Using a GMT watch is straightforward:
• Setting Local Time: Start by setting the main hour and minute hands to your local time.
• Setting GMT Hand: Adjust the GMT hand to the desired second-time zone. This is often done using the watch's crown or bezel.
• Reading Dual Time: To read the second time zone, simply look at where the GMT hand points on the watch's 24-hour scale or the city names on a world time bezel. The main hands continue to show your local time.
3. How to read GMT watch?
• Reading a GMT watch involves:
• The main hour and minute hands indicating your local time.
• The GMT hand pointing to the second time zone, either on a 24-hour scale on the dial or on a world time bezel with city names.
• To determine the time in the second time zone, observe where the GMT hand aligns with the scale or city name. The 24-hour scale helps differentiate between AM and PM in the second time zone.