With the holidays approaching, many are preparing for both short and long trips.
But to travel, certain essentials are needed. A suitcase is necessary, a passport is helpful, and comfortable travel clothes are a must. Then there are travel GMT watches. You might think you don't need a watch on vacation. After all, your phone tells you the time, right? But you're mistaken, as the best GMT watches are indispensable travel companions.
Yes, your phone tells you the time, but can it show local and home time at a glance? I don't think so. GMT watches handle this task, allowing you to know the time in two places with a quick glance at your wrist. The best GMT watches for travel complement any outfit and become companions accompanying you on all your trips, creating memories with you. Maybe we're a bit romantic about GMT watches? Perhaps, but once you learn the history of GMT watches, it's hard not to be moved by their poetic associations.
Best GMT Watches
GMT watches often evoke images of mid-century jet-setters and playboy pilots - think Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Catch Me If You Can,' and you won't be wrong. That's because the watches were created in that era for such buyers. In the early 1950s, long-distance intercontinental flights were becoming more common. The largest airline at the time, Pan Am, approached watch companies to develop watches capable of tracking two time zones simultaneously, so pilots could keep track of destination and departure times. Two companies answered the call.
The first was Glycine, which introduced the Airman model in 1953. These watches displayed time on a 24-hour scale with a rotating 24-hour bezel to track the second time zone. The following year, Rolex introduced the GMT Master. It kept time on a standard 12-hour scale but featured a fourth hand that made its way around the dial every 24 hours. A rotating 24-hour bezel was also used here, allowing the owner to track the second time zone on the fourth hand while reading the current time on the 12-hour scale. The Rolex design took off like a rocket, and other manufacturers began producing their own GMT watches modeled after Rolex. The era of GMT watches had begun.
Types of GMT Watches
- True GMT: When studying GMT watches, you may have encountered the term 'True GMT' and wondered what it means. In 1983, Rolex once again made GMT history. The brand introduced the GMT Master II, a new version of their travel watch equipped with a new convenient feature. The GMT Master II's movement allows the hour hand to be adjusted independently without stopping the second hand or disturbing the other hands. This means that if the GMT hand is set to your home time, you only need to adjust the hour hand when traveling to quickly set the new local time. This is a faster and more convenient way to set the watch for travel, and some watch enthusiasts consider it the only 'true' GMT. This is, of course, untrue - GMT watches existed for almost 30 years before this type of movement appeared - but GMTs with this type of movement, also called 'flyer' GMTs, are slightly better for travel.
- Office GMT: Another type (more common) of GMT is the 'office' or 'calling' GMT. Instead of an independent hour hand, these GMTs have independently adjustable GMT hands. This is much more convenient if you want to track a second time zone while at home - as someone working in an office on the West Coast might if they have colleagues on the East Coast - but it's not the most convenient arrangement when traveling.
However, the difference in setting local time on a 'true' and 'office' GMT is no more than a minute, so any GMT watch will work just fine for travel.
How We Tested
Our Selection Process
It's easy to say that enthusiasm for wristwatches has never been higher than it is now. We are witnessing a certain influx of young users drawn to the idea of adorning their wrists with mechanical masterpieces, as well as a multitude of new brands, many of which have much to offer. Moreover, the market offers us more variety than we've ever seen, with a wide range of prices and growing specialization. Of course, this means there are more choices, but it also means the world proves that digital technology is not always what people need.
Nevertheless, choosing the perfect watch in any category or price range has become even more difficult. To tackle the task of finding the best GMT, we started by selecting watches we believed could be the best candidates. Using both visual tests (such as design, color, dial configuration) and our expertise in the field to study technical specifications (such as size, materials, strap, movement), we narrowed down the options to those we believed could be worthy of inclusion in this list. We also considered price, value, and the reputation of the watch manufacturer, which in this industry is a well-deserved quality.
And then we tested the watches ourselves. Any watch collector will tell you that, regardless of what you read on paper, you must wear the watch on your wrist to feel its user experience. After acquiring demonstration samples for our initial list, we wore the watches on our wrists and tested them in various scenarios to evaluate their fit, comfort, and wrist-wearing experience firsthand. The whole process took us several weeks, but in the end, we were able to compile the list of the best GMT watches you see before you.
Q Timex GMT 38mm
The Timex retro-reissue is an incredibly affordable option for those who love vintage-style watches, with an integrated bracelet and a Pepsi-style bezel.
Best Quartz GMT Watch: We're thrilled that Timex supports retro style in its Q line. These 38mm watches, inspired by the dive style of the original Q 1979 model, remain GMT, with a bidirectional 'Pepsi' bezel, domed acrylic crystal, hooded lugs, and a functional battery hatch on the case back. They pack a lot of nostalgia and cost just over $200.
Recently revived in 2019, the Q Timex Reissue features an integrated bracelet and 38mm barrel-shaped case. The watch is incredibly compact, wears small, and feels even smaller than its size suggests, but we love the sharp, angular style and the combination of vertical and horizontal brushing on the top of the main case. If you want to save a few shekels with a quality quartz movement and retro style, these watches are your best choice.
- Case size: 38 mm
- Water resistance: 50 m
- Movement: Quartz
Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style GMT
In these 5 Sports series watches, Seiko embraces the ethics of the discontinued SKX. They feature vintage charm, an exhibition case back, and an acceptable price.
Best Budget Automatic GMT Watch: After Seiko discontinued its beloved SKX dive watches, it revamped the entry-level Seiko 5 Sports line, albeit without ties to the outgoing models. However, by releasing the first GMT in the 5 Sports line, the company finally paid homage to the SKX. Resembling its predecessor with similar color schemes and design approach, the new 42.5mm GMT model features an independently adjustable fourth hand and a rotating 24-hour bezel.
The larger case enhances visibility, as do the Lumibrite-coated hands and indices, along with the date window magnifier. The model also abandoned the 5 Sports Oyster-style bracelets in favor of a five-link Jubilee-style stainless steel bracelet. We really like the exhibition case back that allows you to see the 4R34 movement, and the five-row Jubilee bracelet adds charm and comfort that some other options forsake. Despite 100-meter water resistance, these watches certainly have the vintage Seiko diver character. However, the off-center crown at the '4 o'clock' position might make you cautious about taking these watches on your most aquatic adventures.
- Case size: 42.5 mm
- Water resistance: 100 m
- Movement: Automatic GMT with manual winding
Lorier Hyperion Series II
Beautiful vintage-style Lorier watches are very robust, affordable, and endlessly stylish.
Best Microbrand GMT Watch: The very first Rolex GMT Master watches in the 1950s were ref. 6542. Initially, it came with a luminescent red-blue 'Pepsi' bezel made from a plastic precursor called Bakelite. However, concerns about the fragile Bakelite cracking and exposing the radioactive tritium lume beneath led Rolex to switch to aluminum bezel inserts within just a few years. Today, original 6542 watches with Bakelite bezels regularly sell for six-figure sums, but you can get the same vintage feel for much less with this stunning GMT from a microbrand.
Lorier's Hyperion Series II uses Hesalite for the luminescent Pepsi bezel insert and domed crystal, giving the watch serious retro vibes. Just $100 more than the aforementioned Seiko GMT, you can get a true GMT with an independent hour hand at an affordable price. We love everything about this watch: the price, mid-century aesthetics reminiscent of the golden age of aviation, durable construction with a marine-grade steel case and the aforementioned impact-resistant crystal, and, of course, the stylish Pepsi bezel.
- Case size: 39 mm
- Water resistance: 100 m
- Movement: Automatic 'True' GMT
Mido Ocean Star GMT
Mido found the perfect balance between GMT and dive watches with the Ocean Star model featuring a graduated Pepsi-style bezel.
Best Diver GMT: Diver GMT watches are becoming increasingly popular, as you can see from this guide, and while there are a few standout examples, our favorite is the Ocean Star from Mido with a Pepsi bezel. Whether you're flying or walking the trail - or both - these 44mm watches will be right at home. With 200-meter water resistance, true GMTs could easily copy the style of iconic Rolex, but instead, Mido does its own thing with a fixed inner 24-hour bezel atop a traditional rotating bezel on the outside.
Mido is a member of the Swatch Group. This means brands have access to some of the same movements, such as the ETA Powermatic 80 GMT caliber with an 80-hour power reserve. Of course, the 44-meter steel case feels more substantial on the wrist, but that means the watch will look great on those who want to draw more attention. Fortunately, the flat sapphire crystal helps manage the case thickness, making it more contemporary. As for the bracelet, we also liked that it can be quickly adjusted thanks to a double-button system in the clasp.
- Case size: 44 mm
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Movement: Automatic 'True' GMT
Monta Skyquest
Monta's Skyquest with 300m water resistance showcases the brand's unique design language and excels in wrist comfort.
Best Office GMT: The American and Swiss company Monta is one of the most respected microbrands in the watch business, and Skyquest is perhaps their best watch. The finish is comparable to watches that cost twice as much, and the fully articulated bracelet features a quick-adjust clasp. The bezel is made of scratch-resistant ceramic, and water resistance is an impressive 300m. The hands have diamond-cut and rhodium-plated surfaces, and the GMT hand has a whimsical and inventive bend that allows it to navigate around applied indices while reaching the outer dial edges.
Unlike some other office GMT models, Skyquest might be a bit more expensive, but for that price, you get far more than expected. This includes the in-house automatic M-23 movement, the overall build quality and finish, and the Coke bezel that hints at Rolex's collaboration with Pan Am in the 80s. At 40.7 mm in diameter, the watch wears a bit smaller than you might expect, thanks to lugs that slightly curve toward the wrist. The Skyquest, with its unique design style, truly catches the eye: its features stand out on the wrist, and the contrast ensures good visibility. We also really like the bracelet, which features articulated links and supreme comfort.
- Case size: 40.7 mm
- Water resistance: 300 m
- Movement: Automatic 'Office' GMT
Longines Spirit Zulu Time
Longines' Spirit Zulu Time watch recalls its aviation past and attracts attention with 18-karat gold accents and beautiful design.
Best Vintage GMT Watch: Longines is one of the oldest Swiss watch companies, founded in 1832, but it remains at the industry's forefront and is even considered the author of the first watch with more than one time zone. Last year, the brand added the GMT model to its Spirit line. Named after a watch released about 100 years ago (the name derived from the military term 'GMT'), the Zulu Time is a true traveler's watch, with a 72-hour power reserve and independently adjustable hour hand.
Always stylish, the Spirit Zulu Time is a pilot's watch: inspiring color schemes, 72-hour power reserve, excellent dial visibility, and easy adjustment. At a wearable 39mm size, the stainless steel watch has reduced in size from its 42mm predecessor, and the difference in comfort is noticeable on the wrist. Aesthetically, the 18-karat yellow gold accents truly stand out and give the watch special expressiveness on the wrist. Not to mention, Longines offers several other options if this beautiful anthracite version doesn't suit you.
- Case size: 39 mm
- Water resistance: 100 m
- Movement: Automatic 'True' GMT
Grand Seiko SBGN027
More expensive for quartz watches, Grand Seiko proves their movements are not a cheap pleasure, and also finds a compromise between sportiness and class.
Best Quartz GMT Watch: The first GMT watch to use Grand Seiko's high-precision quartz movement 9F - possibly the best quartz movement in the world - could become the ideal travel watch. The accuracy is 10 seconds per year (it's not uncommon to see 1 second per year), the finish is the best at this price thanks to the famous distortion-free Zaratsu polishing, and the hand-made, fully decorated movement with thermocompensation is a 'true' GMT. Plus, the watch looks fantastic.
This SBGN027 model is certainly sportier than typical Grand Seiko options, costing more than regular quartz watches, but in this case, it serves to maintain the watch's precision. Even when the off-center crown is pulled out, the quartz GMT continues to show time. The 39mm diameter and 45.9mm lug-to-lug size are ideal proportions for everyday wear. We also like the fixed 24-hour bezel with black embossing and radial steel brushing. The three-link stainless steel bracelet looks great, matching the case finish, and is easily adjustable with screw-in bars and a button clasp.
- Case size: 39 mm
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Movement: Quartz 'True' GMT
Tudor Black Bay GMT
Tudor's almost perfect GMT uses its iconic Black Bay as a base layer, continuing to challenge conventions while preserving traditional ethics.
Best GMT Watch: Being Rolex's more affordable sister brand, Tudor has long had a reputation for offering Rolex quality and style at not overly inflated prices. And this has never been truer than with this modern classic. Built on the popular vintage diver Black Bay, these GMT watches boast a bidirectional bezel with a beautiful aluminum Pepsi insert, a subtly textured dial, and an in-house automatic movement with a 'true' GMT function. This is the closest to a Rolex GMT model - vintage or modern - without approaching the five-digit mark.
First debuting in 2018, the Black Bay GMT remains a favorite today. With 200m water resistance, the watches have certain diver properties, but we love them most as travel watches. Inside the 24-hour Pepsi bezel is a pearl-opalescent white dial, which pleasantly differs from typical dark GMT dials. Despite modern touches, this automatic GMT has some vintage design elements, including the aforementioned coin-edge bezel and domed sapphire crystal. We hope Tudor will soon include its T-Fit adjustment system in new Black Bay GMT models, although the bracelet remains very comfortable.
- Case size: 41 mm
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Movement: Automatic 'True' GMT
Rolex GMT Master II
It's impossible to compile a 'Best GMT' list without including the most coveted GMT in the world.
Honorable Mention: You knew this was coming. The descendant of the original GMT watches, the GMT Master II remains the world's most coveted GMT. The waiting list to purchase a new stainless steel Pepsi bezel variant stretches for years, and on the pre-owned market, they typically sell for more than twice the retail price. But the watches are in such demand for a reason. They're indescribably beautiful and have an iconic design that few watches in the world can match. Moreover, they are durable, reliable, and luxurious, and there's no one in the world who wouldn't want to have such a watch on their wrist while traveling the globe.
As legendary as the Rolex GMT watches are, we were unable to acquire them in time for studio testing. Nevertheless, of all the examples presented here, the GMT Master II's reputation should precede it.
- Case size: 40 mm
- Water resistance: 100 m
- Movement: Automatic 'True' GMT