Every Friday we publish a new list! This week, we continue our series dedicated to alternatives to the world's most popular watches, presenting five alternatives to the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II.
The timepiece icon from The Crown set the standard for travel watches. Despite its legendary legacy, the modern GMT-Master II is not always the preferred choice among collectors and watch enthusiasts. The reasons can vary: budget constraints or the watch's too-bright appearance. For anyone looking for something different, we have selected five noteworthy alternatives.
Before moving to the list, let's briefly discuss the specifics of GMT watches. Obviously, when searching for alternatives to the Rolex GMT-Master II, the choice is vast. Is it essential to stick only to the style set by the GMT-Master in 1954? For this list of five models, we decided to adhere to the classic GMT style with a rotating bezel, often divided into two parts to display day and night time. Other GMTs, like the Rolex Explorer II, represent a different approach to travel watches and will be reviewed separately. So, let's get acquainted with the five alternatives to the Rolex GMT-Master II.
Grand Seiko SBGJ277 "Sekkei"
Grand Seiko offers four GMT models that meet the criteria. All of them are part of the Sport collection: two are equipped with Hi-Beat movements, and the other two - with Spring Drive movements. We have already reviewed various versions of this model, including the SBGJ239 and SBGJ237. Also released were the Spring Drive model SBGE277 and the anniversary SBGJ275.
The Grand Seiko SBGJ277 "Sekkei" model debuted in 2024 as part of the Watches and Wonders novelties. It is a color variation of previous Hi-Beat models with a green-white sapphire bezel and a green GMT hand. The snow-white dial looks even more spectacular in person than in photos. As usual, the colors are inspired by the nature of Japan: "sekkei" (雪渓) means "snow valley." In early summer, the last snow covers blend with the greenery of trees, creating a striking contrast reflected in the watch design.
Compact GMT that seems smaller than its size
The case has a diameter of 44.2 mm, a thickness of 14.8 mm (including the sapphire crystal), and a lug-to-lug length of 50.6 mm. The bezel with a sapphire insert is unusually divided into day and night time at 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM, which differs from the standard 6:00/18:00 division, but adds individuality and does not reduce convenience. The insert is treated with Lumibrite, making the white numbers and background glow brightly in the dark.
Inside is the Grand Seiko 9S86 Hi-Beat caliber with a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 55 hours. The accuracy is +5/-3 seconds per day. The date window is located at the "4 o'clock" position and is aligned with the crown, which is convenient and aesthetically pleasing. 
Though I usually prefer crowns at the "3 o'clock" position, I like this solution here. Thanks to the short lugs, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, making it an excellent choice. The price is around 8,000 euros.
Longines Spirit Zulu Time
The next model is the popular Longines Spirit Zulu Time series. The watches debuted in a 42 mm size in 2022, and in 2023, a more compact 39 mm version was added. Both versions are worth attention, but we prefer the smaller size for its versatility and proportionality. Over time, Longines released several 39-millimeter variants: two-tone, titanium case, and different color options. Among the Onewatch team, the favorite models are the classic green-black model and the fully titanium version created in collaboration with Hodinkee.
The case is 39 mm in diameter, 13.5 mm thick, and 47 mm lug-to-lug. The steel models have a black or blue dial with a ceramic bezel insert in black, blue, or green. The design features vintage elements with gold-plated details, but there are also more modern options with a black and blue dial without excesses.
Charming and affordable traveler's watches
Inside is the automatic Longines L844.4 caliber based on ETA A31.L01 with a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 72 hours. The mechanism is COSC certified with an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day. It's the perfect mechanism for relatively affordable watches. The price on a steel bracelet is about 3,500 euros. The titanium version or steel with a rose gold bezel costs around 4,500 euros. The 42 mm versions have a similar price and are suitable for larger wrists.
After personal experience, I can say that 39 mm is the optimal size for an 18.5 cm wrist. In any color execution, Spirit Zulu Time is an excellent everyday choice with an attractive design, reliable mechanism, and practicality, making them the second choice on our list.
Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT
The next model is one of two potential Tudor alternatives to the GMT-Master II. The first is the classic Black Bay GMT version with a 41 mm diameter, but we chose the more compact and harmonious Black Bay 58 GMT, released in 2024. This model answered many questions.
Firstly, the watch became much more comfortable thanks to its 39 mm diameter. In addition, the case became thinner - 12.8 mm versus 14.6 mm for the 41-mm version, and the length decreased to 47.8 mm (versus 50 mm). These changes made the Black Bay 58 GMT more proportional and comfortable.
Modern caliber with retro style
The watch is presented in one color: a matte black dial with gold accents and a black-red bezel with gold numbers in the style of vintage Rolex GMT-Master models. This design evokes associations with early GMT-Master versions and maintains an unmatched charm.
Inside is the modern automatic Tudor MT5450-U caliber with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 65 hours. The mechanism is METAS certified as a Master Chronometer with an accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day. It's the perfect modern mechanism for a watch with a retro design.
The look is completed by an Oyster-style bracelet with rivets. Tudor also offers a rubber strap, but the bracelet is preferable in terms of practicality and style.
The price on the bracelet is about 4,990 euros, making the model an affordable alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II.
Laventure Transatlantique II GMT
In my opinion, the watch that best conveys the spirit of vintage Rolex GMT-Master is the Laventure Transatlantique II GMT. I do not hide that these watches are among my favorites. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to buy the previous version of the Transatlantique GMT, and it's one of the few regrets in collecting. Although that was back in 2020, in 2024, Laventure presented a continuation - the Transatlantique II GMT. In Daan's review, he called them extremely charming, and I completely agree with him.
The new model received a smaller, completely redesigned case size of 38.9 × 46.2 × 12 mm, making the watch very comfortable. Despite the size reduction, the design retained the character of the original 41 mm. I especially like the "wings" at the "3" and "9 o'clock" positions, giving the watch individuality. The case profile is detailed, the bezel became slightly wider, and the classic domed plexiglass crystal resembles a UFO.
True heir to the classic Rolex GMT-Master
The most attractive aspect is the color scheme, dial, and bezel design. The matte black dial is made in a sandwich construction with beige luminescent indices and a date window at the "3 o'clock" position. The bezel with 24 clicks is adorned with a plexiglass insert in green and sage shades with vintage numbers. This creates a unique look with rich detailing and vintage charm. The look is complemented by a comfortable steel bracelet, which I prefer to the rubber strap.
Inside is the Laventure Caliber 3 based on Sellita SW330-2 - an automatic movement with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 56 hours. The mechanism is COSC certified and adorned with quality finishing, hidden behind a steel case back.
In my opinion, these watches perfectly convey the charm of classic Rolex GMT-Master models from the 1950s-60s. This explains my love for Laventure, as I prefer early versions of the GMT-Master rather than the GMT-Master II. The Transatlantique II GMT is a limited model, now sold out, but we include it in the list as we know that Laventure's founder Clément Gaud is likely already working on a continuation.
Nodus Contrail GMT
Like the last model in the list of Datejust alternatives, the final watch in this selection is truly affordable. Moreover, in our opinion, it's the best GMT in the sub-1000 euro price segment, exceeding expectations. After reviewing these modern GMTs, it was hard to believe that Nodus sells such excellent watches for just 825 USD. The watches meet all the requirements of an ideal modern GMT.
The stainless steel case size of 40.5 × 46.6 × 11.8 mm fits perfectly on the wrist and has a quality finish, adding to its solidity. The dial has a grainy texture or sunburst effect (depending on the color). The Terra Lux model, shown in the photo, features a black textured dial, a bidirectional bezel with 48 clicks and a black-and-white sapphire insert with luminescence, and a black leather strap. The series also includes four other models with different colors, so everyone will find something to their taste. In terms of appearance and luminous elements, the Contrail resembles the Grand Seiko Sport GMT, such as the SBGJ277.
Best affordable alternative today
Inside is the Miyota 9075 caliber - one of the few GMT movements with a "flyer" function available to brands using third-party movements. The Miyota 9075 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of 42 hours. It's the ideal budget choice for micro-brands and affordable GMTs.
The watch comes on a three-row steel bracelet with flat links, tapering from 20 mm at the case to 16 mm at the NodeX clasp with micro-adjustment. The bracelet's finish significantly exceeds the standards of this price segment, and the wearing comfort is top-notch.
There are simply no words to describe how good the Nodus Contrail GMT is. The build quality, comfort, and finish are impressive, especially considering the price. It's the perfect final choice on our list.
Final conclusions on five alternatives to Rolex GMT-Master II
That's it - our list of the five best alternatives to the Rolex GMT-Master II. As always, this is just a small part of the many options available. So the question for you: what are your favorite alternatives to the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II? Share in the comments, and see you next week with a new list!