12 Best GMT Watches for Travel at Every Budget in 2023

Subsequent to a world Soho Home membership and blackout shades, few issues are extra helpful for journey than one of the best GMT watches. Also referred to as second or twin time zone, a GMT watch retains observe of the time the place you’re at and in a second time zone. It’s the favourite complication amongst connoisseurs and novices alike, because of its practicality.

It’s a good time to get acquainted with GMT watches now that globe-trotting is the norm. From large to micro, tons of manufacturers are making them, and at low worth factors, making it simpler than ever to maintain observe of multiple time zone.

Whether or not you need to keep updated with mother or the workplace again residence as you journey, scoring a good-looking GMT watch on a funds is now not a pipe dream—however not all are created equal.

A really stand-out GMT watch must have a legible dial and dependable, high-quality motion. Whereas it doesn’t essentially must have another options, it does must look good (not less than to the wearer). Whether or not it’s bought a fourth hand on the dial or a bi-rotational bezel, one of the best GMT watches must preserve observe of a 24-hour time scale with grace and ease.

Key Takeaways 

The Baltic Aquascape is likely one of the finest GMT watches, because of its exact motion, nostalgic but distinctive look, and easy-to-read dial, all at a terrific worth level.

For a good steeper deal with out having to sacrifice conventional seems or capabilities, flip to the Timex Waterbury or sportier Citizen Promaster Diver with Eco-drive.

Fairly priced and fantastically rendered, Baltic’s Aquascaphe GMT pays homage to the close to unattainable 60’s Rolex Pepsi GMT with out feeling like a rip-off. Contemplating it’s additionally a French microbrand, a purchase order from Baltic feels particular. The Aquascaphe has every part you would need from a conventional GMT with its personal distinctive model and look.

Coming in grey, inexperienced, or orange, it includes a bi-directional bezel, iconic rubber tropic straps, and self-winding Swiss Soprod motion. In opposition to a black dial end, white Tremendous-luminova palms are simple to learn at a look, particularly at midnight. And there’s a sapphire insert for scratch resistance and a neat little date window at 6 o’clock.

Straightforward to search out and of nice worth, the Aquascahpe is rapidly turning into an icon by itself.

Diameter: 39mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Rubber | Motion: Computerized

Maybe the cleanest face on this listing, Iota’s GMT watch exemplifies minimalist magnificence. The gathering provides 4 completely different fashions representing completely different cities in numerous time zones world wide, however I’ve chosen New York as a result of it’s the place I dwell. The brownstones of every borough function inspiration, coupled with a tan strap and golden case towards a crisp matte white dial with golden traces. Select from a wide range of strap colours.

As a model, Iota combines minimalist British design cues with Swiss manufacturing and Swiss-made Ronda 515.34H motion. Every watch is crafted from chrome steel with a shiny brushed metallic end for a clear, costly look. Oh, and don’t overlook simple quick-release straps.

Diameter: 40mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Leather-based | Motion: Computerized

It’s laborious having costly style, however even the Tangomat GMT is available in at a good worth level contemplating all you’re getting. This watch is totally stunning, from clear traces and angular kind to the tempered blue metal palms and contact of crimson towards the outsized white face. The gorgeous strap is crafted in Horween real shell cordovan leather-based.

However my favourite function is the window show the place airport codes denote the 24 time zones. All it takes is one push of a button to modify your location moments from NYC to RIO earlier than you land. It’s completely different, however that’s what makes it enjoyable.

Diameter: 31mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Leather-based | Motion: Computerized

Lengthy gone are the times whenever you needed to spend large on a GMT watch. Citizen proves that high quality at a low worth level that’s not solely attainable however downright engaging. Ideally, Citizen Promaster Diver is a superb summer season sports activities watch, because of shiny colours and 200 meters of water resistance. However no matter season, it’s a feature-packed timepiece for a staggeringly nice worth.

Anti-reflective sapphire is frequent on dearer watches. However luminous white palms and markers towards a transparent face make the dial simple to learn. The band additionally occurs to be extraordinarily comfy.

However maybe its coolest function is the Eco-drive motion, the primary of its type. This implies the watch is powered by gentle, and never simply sunshine, however any gentle, together with synthetic. Now that’s a function value getting used to.

Diameter: 44mm  | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Stainless Metal | Motion: Eco-drive

The Seiko 5 Sports activities line has put out some incredible variations since its reintroduction in recent times, however an automated watch with a fourth hand for GMT? Speak about balling on a funds. The model pulls it off fantastically by merely modifying the actions for the world traveler,  who is worried with operate above all else.

True to Seiko kind, it’s a well-built watch with glorious particulars and motion you may rely on. The deep blue and black bezel towards a shiny metal bracelet is eye-catching. And for beneath $500, fairly frankly, it appears like a steal.

Diameter: 42.5mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Stainless Metal | Motion: Computerized

As of late, getting your palms on the Timex Q is a wrestle. The Waterbury Conventional GMT is a superb fill-in with a barely higher-end look, for my part. The inexperienced, crimson, and white palms are significantly engaging. And since it’s simple to decorate up or down, it’s nice for each day put on.

A coloured rotating bezel that tracks a further time zone, 100 meters of water resistance, and a quick-release strap are all options discovered on higher-end watches. Oh, how I like conventional seems and performance at dirt-cheap costs. Critically, this inexpensive gmt watch will solely set you again a pair hundred bucks.

One other fashionable iteration of a classic physique, the Waterbury pays homage to the unique Timex, the Waterbury Clock Firm, based in 1854.

Diameter: 39mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Leather-based | Motion: Quartz

A rotating 24-hour bezel is a must have function for aviation. The Zodiac Tremendous, a nod to the Zodiac Sea Wolf of the Nineteen Sixties, is timelessly gorgeous, because of the gold bezel that may inform time in a 3rd time zone and the matching center strip of gold on the bracelet.

Pilots additionally want to have the ability to see effectively at a fast look, so the reserved black dial supplies the right backdrop for these white palms to actually pop. Couple that with the deep 200 meters water resistance, and also you’ve bought probably the greatest GMT watches for flight.

Diameter: 40mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Stainless Metal | Motion: Computerized

In the event you’re going to go classic, what’s higher than the OG? That is the 1994 mannequin, however there’s no mistaking the blue and crimson bezel, an iconic function of the GMT Grasp Rolex launched in 1954. It holds the title of the primary timepiece to trace two time zones concurrently. Excellent for pilots, why not you?

Truly, because of the bi-rotational bezel, it’s doable to trace as much as three time zones without delay. A basic look in glorious situation, this mannequin additionally boasts a chronometer and 100 meters of water resistance.

If buying classic leaves you feeling not sure, simply know that Tourneau has very strict licensed pre-owned watch high quality requirements with a 30-point inspection. The retailer itself has been round since 1900.

Diameter: 40mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: stainless Metal | Motion: Computerized

I like how the Tangomat captures the spirit of journey, however the Bulova Wilton takes a chic stab at it as effectively. Good-looking and refined, it resides within the premium tier of automated self-winding actions, with a high-quality independently adjustable GMT hand. This makes it simple to set the hand to a different timezone with out affecting accuracy. Phew.

It’s not simply motion that the Bulova provides up. An exquisite silver tone chrome steel case is kind of the backdrop for a blue 4-hand GMT dial, hanging Roman numeral markers, and a world map dial for some perspective. Pair it with the anti-reflective dome, and also you’ve bought probably the greatest GMT watches cash can purchase.

Diameter: 43mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Leather-based | Motion: Computerized

I might’ve included any variety of automated GMT watches, however there’s something so particular and distinctive about this one. Possibly it’s within the limited-edition title, the Amerigo Vespucci Particular, a nod to the spirit of journey. Or perhaps it’s the Bugatti-esque look, that eye-catching combo of black and yellow that contains the internal dial second time zone ring.

Both approach, like a tremendous Italian automotive, Bulgari’s Aluminum shouldn’t be solely stunning however comfy, too. You possibly can thank rubber for that. The black rubber strap locks on the middle of the case for a versatile, safe match. There’s additionally a black rubber bezel with the BVLGARI engraving and an added rubber insert for shock resistance.

In the meantime, the palms are rhodium plated for additional power and luster. Regardless of the way you spin it, that is clearly probably the greatest GMT watches.

Diameter: 40mm | Case Materials: Aluminum Titanium | Strap: Rubber | Motion: Computerized

Because the title implies, the Mido Ocean Star is likely one of the finest GMT watches for aquatics. Once more, right here’s one other well-priced watch with a great deal of options. However its most stand-out accomplishment is time-keeping. Think about that.

Here’s a strong but refined dive watch from a longtime Swiss model. Mido is part of Swatch Group and will get its 80-hour energy reserve automated motion from the premier sister firm, ETA. It’s additionally serving precision with a Nivachron steadiness spring, a titanium-based alloy that protects towards shocks and the consequences of time.

As for seems, a wealthy engaging navy bezel with a deeper navy dial matches the fantastically woven strap, made out of a leather-based entrance and artificial again. Excellent for breathability and luxury. For simply over the $1,000 price ticket, I feel it’s a sure.

Diameter: 44mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Leather-based Entrance, Artificial Again | Motion: Computerized

With all the trimmings of luxurious at an attainable worth level, the Monta Atlas is likely one of the finest GMT watches on the market. Whether or not you’re touring, working, or out exploring, it’s a utilitarian looker that places in work.

Critically, this factor is constructed like a tank. Not solely is the bracelet sturdy, but it surely’s comfy, because of a extremely adjustable clasp and two half-links to create your excellent match. A 56-hour energy reserve makes it preferrred for each day put on and refined Sellita SW330 automated actions means it runs like a appeal.

To me, operate should meet kind to be thought of one of the best. And boy, does the Atlas maintain up. Pink entails and rhodium-plated diamond-cut sword-style palms with Tremendous-LumiNova pop towards the deep charcoal dial. Polished bevels and a brushed sunburst end on the bezel convey excessive shine. In the event you’re going so as to add one GMT watch to your wardrobe, this must be it.

Diameter: 38.5mm | Case Materials: Stainless Metal | Strap: Stainless Metal | Motion: Computerized

What To Look For In A GMT Watch

Dial

A watch is not any good for those who can’t even learn it. A cluttered dial isn’t preferrred. The most effective GMT watches have both a darkish dial and light-colored palms or a clear, gentle dial and palms that pop.

Type

Typically, a fourth hand signifies the GMT time zone denoted on the bezel, whereas a rotating bezel permits for preserving observe of a further time zone. The Tangomat even created a wholly new model of time zone monitoring with an airport code window.

Value

In the event you’re flush with money, by all means, be at liberty to splurge on one of the best GMT watches. Nonetheless, there are some actually superb watches within the $1,000-$3,000 worth vary and even decrease, so it’s actually not essential to spend a ton until you need to.

Remaining Verdict 

Definitely, the Baltic Aquascaphe is a top-tier alternative. From its engaging worth level, iconic classic model, and bevy of options, together with Tremendous-LumiNova palms and Swiss motion, it’s probably the greatest GMT watches to place in your wrist.