As summer approaches, we can imagine that many of you will be jetting off to other countries soon enough. However, perhaps the biggest problem with travelling is jet lag and time disorientation. Especially if you’re travelling apart from your loved ones, time zones can become very confusing very quickly. This is where a GMT watch can help tremendously. In fact, the difficulties of travelling from one time zone to another were precisely why the GMT function was invented. But what is a GMT complication, and where can you find it? Read on for a short history of the function and the best GMT watches available today.
What is a GMT complication?
A GMT complication gives you the ability to track a second timezone on your watch in conjunction to your main timezone. Often, this is through a fourth hand or a subdial. This means that you can track your home time whilst abroad, or a foreign timezone whilst at home.
How did the GMT complication come about?
As expected, GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time. For the British, you’ll know GMT as the time zone we adopt in the winter months. However, globally, GMT is much more important. Recorded by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, GMT was declared the global “mean time” back in 1884. As such, GMT became the central time zone against which all other time zones are compared. The introduction of Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) in the 1960s only made its role more significant, with Greenwich becoming the UTC zero point.
So why is the GMT complication named after Greenwich Mean Time? The short answer is the name just stuck. The introduction of the GMT watch coincided with the Jet Age, as commercial flights began to transport people across the world. Of course, accompanying this was the increasing problem of jet lag and having to adjust your watch constantly to different time zones. This led to the development of one of the first popular GMT models. Made by British-founded brand, Rolex, the watch was named the GMT-Master. Released in the early 1950s, the watch featured an additional hand which indicated a second time zone on the dual-tone bezel. Following its release, other brands followed suit and adopted the same name for the function.
Our recommendations: Best GMT Watches
Now that we know a little bit more about the GMT complication, without further ado, let’s introduce some of today’s best GMT watches.
Seiko Prospex ‘Glacier Blue’ Automatic Traveller GMT Stainless Steel Bracelet Limited Edition SPB385J1
Seiko has mastered the GMT complication in many of its watch designs. However, the Prospex GMT is the brand’s newest model. Although it’s currently only available to preorder, it’s a worthwhile mention on our list.
Seiko’s Prospex range takes its name from the words ‘professional’ and ‘specifications’. Although its newest GMT model is only available to pre-order, it’s a worthwhile addition to our list. This particular Prospex GMT model is limited edition and follows a glacier blue colour scheme, but it will also be available in a black (SPB383J1) and a green (SPB381J1) colourway. It’s based on the brand’s popular 1968 Diver model, which paved the way for Seiko’s success with its extensive diver watch portfolio. With an icy blue dial and a contrasting slate-grey bezel, this Seiko Prospex is certainly the most visually appealing on our list. The glacier-like texture on the dial echoes the inspiration for the model, Antarctica, which is tied significantly to the brand’s diver’s watch heritage.
However, it also boasts excellent functionality and mechanical power. All indices on the model are luminescent to accommodate low-light conditions, as are the hour, minute, second and GMT hands. Beating beneath the sapphire crystal enclosed dial is Seiko’s mighty in-house 6R54 calibre automatic mechanical movement. Built for any avid explorer, the movement has a three-day power reserve and water resistance of up to 200 metres. Its stunning appearance and high competency make this Seiko the perfect contender to open our best GMT watches list.
LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME GMT 42mm Black Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet L38124536 L3.812.4.53.6
Fusing the typical Longines attention to detail and outstanding craftsmanship is the Spirit Zulu Time GMT.
For ease of reading, the black dial features large Arabic numeral indices which are also luminescent. At the 6 o’clock position, a rectangular date aperture replaces the hour marker. Standing out against the silver hour, minute and second hands is the blue-tipped arrow GMT hand. This indicates a second time zone through the hour markers on the black bezel, using minute markers on the outer track of the dial for extra precision. Attesting to the watch’s high accuracy is its COSC-certified chronometer automatic movement, which is equipped with a 72-hour power reserve. The movement is housed in a 42mm wide stainless steel case which adjoins the dial’s anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Completing the high-end look of the Zulu Time GMT is an elegant stainless steel bracelet. Classic, confident and highly capable, this Longines Spirit is an excellent luxury choice for a GMT watch.
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Auto GMT Brown Leather Strap H76715540
Hamilton has already built a reputation for itself in the aviation division of the watch industry, and its Converter model is no exception. The brown leather strap and colour scheme of this model bring more of a casual feel to the GMT watch. Moreover, with its bright blue multipurpose dial, you cannot fault the model’s attention to detail. Featuring mixed white indices, the dial also has contrasting red accents to improve its legibility. This is echoed on the second and GMT hands, which both have a red tip. These are easily distinguished from one another by their shape, with the GMT’s arrow tip pointing towards indices on the dial’s outer ring. Bringing together the design is a stainless steel case, which is 44mm in diameter. Other functional details include a date display at 6 o’clock, an H-14 calibre automatic movement, and an 80-hour power reserve.
However, one of the model’s stand-out features is its bidirectional conversion bezel. Allowing the wearer to convert units and currency, the watch will support you in your travels beyond time disorientation.
STERNGLAS Taiga GMT / Vintage 42mm Quartz S01-TA11-NA04
For a more affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice quality, this Sternglas Taiga GMT is an excellent competitor. One of the brand’s earlier models, the Taiga possesses many luxurious features you would find on more mainstream brand’s high-end watches. For instance, protecting the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Additionally, its robust build means that it is also water resistant up to 100 metres. Sitting in the 42mm wide stainless steel case is an anthracite grey dial with white alternating indices. Its three central hands are silver to complement the design. To bring a pop of colour to the watch face, the GMT hand is yellow and designed to stand out. Moreover, the extra 24-hour indices on the inner ring of the bezel facilitate the reading of the second time zone. For an added military touch, a two-tone beige and black NATO-style strap completes the design.
Effortlessly combining multifunctionality with a simplistic design, the Sternglas Taiga would make an excellent choice for those who prefer a no-frills design.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer GMT Stainless Steel Bracelet Black Dial AI6158-SS002-330-1
The final contender on our best GMT watch list is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer GMT. Refreshing the classic silver and black colour scheme, the dual-tone bezel alternates colour with each hour marker. This eye-catching bezel makes the perfect frame for the black sunburst dial adorned with mixed luminescent indices. Its red GMT hand stands out against the other three silver hands and indicates a second time zone through the 24-hour markers on the bezel. Measuring 43mm in width, this design sits in a stainless steel case which ensures water resistance up to 300 metres. Powering the watch is the brand’s own ML165 calibre movement that’s automatic and Swiss Made. For a quirky but incredibly reliable model, we highly recommend this Maurice Lacroix.
That rounds up our Best GMT Watches list for today. Will you be investing in a GMT watch for your summer travels? Let us know in the comments below.
