mens best GMT watches

Worlds Best GMT Watches You Need To Know About

Watches are meant to tell the current time where you’re located.

But do you know that there are watches that can tell you the time on two to three time zones simultaneously?

What is a GMT Watch?

Before we discuss what a GMT watch is, let’s get into a short history of its origins first.

Around the 1950s to 1960s, the Jet Age began, allowing people to travel across countries in a matter of hours.

Before the dawn of this era, it took days to travel by sea to get from one country to another.

Pilots flying long trips need to make sure they keep track of the time from where they departed and where they’ll land.

With this concern in mind, they approached Rolex to make a watch that could keep track of the time of two time zones simultaneously.

This gave birth to the Rolex GMT-Master that has an extra hand for tracking time on a 24-hour scale.

The Breitling Navitimer used to be the standard pilot watch because of the slide rule bezel that enables quick computation of flight necessities.

But with the arrival of GMT watches, pilots preferred the no-nonsense look that enables them to instantaneously read the time from different locations.

The earliest models of GMT watches have a 24-hour hand tied to the hour hand.

Now, advancements in watch technology have made it possible to separately adjust the GMT hand from the normal hour hand.

Another variation which is considered to be the one used in more classic models of GMT watches has the GMT hand tied to the minute hand for quicker adjustments.

Many watchmakers now manufacture GMT watches powered by either quartz or mechanical movements.

It can be hard to choose which ones are reliable, so we’ve come up with a list to help you with that.

Now check out the Best GMT Watches in this list and see which ones you like.

Here’s a list of the best GMT watches you can find in the market.

Victorinox Infantry GMT

The Infantry GMT features a handsome look that can be worn with any kind of fashion style.

Its practical, utilitarian vibe gives you confidence that it’s a reliable GMT watch you can take anywhere you go.

The 40mm Infantry GMT has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a fixed bezel with 24-hour markings, a steel mesh strap, Arabic numeral hour markers, a date window, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers, and a Ronda calibre 515.24H quartz movement.

Pros:

  • Very legible watch face
  • Simple, military-like design that can be partnered with any kind of fashion
  • Affordable and durable
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Clasp is a bit flimsy
  • Weak lume brightness
  • GMT hand is hard to see

Citizen Promaster Navihawk A-T Eco-Drive GMT

The 48mm Navihawk A-T has a stainless steel case, a mineral crystal, a rubber strap, a screw-down crown, a perpetual calendar, a world time function, 1/100-second chronograph function, a power reserve indicator, an alarm function, minute markers on the outer dial, orange-colored luminescent hands, and an Eco-Drive U680 solar-powered movement.

It has an atomic timekeeping mechanism for a more accurate time-telling function.

The Navihawk A-T is one of the best GMT watches in the market if you consider the number of features it offers.

Aside from the multiple functions you can access, it has a durable build meant for outdoor activities.

Pros:

  • Solar-powered which means you don’t have to wind or change the batteries to keep it running
  • Affordable GMT watch with incredible value for money
  • Water resistant up to 200m

Cons:

  • Very busy watch face
  • LCD readings are hard to see
  • Subdial readings are hard to identify
  • It’s huge and heavy

Certina DS Podium GMT

The 42mm DS Podium GMT has a stainless steel case covered with black PVD, a bezel with tachymeter markings, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a leather strap, a date window, a 24-hour subdial, a 60-second subdial, a 12-hour/60-minute subdial, luminescent hands and markers, and an ETA caliber G10.961 quartz movement.

If you’re looking for an everyday GMT watch that’s affordable yet features an elegant design, you won’t regret getting a DS Podium GMT.

Pros:

  • Multi-functional with a sporty look
  • Very affordable with reliable quality
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Busy watch face
  • Strap feels cheap
  • Mediocre lume brightness

Tissot Couturier GMT

The Couturier GMT is one of the most affordable GMT watches with chronograph functions.

It’s the perfect accessory for business and formal occasions.

The 42mm Couturier GMT has a stainless steel case, a solid case back, tachymeter markings on the outer dial, a screw-down crown, a leather strap, a date window, a 24-hour GMT subdial, a 12-hour subdial, a 60-second subdial, silver-toned hands with lume, and an ETA calibre G10.961 quartz movement.

Pros:

  • Affordable for the number of functions it offers
  • Elegant design that can be worn on formal occasions
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Little lume applied on the hands
  • It can be hard to read the time on some variants that have poor color contrast between the hands and the dial
  • It’s a bit heavy to wear

Hamilton Jazzmaster GMT

The 42mm Jazzmaster GMT has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, an exhibition case back, a leather strap, a date window, a GMT hand, 24-hour markers in Arabic numeral, a list of world time cities on the outer dial, silver-toned hands and markers with lume, and an ETA caliber 2893-2 automatic movement.

The sleek but sharp look of the Jazzmaster GMT is best partnered with formal and business wear.

Pros:

  • Classy design with a clean watch face
  • Large date window
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water resistant up to 50m

Cons:

  • Lume applied is too thin
  • Some variants might make it hard to read the watch face
  • City list on the outer dial makes the watch look cluttered

Longines Conquest GMT

The 41mm Conquest GMT has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, silver-toned hands, a stainless steel bracelet, Arabic numeral 24-hour markers on the outer dial, a date window, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre L704.2 automatic movement.

This beautifully designed GMT watch is what real men should wear.

It has the right balance of sportiness and elegance, making it a very versatile timepiece.

Pros:

  • Watch face is easy to read
  • Elegant look with a sporty vibe
  • Power reserve of up to 48 hours
  • Water resistant up to 50m

Cons:

  • Heavy to wear
  • Power reserve declines in efficiency a bit quicker than expected
  • It’s a bit thick

Kobold Langley GMT

Kobold is known for producing watches with simple designs built for rugged use.

The Langley GMT is the brand’s first watch made for the everyday user who’s looking for an all-around accessory they can’t bring anywhere without worrying about its functionality and durability.

The 44mm Langley GMT has a stainless steel case, a black fabric strap, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a screw-down crown, a sapphire crystal, a black dial with a date window, 24-hour markers in Arabic numeral, luminescent hands and markers, and a Ronda 515.24H quartz movement.

Pros:

  • Large hands and clean watch face make it easy to read the time
  • Unique, minimalist design with a sporty vibe
  • Water resistant up to 300m

Cons:

  • Large and a little heavy
  • Crown is located at an unorthodox position
  • Lume isn’t that bright

Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Tradition Date GMT

Talk about sleek and stylish.

The Masterpiece Tradition model from Maurice Lacroix is simply the best GMT watch for formal occasions with its luxurious and elegant look.

The 40mm Masterpiece Date GMT has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, an exhibition case back, Roman numeral hour markers, a silver guilloche dial, blued steel hands, oversized date window, a 12-hour GMT subdial, and a calibre ML 129 automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Classy and clean watch face
  • Sleek finish makes it more expensive than it actually is
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water resistant up to 50m

Cons:

  • No lume
  • It’s a little thick
  • Some variants have poor color contrast between the hands and the face

Breitling Avenger II GMT Steel Volcano Black

The 43mm Avenger II GMT has a stainless steel case, a bidirectional bezel with 24-hour markers, a screw-down crown, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a date window, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 32 automatic movement.

This automatic GMT watch has luxury, durability, and functionality packed in a sporty design.

Pros:

  • Legible watch face
  • You can set up to 3 time zones with it
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water resistant up to 300m

Cons:

  • Bulky and heavy
  • Crown protrudes too much
  • It’s large and thick, making it unsuitable for people with thin wrists

Bell and Ross BR-01-93 GMT

The 46mm BR-01-93 GMT has a stainless steel case with black PVD coating, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a heavy-duty strap made of synthetic fabric and rubber, large Arabic numeral 12-hour markers, Arabic numeral 24-hour markers on the outer dial, a date window, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers, and an ETA calibre 2893 automatic movement.

This automatic GMT watch is built to withstand any weather and environment condition.

Although it has a utilitarian style, you can’t really say that it’s not stylish and attractive at all.

Pros:

  • Large hands make it very easy to read the time
  • Generous amount of lume applied on the hands and markers
  • Very durable case build
  • Thin and lightweight
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Minuscule date aperture that’s barely visible
  • Strap might be uncomfortable to wear for some people
  • Square shape might not be to the taste of some users

Tudor Black Bay Automatic GMT

The Black Bay Automatic GMT watch looks simple and practical but it’s very stylish and functional.

The bezel is its most noticeable feature since it looks like the one found on the Rolex GMT Master-II Pepsi with its blue-red color.

The 41mm Black Bay GMT has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a stainless steel bracelet, a bidirectional rotating bezel with 24-hour markers, a date window, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre MT5652 automatic movement.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Oversized crown
  • A bit heavy and thick
  • Hands are roughly cut on the edges

Chanel J12 Chromatic GMT

The 41mm J12 Chromatic GMT has a titanium ceramic case and band, a scratch-resistant sapphire, a solid case back, Arabic numeral hour markers, a GMT hand, a date window, luminescent hands and markers, and a Swiss automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Clasp holds the watch firmly in place
  • Lightweight and easy to fit
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Date window is too small
  • Weak lume brightness
  • Face looks a bit cluttered because of the large hour markers

IWC Ingenieur Dual Time

IWC is one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world known for manufacturing products with excellent craftsmanship, durability, and functionality.

The automatic GMT watch model under the Ingenieur series is no exception, providing users with a reliable timepiece they can take anywhere.

The 45mm Ingenieur Dual Time has a titanium case and bezel, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a see-through case back, 24-hour markings on the outer dial, a date window, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 37520 automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and comfy to wear
  • Excellent lume brightness
  • Legible watch face
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water resistant up to 120m

Cons:

  • It’s large and a little chunky
  • GMT hand is a bit thin
  • Small date window

Bremont MBIII

Bremont’s MB series features the brand’s most iconic models.

Designed for pilots who require reliability and durability on their watches, the MB series has been tested to withstand air pressure at 40,000 feet and water pressure up to a 100m.

The 43mm MBIII has a stainless steel case lined with anti-magnetic iron, an inner bezel that rotates in both directions, a solid case back, a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a leather strap, Arabic numeral hour markers, a date window, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre BE-93-2AE automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Has anti-shock mounting for a more resilient and sturdy watch
  • Can withstand vibrations, fogs, temperature changes, and sudden fluctuations in pressure
  • Power reserve of up to 42 hours
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Oversized crowns
  • Date window camouflages with the dial color
  • A bit large and heavy

Omega Planet GMT

This luxury timepiece has a classy and sporty look that exhibits masculinity without being too loud.

For hardcore divers, this is the best GMT watch to have.

The 43.5mm Planet GMT has a titanium case and band, a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a bidirectional rotating bezel with a luminous pip and 24-hour markers, a date window, an exhibition case back, a GMT hand, a helium escape valve, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 8605 automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Very legible watch dial
  • Modern sporty look with impressive features
  • Solid case that can withstand rugged use
  • Power reserve of up to 60 hours
  • Water resistant up to 600m

Cons:

  • It’s big and a bit thick
  • Date window can be hard to read at times
  • A bit expensive than the typical dive watch

Ulysse Nardin GMT Dual Time

Fashionable and stunning is how you’d describe this automatic GMT watch.

The flawless finish of the GMT Dual Time houses a reliable and multi-functional dial ideal for those who love to travel.

The 42mm GMT Dual Time has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, an alligator leather strap, a screw-down crown, an exhibition case back, a date window, a dual-time window, a 60-second subdial, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre UN-334 automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Elegant look with a watch face that’s highly-legible
  • Subdial and date window are easy to see
  • Power reserve of up to 48 hours
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Dual time window is a bit hard to see
  • It’s a bit thicker than other watches
  • Crown protrudes a bit too much

Rolex GMT Master II

The 40mm GMT Master II has a case available in gold or stainless steel, a ceramic top ring with large Arabic numeral 24-hour markers, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, a magnified date aperture, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 3186 automatic movement.

Price varies widely because of the variations in the material used on the watch.

The most expensive model has a distinctive gold and green color combination that’s worth adding to your collection.

Pros:

  • Easily visible date window
  • Generous lume application
  • Highly accurate movement
  • Power reserve of up to 50 hours
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Expensive for what it can offer
  • Large numbers on the bezel might not appeal to some users
  • No anti-reflective coating on the dial crystal

Rolex Explorer II

The 42mm Explorer II has a 316L stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a fixed bezel with 24-hour markings, a screw-down crown, a magnified date window, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 3187 self-winding movement.

Like the GMT Master series, the Explorer II has a no-frills design that gives you what you exactly need from a GMT watch.

It’s available in black and polar white dial colors.

Pros:

  • Superb lume brightness
  • Large hands and markers make it easy to read the time
  • Power reserve of up to 48 hours
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • It’s a bit large and heavy
  • A bit expensive for having only the basic GMT watch features
  • May not be suitable to those with thin wrists

IWC Pilot GMT IW395001

With its rugged design, the IW395001 is an automatic GMT watch is made for outdoor activities.

It’s stylish, practical, functional, and simply durable.

Everything you need on a GMT watch is here.

The 45mm Pilot GMT IW395001 has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, Arabic numeral hour markers, a fixed bezel with time zones, a calfskin leather strap, a 60-second subdial, a subdial with a combined 12-hour and 60-minute scales, a GMT hand, a date aperture, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 89760 automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Flyback function and seconds hacking feature
  • Precise hand movements
  • Multi-functional subdials
  • Power reserve of up to 68 hours
  • Water resistant up to 60m

Cons:

  • Date window is almost invisible because of the poor color contrast
  • GMT hand is short and hard to see
  • Subdial readings are hard to identify

Chopard L.U.C. GMT

The 38mm L.U.C.

GMT has an 18k yellow gold case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a see-through case back, a leather strap with tang clasp, a 12-hour subdial for a 2nd time zone, a date window, gold-tone hands and index markers, and a calibre L.U.C 4.96 automatic movement.

The L.U.C.

GMT is perfect for those with smaller wrists who want an automatic GMT watch that has a simple but stylish design.

Pros:

  • Classy look suits it well as a dress watch
  • Legible watch face
  • Power reserve of up to 65 hours
  • Water resistant up to 30m

Cons:

  • No lume on hands
  • GMT hand on the subdial is too thin
  • Hard see the time at certain angles

Blancpain Villeret Reveil GMT Alarm

The Villeret Reveil is an all-rounder automatic GMT watch because of its multi-functional features.

It’s built with high-quality materials so you can rest assured the timepiece will last for years of use.

The 40mm Villeret Reveil has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, an alligator leather strap, 24-hour markers on the inner portion of the dial, Roman numeral hour markers, a 12-hour subdial, a GMT hand, a date window, a power reserve indicator, an alarm function, and a calibre 1240H automatic movement.

Pros:

  • Classic look suitable as a dress watch
  • Uncluttered look despite the multiple features on the dial
  • Power reserve of up to 45 hours
  • Water resistant up to 30m

Cons:

  • No lume on hands
  • Color of hands is almost the same as the dial, making it hard to read the time at certain angles
  • Small date window

Hublot King Power GMT Chronograph

The 48mm King Power GMT has a carbon fiber case, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, a rubber strap, four wheels for displaying multiple time zones, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre HUB1220 automatic movement.

For men who are always on the go, this is the perfect GMT watch to grab.

It has a bit of modern look with a stylish finish that will surely keep heads turning.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear despite its size
  • Power reserve of up to 72 hours
  • Water resistant up to 100m

Cons:

  • Very large size
  • Limited edition timepiece that’s hard to find
  • It can be confusing to read

Panerai Radiomir Chrono Monopulsante 8 Days GMT

The 45mm Radiomir Chrono Monopulsante has an 18kt white gold case, an exhibition case back, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a genuine alligator leather strap, a screw-down crown, a 60-second subdial, a 30-minute subdial, a power reserve indicator, a GMT hand, luminescent hands and markers made of rose gold, and a calibre P.2004/10 hand-winding movement.

This GMT watch overflows with masculinity, durability, and sophistication.

If you want an outdoor watch that can withstand anything you throw at it, the Radiomir Chrono should be at the top of your list.

Pros:

  • Very durable build
  • Elegant design suitable either as a dress watch or a sports watch
  • Very legible watch face
  • Power reserve of up to 192 hours or 8 days
  • Water resistant up to 50m

Cons:

  • Expensive considering it’s a manual-winding watch
  • Quite thick and heavy
  • No date window

Ulysse Nardin GMT Perpetual

Ulysse Nardin watches are known for their excellent craftsmanship and timeless designs.

The GMT Perpetual is the practical automatic GMT watch for the modern man with the numerous functionalities it offers.

The 38.5mm GMT Perpetual has an 18kt white gold case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a leather strap, minute markers on the outer subdial, silver-toned hands, a GMT hand, a 60-second subdial, luminescent hands, and a calibre UN-32 automatic movement.

It has a perpetual calendar with windows for displaying the month, the day, the date, and the year.

Pros:

  • Power reserve of up to 48 hours
  • Features a perpetual calendar in addition to a GMT hand
  • Classy, timeless look suitable as a dress watch
  • Large date window

Cons:

  • Thin lume on hands
  • A bit small for all the features displayed
  • Dial can be hard to read at times

Patek Philippe Nautilus GMT Moonphase

The renowned Nautilus model proves that it can show even more in terms of design and functionality with the GMT Moonphase series.

The silver and black elements are mixed together to create a luxurious timepiece with a distinctive shape.

The 40.5mm Nautilus GMT Moonphase has a stainless steel case, an exhibition case back, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, a crocodile leather strap, a 24-hour GMT subdial with moonphase function, windows for the day, month, and date, luminescent hands and markers, and a calibre 324 S QA LU 24H/303 automatic movement.

Pros:

  • It feels luxurious and durable
  • Power reserve of up to 35 to 45 hours
  • Water resistant up to 120m

Cons:

  • Dial looks busy
  • Day and month windows look too compacted
  • GMT hand is too thin

Conclusion

For those who are always traveling to other countries, a GMT watch is a must-have accessory.

Pilots usually wear this kind of watch to aid them as they fly across time zones all over the world.

But you don’t necessarily need to be a pilot or Jules Verne to have a reason to buy an automatic GMT watch.

You can wear one on formal occasions or business meetings because the stylish and luxurious look of GMT watches suit these events.

Whether you’re a jetsetter or a watch enthusiast who just wants to celebrate the complication offered by a GMT watch, review our list and you’ll surely find something to suit your taste.

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