GMT refers to Greenwich Mean Time, which is where all the time zones in the world stem from. Since planes and international travel has skyrocketed, it’s not uncommon for people to find themselves traveling between multiple time zones.
This is where GMT watches come into play. With an extra hour hand, be that the Rolex GMT-Master II, the Tudor Black Bay GMT, or the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, you can effortlessly keep track of two time zones. This makes them the perfect choice for people who love to travel and need to stay on top of things.
In today’s guide, we’re going to showcase the highest-quality GMT watches available right as we can help you discover a true GMT watch that you’ll love.
View The Best GMT Watch Below
1. Citizen JY8078-01L Promaster Skyhawk GMT Watch
Citizen offers a fantastic GMT watch experience like no other. Their eco-drive technology is charged by light, meaning you’ll never run out of battery power. The atomic timekeeping keeps track of time and sets your GMT watch automatically in over 43 cities. Also, this watch is a chronograph, accurate by 1/100th of a second.
Pros:
+ Comes with patented eco-drive technology
+ Professional and prestigious display box included
+ Stainless steel case and bracelet built to last
Cons:
– Might be too pricey for some budgets
Why We Like It – As far as watches go, this is one of the best GMT watches available, and what makes it even better is how many features it provides. From a water resistance of 20-bars to a perpetual calendar, countdown timer, backlight display, and UTC, there’s everything you’ll need here and more!
2. Seiko Special Edition Padi Kinetic Diver GMT Watch
There’s no denying that Seiko is one of the best timepiece brands in the world right now. They’ve been trusted for decades,, which alone should show how much consideration this special edition watch should receive.
With a beautiful blue design, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and the ability to be powered by light (with a six-month back-up power reserve), this is a watch made specifically with divers in mind, and it excels entirely.
Pros:
+ The vibrant blue aesthetic looks amazing
+ A unidirectional rotating bezel for tracking immediate time situations
+ It’s powered by light but comes with a six-month power reserve
Cons:
– Availability can be limited
Why We Like It – The high customer satisfaction rating surrounding this timepiece is fantastic and a true testament to what this GMT watch can bring into your life. For a great price, you can enjoy a fantastic watch experience.
3. Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk Watch
We’re heading back to Citizen now for another classic GMT timepiece model. This time we’re considering the more affordable Nighthawk. This 42mm watch is made from durable and long-lasting stainless steel and contains multiple date and calendar features, accurate Japanese quartz movement, and light and battery power capabilities.
It even comes with a backlight and luminescent hands and markers, so you can easily see the time in any given situation!
Pros:
+ Affordable and high-quality design
+ Water-resistant to 200m
+ Made from highly durable and sleek-looking stainless steel
Cons:
– None! This watch is considered one of the best!
Why We Like It – Whether you’re a professional diver or you like partaking in swimming or water sports, this is a traveler watch that can keep up with you. Water-resistant to a depth of 200m, you’ll never have to worry about this watch letting you down!
4. Citizen Eco-Drive Stainless Steel GMT Watch
This watch is lightweight, and also uses Citizen’s rights reserved light-sourcing Eco-Drive technology. It’s backed with luminescent hands, a 45mm blue dial for easy time reading, and hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied customers around the world. What is there not to love here?
Pros:
+ Comes with a premium quality genuine leather strap
+ A luminous hour hand for seeing time easily
+ Comes with a five-year warranty to protect your watch
Cons:
– None! Many people love this watch.
Why We Like It – Want to ensure you’re choosing one of the best travel watches you can trust? Don’t worry; this GMT watch comes with a Citizen Guaranteed five-year warranty, so you know you’ll never have to worry about it breaking within this time frame!
5. Bulova Special Edition Lunar Pilot Chronograph Watch
While Bulova might not be the best-known watch brand, it certainly raises the bar in many respects when it comes to GMT watches. This six-hand watch has all the time and calendar functions you’d want, all made using professional materials, such as scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and UHF quartz movement for ultimate accuracy.
There are two interchangeable straps included so you can mix up your style. Also, the 300m water-resistant design means you can go swimming, wash your hands, and walk in the rain, all without having to worry about breaking your watch!
Pros:
+ Averages an accurate around 1/1,000th of a second
+ Water-resistant to 300m
+ Luminous markers and hands to see in all light conditions
Cons:
– This GMT watch may be too expensive for some price brackets
Why We Like It – The precision you’ll find on this GMT watch is unparalleled. The quartz crystal inside this watch runs at a vibrational frequency of 262.155kHz, which is one of the best in the world, and also far greater and most accurate than your standard quartz crystal.
6. Vostok Komandirskie Automatic Movement Russian Military GMT Wristwatch
Are you looking for an affordable GMT watch that works fantastically, but you also don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars? The Vostok could be for you. It’s made to be as durable and as long-lasting as possible. This self-winding watch is completely automatic, meaning there’s no manual winding needed. Also, it can run fully charged for 31-hours.
Complete with shock and water-resistant technology, a luminous hour hand, and markers for easy visibility, you know this is a quality product you can rely on. It’s also the official supplier from the Defence Department of the Soviet Union.
Pros:
+ Luminous hands and markers for easy time reading
+ The official watch supplier of the Soviet Union (military grade)
+ Water resistance and shock-resistant
Cons:
– Not at sleek or elegant looking as other watches
Why We Like It – In need of a watch with a specific style or design? This GMT watch is available in over 22+ colors and aesthetics, ensuring that you’ll find one you love.
7. Casio “Edifice” Multi-Function Watch
Casio is a household name in the GMT watch industry. If you’re looking for quality in a GMT watch, it doesn’t get much better than this. Accurate with 1/20th of a second, water resistance to 100m and complete with three dedicated calendar dials, as well as Casio’s legendary reputation, it’s hard not to fall in love.
Pros:
+ Outstanding two-year battery life
+ Water resistance to 100m
+ Made by one of the most reputable watch manufacturers in the world
Cons:
– Water resistance rating to only 100m
Why We Like It – You never have to worry about your GMT watch dying again, since each Casio product is renowned for the outstanding battery life. This is no exception – with a minimum charge of two years, this is a watch you can trust to keep going.
8. Citizen Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Watch
The Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Watch is the last Citizen GMT watch we’re looking at today. This atomic watch works in dozens of countries around the world, and it also comes with an aesthetic that’s simply mesmerizing. It might look complicated, but there’s a certain charm to this watches’ black dial that you can’t ignore.
Made using a Japanese quartz movement, 200m water resistance, a very comfortable and lightweight strap, this is a watch you simply can’t go wrong with! Also, it comes with plenty of bonus features, such as luminous markers and hands, and multifunction chronographs,
Pros:
+ Great dial visibility with plenty to look at
+ Luminous markers and hands
+ Solar-powered using Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology
Cons:
– The black dial may seem too complicated for someone looking for a simple watch
Why We Like It – You’ll notice this watch is made using anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass to ensure maximum visibility. The stainless steel case allows for ultimate longevity and an experience that’s amazing from start to finish.
9. Invicta AVIATOR Casual Watch
Invicta is another one of the world’s most prestigious watch brands that rarely disappoint. If you’re looking for an affordable, GMT watch that comes with their standard of excellence, turn your attention to the AVIATOR casual.
Invicta has included all the standard features, such as a durable stainless steel design, 100m water resistance, Japanese quartz movement, and a one-year warranty. You’ll also find an inner bezel, customizable chronographs, and a date window. This is a complete high-quality experience for a fantastically affordable price!
Pros:
+ As durable as possible with materials and design
+ Synthetic scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass black dial window for ultimate visibility
+ Beautiful accuracy using Japanese quartz
Cons:
– May not look as nice as other watches on this list (basic)
Why We Like It – The craftsmanship in all Invicta GMT watches, including this one, is unparalleled, and the process the company takes in handcrafted their watches is simply beautiful and inspiring. It’s rare to find a company that takes this much care with their level of quality.
10. Fanmis GMT Master Sapphire Automatic Movement Watch
Last but not least, our final GMT watch comes from Fanmis. This is a luxury watch that is also designed for people who want to make a statement with their watches, but all while enjoying the benefits of a GMT watch.
This classic design is simple yet punchy and impactful. It contains a handy calendar display, a clear and easy-to-see GMT hand, and all the standard features, such as a protective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, as well as a stainless steel case. It also has an automatic movement and self winds, so you never have to worry about running out of charge! Ideal!
Pros:
+ Easily identifiable GMT hand
+ Beautifully simple yet powerful design and aesthetic
+ Automatic movement self-winding, also no need for batteries
Cons:
– The bracelet strap is not as high-quality as other brands
Why We Like It – As with most watches, this timepiece is made using stainless steel case materials in both the face and the bracelet. These durable materials will ensure to stand the test of time. In short, this is a watch that you can enjoy for many years to come!
GMT Watch Buyers Guide
Now that you’ve seen the best of what the GMT watch market has to offer, it’s time to choose which device you’re going to call your own. You need to think about all the different features out there and what works best for you, which is exactly what we’re going to do right now!
The Dial
The first thing you’ll want to look at when buying a GMT timepiece is the dial. You’ll want to make sure the black dial is clear and preferably includes a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which is known to be one of the best. For extra sleekness, also get one in a steel case.
Of course, the visibility of your timepiece is also important here, so you may always want to look into things like luminous hands or markers that indicate the time, and maybe even a digital backlight to show the watch up in low-light conditions.
The Look
Style is always a big and important point. If you buy a watch for practical reasons, but you don’t love how it looks, you’re not going to enjoy wearing it, and it’ll probably end up sitting in a drawer and never be used. In short, that’s a waste of money.
Instead, look for a watch you love the look of. Maybe even consider one that comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to pick your favorite. You may also want to look at interchangeable straps to further customize your timepiece.
The Strap
Hand in hand with the point above, the strap is also a vital feature of your watch. You’ll need a strap that’s durable and designed to last the tests of time, and whatever you put it through. You’ll also need a strap that’s comfortable to wear.
For example, a stainless steel case, strap or clasp is perhaps the most secure and will guarantee to last for years to come. However, these may be too heavy, especially when you couple it with a big metal watch, so it might be best to get resin, plastic, silicone, or leather strap to prevent holding you back.
The Bezel
A common feature of modern GMT watches is the bezel. These can rotate in one direction, or unidirectional. They’re used to track when certain events happen, so you can easily keep an eye on the time. In most GMT watches, these will be used for decorative purposes, but if you swim or do some kind of sport, it can be a helpful feature.
The Power
There’s no denying that the way your watch is powered will dictate how good or bad your watch experience is. You need to make sure the battery in your GMT watch is going to last a few years st least, and is easily and affordably replaceable.
However, this isn’t your only option. Some GMT devices will use solar-powered technology that can be powered with visibility from any light source. This, of course, means the watch could last for many years to come without a battery.
The other power variety comes in the form of automatic movement GMT devices. These can be manually wound using a dedicated black dial or can be charged simply with the movement of your wrist, and therefore doesn’t require a battery whatsoever.
However, getting an automatic movement watch with a battery power reserve can ensure you really will never run out of power, and basically get the best of both worlds! The average GMT power reserve will last around six months, but you can find some watches with a power reserve that offers more if you need it.
The Mechanisms
The final consideration you’ll need to think about is how accurate your watch is going to be. No watch is perfect since everyday wear and tear and movements can knock the watch. They’ll slowly become out of sync over time. Nevertheless, the more accurate your watch, the more accurate your timekeeping.
There are plenty of GMT devices out there. The mechanics will differ, but the standard that most watches use is a Japanese quartz crystal that keeps time. They’re usually a 1/1,000th of a second (plus or minus) accurate over the course of a month.
Expert Tip
Always check the brand of the timepiece you’re going to buy, and you should get an idea for its reputation. Brands like Seiko and Rolex GMT watch products have been around for years, so you know that in most cases, these are going to be watches you can rely on and trust.
Did you know?
Greenwich mean time (GMT) is actually the time recorded by the solar time taken at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. The site was established back in 1884 and has been the basis for world time ever since!
