Feature: Which of these GMT watches would you take on holiday?
Durable enough to wear in the sea and useful for keeping an eye on the time back home, as well as local time, a sporty GMT makes the perfect holiday watch. If you’re about to dig out your Ray-Bans for your summer vacation, you might also want to consider what to put on your wrist. We’ve got some suggestions…
Tudor Black Bay GMT
The Black Bay has become Tudor’s flagship model and the GMT version is a welcome addition to the collection. Featuring that classic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel, this model looks similar to sister brand Rolex's iconic GMT-Master. Tudor-specific highlights, though, include the classic snowflake hour hand and the engraved Tudor rose on the crown.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection GMT
Grand Seiko is arguably the best Japanese watchmaker and this GMT from its Heritage collection shows why. Featuring the in-house Caliber 9F, it’s powered by what’s recognised as one of the finest quartz movements in the world. Boasting a sporty case and understated design, this stainless-steel model is ideal for everyday wear.
Panerai Luminor GMT PAM00986
Panerai makes a surprisingly large number of GMT models which come within its famous Luminor and Radiomir collections. This Luminor model displays the second time zone via a subdial at 9 o’clock, while there’s also a date display and linear power reserve indicator above 6 o’clock. The movement packs in three spring barrels to give it a huge 10-day power reserve.
Zodiac Super Seawolf World Time GMT
This GMT from Zodiac, a brand that was in the doldrums for decades until its revival in the late 90s, is unusual in that it features both a GMT hand and a vibrant red bezel adorned with the names of the world’s major cities. The red GMT hand reads off the 24-hour ring around the dial, while some light mental calculations and a bit of bezel twisting allows you to work out the time everywhere from Bangkok to Buenos Aires.
Rolex GMT-Master II
It might be a good idea to check the crime statistics of your holiday destination if this instantly recognisable icon is what you plan to take with you. Nobody wants their trip ruined by getting mugged. That said, the GMT-Master with eye-catching “Pepsi” bezel was originally made for pilots flying to far-flung places, which makes it the cool grandad of travellers’ watches.
Omega Planet Ocean 215.30.44.22.01.001
It’s unusual for dive watches to include a GMT, making this Planet Ocean a bit of a rarity but that’s exactly why we love it. The hefty steel case and chunky three-link bracelet are perfect to support its impressive 600m water resistance. This, along with the GMT function, make it ideal for overseas beach holidays galore.
Serica 8315 GMT Chronometre
Affordable yet respected watchmaker, Serica, has produced its first GMT, the 8315. Interestingly, this smart, monochrome piece features a lollipop GMT hand instead of a classic arrow hand, which points to the bezel and displays either a second time zone or your local time on 24 hours—apparently a first for GMT watches.
Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT
Christopher Ward is one of the hottest brands on our radar—have you seen the Bel Canto?—and the C63 Sealander GMT doesn’t go amiss either. Inspired by Rolex’s Explorer II, which is no bad thing, it features a similar fixed outer bezel and comes in a 39mm case, like vintage Explorer II models. It also offers better water resistance than the aforementioned Rolex.
