The GMT complication was born from necessity—Pan Am pilots in the 1950s needed to track multiple time zones simultaneously. Today, GMT watches remain the traveler's essential tool, whether you're crossing oceans or just keeping tabs on colleagues in different cities.
This guide covers the best GMT watches at every price point, from affordable travel companions to grail-level icons.
Understanding GMT Watches
A GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) watch displays at least two time zones simultaneously. The typical setup includes a 24-hour hand that completes one rotation per day, paired with a rotating bezel marked 1-24. This allows you to track home time while the main hands show local time.
Types of GMT Movements
- Caller GMT: The hour hand jumps in one-hour increments independently—ideal for travelers who change zones frequently. You adjust local time without affecting the GMT hand.
- Office GMT: The GMT hand can be set independently. Better for tracking a fixed second time zone (like your home or office) while traveling.
- True GMT: Both the hour hand and GMT hand can be adjusted independently—maximum flexibility but more complex movements.
💡 Which GMT Type Do You Need?
Frequent travelers benefit most from "Caller" GMTs where the hour hand jumps independently. If you mainly track one other time zone from home, an "Office" GMT works perfectly. For maximum flexibility, seek a "True" GMT, though these command premium prices.
Under $500: Entry-Level GMT
Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK
$475 - $525
Seiko brought affordable mechanical GMT to the masses with the SSK series. True GMT functionality with independently adjustable hour hand, 100m water resistance, and that classic Seiko reliability. Multiple colorways available including the popular "Pepsi" and "Batman" bezels.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, first GMT watch, Seiko enthusiasts
Orient Multi-Year Calendar
$350 - $450
Not a true GMT, but Orient's perpetual calendar tracks the day, date, month, and features a 24-hour subdial. For travelers who need date tracking across time zones, this offers remarkable value with Orient's in-house automatic movement.
Best for: Budget seekers, calendar function priority
$500 - $2,000: Serious Travel Companions
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 GMT
$795
The PRX phenomenon expands to GMT territory. Swiss-made with 80-hour power reserve, the PRX GMT brings that iconic integrated bracelet design to travelers. True GMT functionality in a watch that works equally well at the office or on vacation.
Best for: PRX fans, Swiss quality seekers, everyday GMT
Glycine Airman
$1,200 - $1,800
The Airman pioneered the "purist" 24-hour dial in 1953—the entire dial runs on 24-hour time, eliminating AM/PM confusion. For those who truly live on GMT or military time, no other watch matches the Airman's commitment to the format.
Best for: Aviation professionals, 24-hour time users, purists
Mido Ocean Star GMT
$1,350 (Grey: ~$950)
Mido delivers Swiss GMT with 80-hour power reserve and ceramic bezel at a competitive price. The Ocean Star combines dive watch capability (200m) with GMT functionality—perfect for travelers who also spend time in the water.
Best for: Value seekers, dive + GMT combination
Longines Spirit Zulu Time
$2,875 (Grey: ~$2,100)
Longines' entry into serious GMT territory. COSC-certified chronometer accuracy, silicon hairspring, and flyer GMT functionality (hour hand jumps independently). The Spirit Zulu Time punches well above its price point in features and finishing.
Best for: Serious travelers, COSC accuracy seekers, heritage brand lovers
$2,000 - $5,000: Luxury GMT Territory
Tudor Black Bay GMT
$4,075
Tudor's in-house MT5652 movement offers true GMT functionality with 70-hour power reserve. The "Pepsi" bezel pays homage to vintage Rolex GMTs, but Tudor's pricing and availability make it actually obtainable. Rolex quality without the waitlist.
Best for: Rolex DNA seekers, value-conscious luxury buyers
Oris Aquis GMT Date
$2,800 (Grey: ~$2,100)
Oris combines their popular Aquis dive case with GMT functionality. The bi-directional rotating inner bezel allows tracking a third time zone. 300m water resistance makes this a true dive-GMT hybrid.
Best for: Divers who travel, three-timezone tracking
Grand Seiko SBGM221 "Cocktail Time GMT"
$4,800
Grand Seiko's GMT offerings showcase their legendary dial craftsmanship. The SBGM221 features a stunning blue dial with the Zaratsu polishing that makes Grand Seiko famous. True GMT with jumping hour hand and 72-hour power reserve.
Best for: Finishing enthusiasts, Japanese excellence seekers
$5,000 - $10,000: Premium Travel Watches
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT
$7,000 (Grey: ~$5,000)
Master Chronometer certification means antimagnetic to 15,000 gauss and superior accuracy. The Aqua Terra's teak-pattern dial and versatile styling work from boardroom to beach. True GMT with independently adjustable hour hand.
Best for: Omega fans, antimagnetic protection needs, versatile wear
Zenith Defy Skyline GMT
$9,100 (Grey: ~$6,500)
Zenith's 1/10th second El Primero technology meets GMT functionality. The Skyline's integrated bracelet and distinctive dial pattern create a modern luxury sports GMT. Quick-change strap system adds versatility.
Best for: Modern design lovers, Zenith enthusiasts
Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41
$8,650 (Grey: ~$5,500)
The aviation icon adds GMT functionality to its legendary slide-rule bezel. Pilots can now track two time zones while performing flight calculations. The 41mm case offers more accessible sizing than older Navitimers.
Best for: Pilots, aviation enthusiasts, Breitling fans
$10,000+: Grail GMTs
Rolex GMT-Master II
$10,700+ (Secondary: $15,000+)
The GMT that started it all. Rolex's GMT-Master II sets the standard against which all others are measured. The "Pepsi," "Batman," and "Root Beer" bezels have become cultural icons. True GMT with jumping hour hand and Rolex's legendary reliability.
Best for: Rolex collectors, investment potential, ultimate status
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Geographic
$13,500
JLC's "true" worldtimer displays home time, local time, and a day/night indicator for the home timezone. The pushing button at 10 o'clock advances local time in one-hour jumps. Haute horlogerie finishing at accessible (for the segment) pricing.
Best for: JLC collectors, dual-timezone with day/night
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A
$35,000+ (Secondary: $55,000+)
Patek's sporty Travel Time complication allows simultaneous tracking of home and local time with separate day/night indicators for each. Push-buttons at 8 and 10 o'clock advance local time. This is grail-level GMT sophistication.
Best for: Ultimate collectors, Patek enthusiasts, grail seekers
Our Top Picks by Budget
- Under $500: Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK — true GMT at an unbeatable price
- $500-1,000: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 GMT — Swiss quality, 80hr reserve
- $1,000-3,000: Longines Spirit Zulu Time — COSC certified, silicon hairspring
- $3,000-5,000: Tudor Black Bay GMT — in-house movement, Rolex DNA
- $5,000-10,000: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT — Master Chronometer
- $10,000+: Rolex GMT-Master II (if available) or JLC Geographic
🏆 The Value Champion
The Tudor Black Bay GMT at $4,075 offers in-house movement, 70-hour power reserve, COSC certification, and Rolex-level build quality at less than half the price of a Rolex GMT-Master II—which you probably can't buy at retail anyway. It's the smart money choice for serious GMT seekers.