The Top 11 GMT Watches Reviewed By StrapHabit
Nick LehnerI've always loved watches that display two time zones since before I had even heard the term GMT (and if you haven't either, this article will explain it). A great GMT is your trusty friend to help keep your bearings during long travel days. I've been looking back at the first 5 plus years of the StrapHabit blog and wanted to revisit some of my favorite GMTs.
As I did with lume, divers, and affordable watches, I will list my favorite GMT and dual-time watches that have been reviewed on this blog (this is not a comprehensive list of all dive watches available). With that out of the way, let's get to the list!
If you already have a favorite dive watch, you can also view our favorite straps for all your watches at the links below and our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
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11. Oris Big Crown Propilot Worldtimer (01 690 7735 4063-07 1 22 72FC)
I only had this watch on loan from Oris for a short time, but I know it works in the field because a friend who is a Delta pilot wears one. Rather than a traditional 24-hour hand, home time is indicated in a small subdial with a day/night indicator. Oris has sold a few different watches with this complication, but the Propilot version had the cleanest application. Rather than pushers protruding from the case, the bezel is rotated to step the time forward or back in one-hour increments. The mechanism tends to bind, which hurts the Oris on this list, but it's a useful method otherwise.
10. Sinn 757 UTC (757.011)
One downside of GMT watches is that if you don't need the second time zone display all the time, it can distract from the rest of the watch. Some of Sinn's UTC watches, like this 757 chronograph, solve that problem. It displays an alternate time on a 12-hour scale using a yellow skeletonized version of the main hour hand.
When you don't need a second zone, the hand can be jumped to the same time as home time, hiding the UTC hand behind the main hand. It's not as useful for frequent international travel but perfect for the occasional traveler. Plus it's loaded with Sinn's other cool tech, making it a robust tool watch.
9. Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pink GMT (ZO9416)
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf watches come in so many fun colors and offer great value. Thus we were extremely grateful when the brand donated one to give away to raise money for Men Wear Pink in 2024. Its half-pink bezel and GMT hand paired perfectly with the 2024 straps. The fact that it has great legibility and a lumed bezel was icing on the cake.
8. Q Timex GMT 38mm (TW2V38000)
At an MSRP of $220, the Q Timex GMT is by far the best value on this list. It offers great legibility and classic red and blue Pepsi style with a rotating bezel, and the lume is decent too. It's an office GMT but has a Swiss movement. I borrowed it from a friend to review and try out with the StrapHabit TQ18 Q Timex straps.
7. Perrelet Seacraft GMT (A1055)
When I reposted a review of my old Perrelet Seacraft GMT, I called it "the best travel watch you've never heard of." While you'll rarely come across one, they have intricate finishing, and handy push buttons for jumping the 12-hour hand. A day/night indicator provides additional information, and legibility is great. At the time, I bought it because it was less expensive than a used Omega Seamaster GMT. While I didn't prefer the pointer date display, it's still worth checking out if you come across a used one.
6. Timex x The James Brand Automatic GMT 41mm Titanium
When Miyota released its 9075 movement with the traveler GMT function, we all knew it was only a matter of time before more affordable watches started coming out with that complication. You'll find a few more later in this list, but the first is the Timex x James GMT that was loaned to me by Wrist Unwound. Like the James brand's other products, It offers tool-like functionality with just a cool pop of color. A titanium case and bracelet make it lightweight and comfortable too.
5. Seiko Prospex LX Sky Limited Edition (SNR049J1)
The Seiko Prospex LX series is a lesser-known range that sits well above the standard Prospex models. LX models offer near-Grand Seiko-level quality, albeit at near-Grand-Seiko pricing. This Sky Limited edition features a titanium case with zaratsu polishing, and a spring drive movement. The only reason that it didn't finish higher on the list is that the size (diameter and especially thickness) is likely to turn some people off.
4. Nodus x Raven Trailtrekker GMT
3. Rolex GMT Master II (116710BLNR)
2. Grand Seiko SBGN003
Many high-end watch collectors consider a mechanical movement a "must-have." If you' can set that aside, Grand Seiko's 9F quartz watches are compelling. For less money than a Spring Drive or mechanical GS, you'll still be getting zaratsu polishing and a beautiful dial, but you'll also get an accuracy rating of +/- 10 seconds per year. If SBGN003 (the black dial version with an orange GMT hand) had a rotating bezel, it would be just about perfect!
1. Nodus Contrail GMT
With the Contrail GMT, Nodus took many of the things that I loved about the Prospex LX (traveller GMT movement, lumed sapphire bezel, great legibility, attractive looks), and fixed the things that I didn't like about it (size and price). Granted, the case finishing, and indices aren't as crisp, but it's a fraction of the price. Nodus also added fun details like a roulette date with yellow on even days. At around $800, I have yet to find a travel watch that combines the functionality and good looks of the Contrail GMT.
