Considering GMT watches—any alternatives I'm missing?

Posts

376

Likes

541

jaspers

·Jan 4, 2024

So I'm in the market for a sporty, non-vintage watch with a 'true' GMT complication to add to my collection. I'd be willing to spend up to €5.500 (6.000 USD/4.750 GBP).

Below some watches I've put together on a long list—judging from my preferences evident in this pre-selection, are there alternatives I've missed and could/should consider as well? And any pros/cons for the ones I have on my long list? Thanks in advance for helping me out in this brainstorming phase 📖

Omega Seamaster GMT 'Great White' 2538.20.00

Omega Seamaster GMT 2535.80.00

Grand Seiko GMT SBGJ255

Grand Seiko GMT SBGE285

 

Posts

383

Likes

2,899

omegawatchlover

·Jan 4, 2024

How about the albino Tudor GMT?? It is a thick one however. You have wonderful choices. I’d go GS… your 3rd choice because the GMT hand needs to have color!! The first Omega is neat too. White and red look awesome. A rotating bezel = 3 time zones to track.. which doesn’t matter much. A rotating bezel is just nice to have.

 

Posts

3,562

Likes

24,054

Dsloan

·Jan 4, 2024

I have the Seamaster 50th GMT with a black dial and love it. The great white is fun too!

I will say that I was super impressed by the BB Pro when I saw it in person. It has a real vintage vibe in a modern watch.

I personally really like having a moving bezel though - gives you extra functionality and can be used as a timing bezel if you can handle some simple multiplication in your head.

 

Posts

784

Likes

6,723

Zman4eva

·Jan 4, 2024

Have you look at Longines? They have the Longines Spirit Zulu Time in 39mm and 42mm and Hydroconquest GMT.

https://www.longines.com/en-us/p/watch-longines-spirit-l3-812-4-53-6

https://www.longines.com/en-us/p/watch-hydroconquest-l3-790-4-56-6

Here's my Spirit Zulu Time in 39mm. I switched it to a MN strap but the bracelet is a quick release version.

 

Posts

13,461

Likes

52,951

Larry S

·Jan 4, 2024·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

jaspers

So I'm in the market for a sporty, non-vintage watch with a 'true' GMT complication to add to my collection. I'd be willing to spend up to €5.500 (6.000 USD/4.750 GBP).

Below some watches I've put together on a long list—judging from my preferences evident in this pre-selection, are there alternatives I've missed and could/should consider as well? And any pros/cons for the ones I have on my long list? Thanks in advance for helping me out in this brainstorming phase 📖

Omega Seamaster GMT 'Great White' 2538.20.00

Omega Seamaster GMT 2535.80.00

Grand Seiko GMT SBGJ255

Grand Seiko GMT SBGE285

Keep digging into th GS line. Saw one with a blue and white ceramic bezel last night that was stunning. Special dial too.

 

Posts

897

Likes

2,813

Scooterino36

·Jan 4, 2024

The 2535.80 is on my shortlist. But so is the PO Oreo. I think it could sneak into your budget or just over if pre-owned:

 

Posts

160

Likes

369

o.m.e.g.a

·Jan 4, 2024

Serica 8315 -- correction: office GMT
Farer Lander 4 -- correction: office GMT
Traska Venturer -- true GMT
Monta Atlas -- correction: office GMT

Edited: Jan 5, 2024

 

Posts

3,562

Likes

24,054

Dsloan

·Jan 4, 2024

Larry S

Keep digging into th GS line. Saw one with a blue and white ceramic bezel last night that was stunning. Special dial too.

Yeah, there a few variations on this. I've seen the dark blue dial one in person and it looked great. I think they may be slightly above your price range new, but pretty sure I've seen them below $6K when they come up used.

 

Posts

1,421

Likes

3,596

Watch my Whisky

·Jan 4, 2024

o.m.e.g.a

Farer Lander 4
Traska Venturer
Monta Atlas

Those all sound like Eastern European car manufacturers and their crossover models.

 

Posts

2,552

Likes

3,662

Pvt-Public

·Jan 4, 2024

Glycine has some nice ones, here’s mine.

 

Posts

13,461

Likes

52,951

Larry S

·Jan 4, 2024·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Dsloan

Yeah, there a few variations on this. I've seen the dark blue dial one in person and it looked great. I think they may be slightly above your price range new, but pretty sure I've seen them below $6K when they come up used.

My buddy has the style of the bottom one. It’s a handsome beast although his was a spring drive. I love the cloud dial.

 

Posts

2,265

Likes

17,831

Paedipod

·Jan 4, 2024

I have had the “great white” , 50th anniversary (black dial) and the bond GMT. Can’t go wrong with any of them……but if I were to re-purchase I think that the bond stands ahead. (Until I get tired of the fart valve again)

this is a weird one that I actually would buy again if it came up…

 

Posts

376

Likes

541

jaspers

·Jan 5, 2024

Thanks folks! Super helpful to get all these suggestions early in the process. Many dark horses out of left field.

I continue to be amazed by how deep the GS catalogue is @Larry S and @Dsloan. So much to choose from. Some progressive insight I’ve had in the meantime: the watch shouldn’t be too chunky, and I’d need lumed hands and dial. Just trying to trim down the options a little. Will go check out some models at an AD shortly!

Edited: Jan 5, 2024

 

Posts

352

Likes

1,423

itsjustausername

·Jan 5, 2024

personally, I find the power gauge on some of those Seiko spring drives unsightly and distracting. I believe they’ve moved it to the back of the case on newer models? That newly announced cloud blue one is quite attractive, but none of the GS line has lume, right?

 

Posts

2,813

Likes

5,906

Fallout Boy

·Jan 5, 2024

SINN ( 104 , 857 ) 105 perhaps?

 

Posts

160

Likes

369

o.m.e.g.a

·Jan 5, 2024

Fallout Boy

SINN ( 104 , 857 ) 105 perhaps?

That's office GMT, right?

 

Posts

2,813

Likes

5,906

Fallout Boy

·Jan 5, 2024

I am not a native english speaker: what do you mean?

 

Posts

160

Likes

369

o.m.e.g.a

·Jan 5, 2024

Just google "office gmt versus true gmt".

 

Posts

2,905

Likes

14,878

NT931

·Jan 5, 2024

@jaspers - great choices!

I used to have the Omega Great White - loved it, especially the red accents on the dial and hand.

GS - as someone mentioned, several options for GMT GS watches. Some on bracelet (the 'Mistflake' SBGE285 is lovely in person), some without (eg. the GS 'Kiku'), some with/without the PR indicator. I currently own a Kiku, it's a fantastic watch on the wrist. The GS choices are certainly worth considering.

Citizen - series 8 GMT is pretty cool, reasonably priced.

 

Posts

2,661

Likes

3,539

Donn Chambers

·Jan 5, 2024

Lots of micro brands now offer traveler GMTs (where the hour hand can move in one hour increments) based on the Miyota 9075 movement. Many are priced at $1000 or less. I bought one from Jack Mason watches several months ago and have enjoyed it. Well worth the price:

https://jackmasonbrand.com/pages/st...FBwgJs4_Eq7P51Zx3u27u6P1afylf41RoCUBsQAvD_BwE

Seiko also makes traveler GMT watches in their Presage line.

If you want Swiss-made at an economy price, Swatch also has an ETA traveler GMT movement that has been introduced in some of their brands. I know there are Tissot and Mido models with it. All are under $2k.