Feature: These 5 wallet-friendly GMT watches are future classics
If you’re a self-professed jetsetter for business or pleasure and find yourself hankering after a GMT watch, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up five affordable GMTs that are as good-looking as they are functional, and which we reckon are destined to become future classics! But what do you make of them?
Tudor Black Bay GMT M79830RB-0001
Now a highly respected watchmaker in its own right, Tudor has forged an identity beyond the shadow of its mighty sister brand Rolex, with models including the Black Bay already at classic status. This Black Bay GMT will appeal to fans of the original 1950s Rolex GMT-Master—reference 6542—because it doesn’t have a crown guard, unlike Rolex’s newer models. Plus, it features the popular red and blue “Pepsi” bezel that’s also found on GMT-Master models—and for a fraction of the price.
Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT
Subscribers of Watchfinder’s YouTube channel will be aware of our gushing admiration for Grand Seiko. Expect this venerable Japanese brand to go from strength to strength in the coming years thanks to models like this GMT, which runs on its pioneering Spring Drive technology—hybrid mechanical movements with quartz regulators, enabling the seconds hand to sweep rather than tick. As well as the second time zone and date, there’s a useful power reserve indicator between 8 and 9 o’clock.
Bell and Ross BR01-93 GMT
Bell and Ross watches are renowned for their square cases and military-inspired aesthetic and this BR01-93 GMT is no different. With a cool black and orange colourway via the matte PVD-coated steel case and orange fabric strap, this is a watch that’s sure to stand out in a crowd. The highly legible design of the white-on-black dial makes it perfect for reading the time with a mere glimpse. Meanwhile the white and orange GMT hand looks like the iconic “freccione” hand found on the Rolex Explorer II.
Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles GMT
Most GMTs are sporty affairs with bi-colour bezels and spartan dials. However this effort from Tissot, who incidentally claim to have produced the first ever pocket watch with a second-time zone, is for those seeking a GMT that’s wallet-friendly and office-smart. It features a black concentric dial with applied Roman numerals laid over an intricate guilloche pattern, plus a small date window above 6 o’clock. A red arrow-tipped GMT hand reads off the 24-hour scale on the outer dial.
Serica GMT Chronometre
It’s a wildcard amongst these more established names, but Serica is a small boutique brand with an ever-growing fanbase that produces a limited but good-looking repertoire of watches. This GMT was added in 2022 and combines a Submariner-style dial with a prominent broad-arrow hour hand reminiscent of certain vintage Omegas. The 39mm case size and lollipop GMT hand enhance the vintage feel, while the bezel insert is fade-proof ceramic. It runs on a Swiss Soprod self-winding movement.
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