The GMT watch has gained a lot of popularity due to its appealing complications, which many people love. It offers more than basic time telling; it steps way above to be more accessible. There's much to delve into regarding the reasons behind wanting a GMT, but today, we’ll focus on an essential factor: why they’re the absolute best watches for travel.
A Word on the Infamous GMT
Before we get into everything that makes GMTs great traveler watches, let’s first take the GMT concept out of the way. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), set in 1884, became the global standard for measuring time. This standard is focused on London's Royal Observatory.
As you move, you adjust to GMT, adding or subtracting hours. For example:
- Hong Kong: GMT +8
- Dubai: GMT +4
- Philadelphia: GMT -5
GMT was created to standardize time for trains, ships, and planes. But in 1972, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) came along to replace GMT. UTC relies on atomic clocks, so it isn't exactly a time zone.
What Does a GMT Watch Do?
GMT indicates the time at the prime meridian in Greenwich. Scientists typically use UTC, which represents atomic time precisely to a millisecond.
However, UTC aligns with GMT for displayed time. This 'zero hour' serves as a reference to determine time worldwide by adjusting the hours. Moving eastward from England adds one hour for each new time zone, while moving westward subtracts one hour from GMT.
Where Did These Traveler Watches Come From?
As the Earth orbits the Sun, the light it receives shifts. Until the mid-19th century, this phenomenon wasn't understood, and people were unaware of global time changes.
In Germany, each principality had its own time, leading to chaos when railways arrived due to over 30 different time zones. In 1884, after negotiations, the Earth was divided into 24 time zones, with GMT as the "zero" time.
In the 1960s, GMT was replaced by UTC, which divides the day into 24 hours based on time zones. GMT watches were invented for travelers to easily know the time worldwide, becoming popular in aviation. Today, pilots still rely on GMT time for navigation, setting their watches accordingly and keeping track of both time zones at the same time.
Why They’re The Best Watches for Travel
With a GMT watch, travelers can easily check two different time zones thanks to the extra hand that moves independently.
The idea is simple: the main hands show the local time, while the 24-hour GMT hand displays the home time. This feature simplifies time tracking without complicating the watch's design. That’s why a true GMT watch is ideal for frequent travelers.
Another great feature about these traveller watches is that the GMT movement requires extra components to operate the second time zone hand. By separating the mechanisms for the main hands and the GMT hand, adjustments to one don't affect the other.
Sophisticated GMT Movements
Today, watch movements are more advanced than before, and they fall into two main types.
The first type has a GMT hand that can be set independently from the hour hand, showing a different time zone. This hand is not connected to the date.
The second type synchronizes the GMT hand with the minute hand, while the regular hour hand can be adjusted independently and is linked to the date.
This type is considered a more traditional GMT watch and is slightly easier to use while traveling, as adjusting the hour hand without affecting the minute hand is quick and straightforward when arriving in different time zones.
Most Cost-Effective Solution
The GMT watch is a budget-friendly alternative to the widely popular chronograph that’s both convenient and cost-effective. Its extra hand and often vibrant rotating wheel contribute to its fun, sporty aesthetic, making for an even easier purchase.
Complications on watches add interest and value but often come with a hefty price tag due to their intricate mechanics. Chronographs are typically twice the cost of basic watches, while GMTs offer similar features at a more affordable price point.
Historically, GMTs were mostly manufactured by Swiss brands and could be found at around $2,000. Today, they have become even more accessible and practical for a wider audience, with options like the Diver Quartz at a much budget-friendly price.
Features to Look For In GMT Travel Watches
Even though there are many types of watches out there, choosing the perfect true GMT watch can get overwhelming. However, the best GMT watches typically have these features:
| Feature | What it does |
| Dual Time Zones | Displays two time zones simultaneously, often with an additional hand or subdial. |
| Rotating Bezel or 24-Hour Scale | Comes with a spinning 24-hour edge or a 24-hour scale on the face for simple tracking of the second time zone. It also helps distinguish between day and night. |
| Quickset Hour Hand | Allows independent adjustment of the local hour hand in one-hour increments, simplifying time zone changes. |
| Quality Movement | Offers reliable automatic or manual movements to ensure accurate timekeeping. |
| Durability | Has scratch-resistant crystals, robust cases, and water-resistant components that make the watch safe for travel. |
| Aesthetics | Has a distinct style, ranging from sporty to elegant, to match personal taste and travel attire. |
How to Choose the Perfect GMT Watch
Selecting the right GMT watch involves more than just its ability to track multiple time zones. When you’re skimming through different collections, bear in mind the following checklist:
- Durability & Readability: Make sure the watch is tough and easy to read. You want it to last during your travels and be simple to check the time.
- Budget: Decide on your spending limit. Always aim for high-quality solutions that are the most cost-effective.
- Your Lifestyle: Pick a style that matches what you do every day. Do you need a formal look or a tough watch for outdoor activities?
- Prioritize Comfort and Fit: Pay attention to case size and thickness and measure it against your own wrist size for a comfortable fit.
- Maintenance: Think about long-term care for your watch. How much time will the watch require from you? Accessible service centers and transparent maintenance costs will keep your GMT watch in top condition for years.
Setting up Your GMT Traveler Watches
Beyond aesthetics, the GMT proves genuinely useful in modern life.To set up your new GMT watch, all you have to do is follow these steps:
- Start by pulling the crown to its second position. This allows adjustment of all the hands, including the GMT hand.
- Rotate the crown to align the GMT hand with the current home time.
- Push the crown back to its first position to set the hour. Make sure the hour hand matches the local time.
- If your watch displays the date, adjust it along with the hour and minute hands.
- After setting everything correctly, screw the crown back down.
- When traveling to a new time zone, repeat the process by unscrewing the crown and adjusting the hour hand without affecting the other hands. This ensures your watch stays accurate across time zones without needing constant readjustment.
Final Verdict: Should You Get a GMT Watch?
Yes, if you’re traveling frequently, a GMT watch is 100% worth it.
Nowadays, traveling has become much easier. Thanks to the watch's GMT function, you can know the time in different countries and adjust to new time zones quickly. This is perfect for layovers or connecting flights, so you never miss a moment in time.
Moreover, these traveller watches do not only show dual time zones but also often feature chronographs and compasses, especially in sports models. This is invaluable for adventurers who need something to ground themselves in as they explore the world.
Remember, with GMT watches, all you have to do is program the clock. Then, with a glance, you can check the time in different parts of the world while navigating them with ease.
Wrapping Up
In the vast world of watches, GMT timepieces hold a unique allure for travelers. They signify adventure, linking individuals across continents and time zones. If you love exploring or want a watch that's both stylish and useful, a GMT watch is a must-have.
When choosing a GMT watch, think about what design and features you like, check out different brands, and see what they have to offer. A GMT watch isn't just for telling time; it's like a friend on your adventures, reminding you of how big and timeless the world is. So, pick a watch that's both classy and practical, and get ready to travel!