Table of Contents
If you’re a frequent traveler, an aviation enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the art of horology, you may have heard of GMT watches. But what is a GMT watch, and how do you read one? In this blog post, we will explore what GMT watches are, their history, functionality, and most importantly, how you can make the most of it.
What is a GMT Watch?
A GMT watch is a type of wristwatch specifically designed to display multiple time zones simultaneously. "GMT" stands for Greenwich Mean Time, which was once the global standard for timekeeping. GMT watches are equipped with an additional 24-hour hand and a rotating bezel or 24-hour scale, allowing the wearer to track a second-time zone, often referred to as the "home" or "reference" time, while the main hour hand shows the local time. This makes GMT watches particularly useful for travelers, pilots, and anyone who needs to monitor different time zones.
Origin of the GMT Watch
GMT has served as the world’s standard time for several centuries. GMT-Master was the name of the first GMT watch that Rolex produced in 1954. This timepiece was manufactured specifically for the Pan American World Airways pilots. This timepiece was designed to solve the constantly growing demand for a time-saving device capable of running several time zones simultaneously. After all, it is of great importance considering that with its help, the pilots had an opportunity to track the correct time of both departure and destination. They catered much for accuracy in time to make their landings smoother.
How a GMT Watch Works
As far as a GMT timekeeper is concerned, it is defined as a device that allows its wearer to read multiple time zones. This function is executed via an additional hour hand, featuring a different color or suggesting a different design. Moreover, this new hand applied to GMT watches encompasses the full 24 hours and rotates around its axis once in 24 hours. In turn, a 24-hour bezel or a chapter ring can be applied as a helpful GMT feature for setting up the time of a second time zone for any user.
Key Features of a GMT Watch
The 24-Hour Hand
The main feature of a GMT watch is a 24-hour or GMT hand. While the regular-hour hand makes two rotations during the day, the 24-hour hand, being half as fast, makes only one rotation over 24 hours. As a result, the 24-hour hand shows the time in a second-time zone.
The Rotating Bezel
A rotating 24-hour bezel is a feature of many GMT watches. The bezel is a separate, independently rotating ring around the dial, graduated in 24-hour periods. You can use the bezel to track a third-time zone. The watch’s hour hand shows the local time when the bezel and the 24-hour hand are set to the same position.
Independent Hour Hand
A modern version of a GMT watch has a separably adjustable hour hand. This allows the wearer to change the local time without stopping the movement, ensuring that the 24-hour hand remains synchronized with the reference time.
How to Read a GMT Watch
Step 1: Set the GMT Hand
Set the GMT hand first to your reference location, which will normally be home time. This is achieved, with the crown in an intermediate position you turn until the GMT hand selects the correct hour on a 24-hour scale.
Step 2: Set the Local Time
After that, set the main hour hand to your local time in where you are currently. On watches with an independent hour hand, this can be done without affecting the GMT hand. If your watch has a rotating bezel, ensure it is aligned correctly with the 24-hour hand to indicate your reference time.
Step 3: Use the Bezel for a Third Time Zone
If you need to track a third time zone, rotate the bezel so that the hour of the third time zone aligns with the GMT hand. The time in this third zone can then be read off the bezel.
Step 4: Read the Time
- Local Time: Read the time as you would on any other watch using the main hour and minute hands.
- Home or Reference Time: Check the 24-hour hand against the 24-hour scale (either on the bezel or the dial) to know the time in your home or another time zone.
- Third Time Zone (if applicable): Use the position of the 24-hour hand against the rotated bezel to determine the time in a third-time zone.
Popular GMT Watches to Buy
When it comes to choosing a GMT watch, there are several iconic and reliable options available. Here are some of the most popular GMT watches to consider:
1. Rolex GMT-Master II
Rolex created a more famous type of GMT watch, the Rolex GMT-Master II, which has solidity and the same immortal configuration. Featuring its iconic two-tone bezel and the capability to monitor three different time zones, this watch is a favorite among pilots, travelers, and watch enthusiasts alike.
2. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT is a robust dive watch with GMT functionality, making it perfect for adventurers who need to keep track of time across different zones. It features a 24-hour scale on the bezel and is water-resistant up to 600 meters.
3. Tudor Black Bay GMT
The Tudor Black Bay GMT offers a classic vintage look combined with modern technology. Its standout feature is the “Pepsi” bezel, similar to the Rolex GMT-Master II, and it’s a more affordable option for those seeking high-quality craftsmanship with GMT functionality.
4. Grand Seiko SBGM221
The Grand Seiko SBGM221 is a beautifully crafted automatic GMT watch that combines elegance with practicality. Known for its exquisite finishing and the high precision of its automatic movement, this watch is perfect for those who appreciate fine horology.
5. Breitling Avenger II GMT
The Breitling Avenger II GMT is designed with aviation in mind. It features a 24-hour scale on the dial and a rugged design that’s perfect for pilots and frequent travelers. It also offers a higher level of shock resistance, making it ideal for more extreme environments.
Why Own a GMT Watch?
For Frequent Travelers
For a world traveler, a GMT watch is priceless. It helps one adjust to the local time while tracking the time back home and sparing one the need to reset the watch dozens of times during a single trip.
For Professionals Working Across Time Zones
Whether you’re a pilot, a global business executive, or someone who communicates with colleagues in different parts of the world, a GMT watch can help you manage your schedule more effectively by keeping you in sync with multiple time zones.
For Watch Enthusiasts
More to the point, apart from the substantial place that a GMT watch takes in one’s life, it represents a perfectly crafted time mechanism that blends tradition and future, the familiar and the unexpected. In addition, owning a GMT watch means acquiring another piece of jewelry that will easily adjust to any outfit.
Also Check: Which Wrist Should I Wear My Watch On?
Conclusion
A GMT watch is not just a device for time indication but a complex device targeted at people who regularly change time zones. Knowing the capabilities of this device and understanding the timekeeping with a GMT watch would not only add your confidence about your awareness of a thing, but it can also make such a watch a convenient appliance for extensive travel and a must-have item for any traveler, business person or watch lover.
