For many years, a well built GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) watch, which can tell the time in multiple time zones, was expensive and difficult to come by. Sure, there was always the ubiquitous Rolex GMT Master I and II, but prices for these have been steadily skyrocketing in virtually all iterations, and GMT complications from other Swiss brands were similarly expensive.
The landscape today is very different, however. These days, boutique watch brands have capitalized on the popularity of the GMT and the relative plentifulness of GMT-based Swiss movements, and are developing watches that offer multiple time zones at a fraction of the cost of a Rolex or similar watch. This isn’t to say that you should buy a modern GMT Master II if you’d like one and can afford one (and can find one), but there are now plenty of more affordable options.
From quartz Citizen to Swiss-made microbrand offerings, these are 7 of the most affordable GMT watches available right now.
Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive GMT
If you want to take your GMT watch into the water and not worry about it, but also don’t want to spend a ton o’ moolah, this Eco Drive from Citizen could be your best bet. It’s admittedly large (44mm), but it’s got a colorful style, serious dive-equipment vibe going on, and the battery should outlast you, given that it charges via sunlight.
Diameter: 44mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Price: $336
Victorinox Field Force GMT
You can get into a Swiss GMT watch for under $400. This Victorniox won't have the same prestige as your GMT Master II, but it’s got a sleek, utilitarian black dial with the distinctive Swiss Army branding, a 42mm case, a date window and 100m of water resistance. With a quartz movement to keep it robust and affordable, this may be the perfect option for the budget traveler.
Diameter: 42mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Price: $375+
Alpina Seastrong Diver GMT Quartz
A step up in terms of fit and finish from the previous two entries, the Seastrong Diver GMT from Alpina is available in multiple dial and bezel colors and features a 44mm x 12.45mm steel case with a black coating, rotating bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and quartz movement. These military-inspired dive watches will look great on a variety of straps, and the black dial/black bezel variant especially has a rugged feel.
Diameter: 44mm
Water Resistance: 300m
Price: $795
Farer Lander III
Built around the Sellita SW330 automatic movement, the Lander III from Farer offers the microbrand value we love, decent water resistance and the brand's signature vibrant look. The Lander III is handsome, sleek, and with its eye-popping blue dial, perhaps the perfect summer travel watch. (It’s also available in different colorways as the Oxley at about the same price as the limited edition Oxley).
Diameter: 39.5mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Price: $1,445
Hamilton Broadway GMT Limited Edition
Admittedly a large watch at 46mm, the Broadway GMT is powered by the H-14 automatic movement and features a city ring around the ceramic bezel for keeping track of time in foreign locales. Also available on a matching steel bracelet for $1,545, the Broadway is a versatile take on the GMT/world timer.
Diameter: 46mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Price: $1,495
Yema Superman Heritage GMT
Essentially a GMT-adapted version of Yema’s flagship dive watch, the Superman, the Heritage GMT is available in some new bezel colors for 2020. With 300m of water resistance and a Swiss ETA movement powering its time-tracking capabilities, this Yema is versatile enough to be the one watch you own. Just be prepared for people to confuse it with a certain watch from Rolex…
Diameter: 39mm
Water Resistance: 300m
Price: $1,499+
Monta Atlas
One of our favorite timepieces from Baselworld 2019, the Atlas is no-nonsense, American-designed, Swiss-made GMT. Available in numerous dial colors and strap options, the Atlas perfectly straddles the line between sport and everyday watch, and it’s got 150m of water resistance, to boot. With its highly considered design, striking dial and comfortable bracelet, it's worth every penny.
Diameter: 38.5mm
Water Resistance: 150m
Price: $1,950
