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 some of the most affordable GMT watches available right now.
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
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100m
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
Movement: Citizen Eco-Drive solar quartz
Water Resistance: 200m
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
Movement: Alpina AL-247 quartz
Water Resistance: 300m
If you can find a stronger value for a Swiss automatic GMT, please, let us know. For almost half the price of most of its competition, the Maen Greenwich GMT (reviewed here) not only offers all the features you'd expect of much more expensive watches, but a solid build and a cool, versatile design — available in several interesting variations. At 38mm, it's wearable as hell, too. We're impressed and can only scratch our heads at how the brand can offer such value.
Diameter: 38mm
Movement: SwissTech S24-045 automatic
Water Resistance: 100m
A GMT-equipped variation of Yema’s flagship dive watch, the Superman, this Worldtime GMT features a "maxi" dial meaning its indices are emphasized for maximum legibility and just a cool-ass look. With 300m of water resistance and the brand's own in-house developed and assembled automatic movement powering it, you're looking at a hell of a value and a versatile enough appeal to be the one watch you own.
Diameter: 39mm or 41mm
Movement: Yema 3000 automatic
Water Resistance: 300m
For a solid, refined dive watch from an established Swiss brand for not a ton of cash, you're not going to find a better automatic GMT than this. As part of the Swatch Group, Mido has access to the excellent 80-hour-power-reserve automatic movement from its sister company ETA. The Ocean Start GMT is kind of a whopper in size at 44mm, but you'll find that it's exceedingly well built for the money.
Diameter: 44mm
Movement: ETA C07.621 automatic
Water Resistance: 200m
Built around the Sellita SW330 automatic movement and offering a rotating 24-hour bezel with colors indicating day and night, the GMT Bezel collection from Farer offers the microbrand value we love, decent water resistance and the brand's signature vibrant look. The GMT Bezel is handsome, sleek, and with its eye-popping dial colors, perhaps the perfect summer travel watch. (It’s also available in different colorways, each offering a fresh and unique look for the same price).
Diameter: 40.5mm
Movement: Sellita SW330-1 Top Grade automatic
Water Resistance: 100
Admittedly a large watch at 44mm, the Khaki Aviation Converter GMT is powered by the H-14 automatic movement and features a slide rule scale on the bezel for all manner of calculations. Also available on a leather strap for $1,445, the Converter is a versatile take on the pilot's GMT a là Breitling's famous Navitimer.
Diameter: 46mm
Movement: Hamilton H-14 (ETA C07.111 base) automatic
Water Resistance: 100m
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
Movement: ETA 2893-2 automatic
Water Resistance: 150m
