This Fan-Favorite Affordable Rolex Explorer II Homage Just Got Better in Literally Every Way

These days, Christopher Ward is largely out of the homage business.

The brand is now mostly known more for its democratization of high horology complications in accessible watches like the Bel Canto and C12 Loco, even though most of its history was spent producing well-made, affordable homages to sports watches from Rolex and Omega.

More recently, CW has cast out the bulk of its homages from its catalog as it seeks to define itself as a respected independent watchmaker, but one spot where homages remain firmly entrenched at CW is the Sealander GMT (and, to a lesser extent, the Sealander). The brand’s bestselling watch, by some accounts, the Sealander GMT is very obviously based on the Rolex Explorer II.

But given this homage watch’s insane popularity, CW would be crazy to get rid of it. If we’re being real, the Sealander GMT’s robust sales numbers at least partially bankroll the brand’s more ambitious horological endeavors like the Bel Canto.

So instead of killing off its Explorer II homage, CW has instead made the Sealander GMT better for 2026. A lot better, in fact.

Christopher Ward

A full makeover

At first glance, not a lot has changed with the Sealander GMT. Christopher Ward didn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater here. But if you look closer, you’ll see that nearly every detail on the watch has been updated in some way.

The stainless steel case is slimmer than before, and it’s been completely reshaped. While still dubbed a “Light-catcher,” it features fewer curves and cutouts than before, with a simpler, more toolish mid case.

The crown is now conical and is shielded by smaller, more cohesive crown guards, and the bezel is larger and reangled so it’s easier to read. There’s also a new case size of 42mm, which joins the existing 36mm and 39mm versions for three sizes to choose from in total.

Christopher Ward

The dial is also entirely new. The applied, faceted indices have been reshaped and now taper at the base. The faceted handset has been slimmed down and simplified, with the Trident counterweight removed from the seconds hand for a more streamlined look.

The GMT hand is now fully painted rather than just on the arrow half, creating a bolder appearance. The 6:00 date window gains a diamond-polished metal frame, with new stylized “Sealander” text above it. The dial itself is now lacquered for a more elevated look, and it’s still available in Rolex-ish Black and White, along with Sky Blue. Most unique is the new color, Pistachio, which is accented by a darker green GMT hand.

Christopher Ward

The automatic GMT movement remains ol’ reliable, the Sellita Calibre SW330-2, and it’s still visible behind a sapphire caseback. However, the view is a little better than before, thanks to a new skeletonized rotor with improved finishing.

The most significant and exciting change on the new Sealander GMT, however, is definitely the bracelet. The watch is available on either the brand’s three-link Bader bracelet (i.e., CW’s Oyster) or its five-link Consort style (i.e., its Jubilee). However, both bracelets are now equipped with a brand-new link removal system CW is calling “iLink.”

Christopher Ward

Setting aside the fact that iLink sounds more like the name of an Apple product from 20 years ago than a new Christopher Ward bracelet technology, this system is pretty cool. It allows you to remove links to resize your bracelet without the use of any tools. Instead, the links feature a system of built-in pushers and pins.

The system is similar to some in use by Timex and Ming, and I’m glad to see another brand add this kind of user-friendly functionality to its watches. I’m sure we’ll see iLink roll out to other CW watches in no time. Both of these new bracelets also feature quick-release mechanisms and on-the-fly microadjustable clasps, naturally.

In addition to the two bracelets, there’s also the option of a brand-new rubber strap. It’s black with a “Clous de Paris” texture on top, and it fits the curves of the case for an integrated appearance. It also features quick-release spring bars and is secured with a steel deployant clasp.

Availability and pricing

As long as the Sealander GMT is available with a white and black dial featuring orange GMT hands, the watch will always draw comparisons to the Explorer II. But this is the most original version of the watch yet. The more streamlined design, the extra polish on the dial, the utility of the iLink bracelet and especially that Pistachio dial color all take the watch far away from Explorer II territory.

Christopher Ward’s prices have crept up in recent years alongside the rest of the industry, but the brand still represents some of the best bargains in Swiss watchmaking, and that’s especially true of the Sealander GMT.

All three case sizes are priced the same, with the only differences coming down to the strap you choose. On a leather strap, the watch is priced at $1,395. On rubber, it’s $1,535. The three-link Bader bracelet takes the cost up to $1,620, and the watch tops out at $1,675 on the dressier Consort bracelet.

All options are available now on Christopher Ward’s website.

Christopher Ward

Christopher Ward Sealander GMT (2026)

Specs

Case Size	36mm, 39mm, 42mm
Movement	Sellita Cal. SW330-2 automatic GMT
Water Resistance	150m

• Starts at $1,395

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics