Your Guide To The Best GMT Watches In 2025

In today’s increasingly connected world, a GMT watch is no longer an accessory but an essential tool for travellers, adventurers and professionals who need to track multiple time zones effortlessly. 

For those thinking your phone can do the job, does it tell you the local time as well as the time at home at a glance? We guessed so. It doesn’t! But, a GMT watch will do this. It displays two zones simultaneously and will also complement any outfit you wear. But before we reveal the most appealing GMT watches you can buy in 2025, let’s learn more about this highly popular category of travel-ready timepieces.

What is a GMT Watch?

In simple words, a GMT watch can display two or more time zones simultaneously, with at least one of them presented in a 24-hour format. This 24-hour time acts as a reference point, and by seeing how many hours a time zone is ahead or behind it, GMT watches show the time in other time zones.

How do GMT Watches Work?

Inside every GMT watch is a complicated yet sophisticated mechanism that allows it to display multiple time zones simultaneously. What sets a GMT watch apart from other watch variants is its additional 24-hour hand, often coloured distinctively for easy reading. This 24-hour hand completes one rotation around the dial every 24 hours, allowing you to track a second-time zone at a glance. 

Many GMT watches have rotating bezels with 24-hour graduations. You can rotate the bezel to align with the 24-hour hand, enabling you to read the third time zone. The interaction between the 24-hour hand, standard hands, and rotating bezel forms a highly effective system for tracking multiple time zones, making GMT watches invaluable for global professionals and frequent travellers.

The beauty of a GMT watch lies in its intriguing design, which once set correctly, helps you read the local time from the main hands and the 24-hour hand points to the time in your chosen second-time zone. Additionally, turning the bezel lets you quickly calculate the time in a third zone without affecting the watch’s settings. This solution to time zone tracking makes GMT watches a favourite among collectors, enthusiasts and global travellers alike. 

Types of GMT Watches

Over the years, numerous brands have introduced their own version of a GMT watch. As the needs of modern travellers changed, so did the design of GMT watches. However, the most common style features centrally mounted hands, with one being a 24-hour hand and the other a 12-hour hand. These two-hour hands can either be independently adjustable or linked.

Currently, we categorise GMT watches into two types: ‘Travel’ GMT and ‘Office’ GMT.

1. Travel GMT Watches allow you to set the local hour hand independently. This feature is handy for frequent travellers, as you only have to set the central hour hand to the correct time zone and the 24-hour hand to the home time.
2. Office GMT Watches let you set the 24-hour GMT hand independently. It is perfect for those who consistently need a secondary time zone display without actually changing their geographic location. You have to set the local time centrally, then correct the date and finally set the 24-hour hand to the home time.

Why Buy GMT Watches in 2025?

GMT watches are a must-have for anyone who values style, precision and practicality. Here’s how they stand out:

• Keep track of multiple time zones: Ideal for frequent travellers and globetrotters travelling across regions.
• Practical design: The rotating bezel and 24-hour hand help you easily track the second time zone.
• Versatile: GMT watches are perfect to be worn on formal settings as well as adventurous settings.
• Reliable & Durable: Built with premium materials, GMT watches can withstand the most challenging environments.

Things to consider when buying GMT watches

• Brand reputation – Buy GMT watches from brands with an established history of producing high-quality GMT watches, as they often hold their value well. Research the brand’s approach to watchmaking and heritage.
• Types of movement – Automatic movements are more popular among enthusiasts for their smooth sweep of the second hand and craftsmanship. They don’t require batteries to run but need to be worn regularly. Quartz movements offer great accuracy and require less maintenance, making them a practical choice for those who prefer a ‘set and forget’ approach.
• Durability & Design – If you plan to wear the watch regularly, consider its case material and water resistance. Pay attention to the dial legibility, particularly how easy it is to differentiate the main time and the GMT indication. Also, consider the watch size and how it fits on the wrist.
• Price Range – GMT watches are available at a wide range of price points, depending on the brand, complications, materials, and craftsmanship. Entry-level GMT watches featuring reliable movements are ideal for those seeking a practical travel companion. Mid-range GMT watches have improved materials, more complex GMT mechanisms and higher water resistance. At the high end, GMT watches command high prices and feature precious metals, exquisite finishing and in-house movements with additional complications. Brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe and others fall into this category.
• Investment potential – GMT watches from high-end luxury watch brands like Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and others often retain their value well and are commonly considered investments in addition to being highly functional. You can sell watches at a handsome price in the market.

Best GMT Watches to Buy in 2025

The GMT watch market is dominated by numerous prestigious and well-known watch brands, each offering its unique take on this functional complication. Below, we’ve curated the list of top GMT watches to suit a wide range of tastes and needs. Let’s check the picks now! 

1. Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126710GRNR

Everyone in the watch community is familiar with the rise of the Rolex GMT-Master to become an icon. Rolex released the original GMT-Master in 1954, the first watch to showcase dual-time functionality through a central 24-hour hand and a bidirectional rotating 24-hour bezel. Its ability to display time in two separate time zones, along with the iconic blue and red 24-hour bezel, was the product of Rolex’s collaboration with PAN AM pilots, intended to allow pilots to track time at their home and destination at once.

The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref: 126710GRNR, popularly referred to as “Bruce Wayne”, is a great classic. This grey and black watch relies on the same 40mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, 100m water-resistance, Cyclops over the date, a screwed case back and a screw-down crown. The main attraction is the grey and black, two-tone Cerachrom bezel with a PVD-platinum 24-hour scale. The ‘Bruce Wayne’ dial has a glossy lacquered black base with applied markers and hands in 18ct white gold and a classic central 24-hour hand for GMT complication.

Quick facts:

• Reference: 126710GRNR
• Size: 40mm
• Material: Stainless Steel 
• Bezel: Bidirectional rotatable, grey and black Cerachrom insert in ceramic 24-hour graduated bezel
• Dial: Black 
• Bracelet: Stainless Steel, Oyster
• Movement: Calibre 3285
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

2. Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5164G

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut remains undefeated when it comes to travel complications. Patek Philippe released the Aquanaut Travel Time in 2011 with the reference 5164A. It was the first Aquanaut with a second time zone complication, so fans mourned its discontinuation in 2024.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time Ref: 5164G is a lovely compensation in white gold with a handsome denim blue hue. Apart from the precious attire, the watch flaunts compact dimensions with a 40.8mm case and remains causal with its subtle opaline blue-grey dial. The skeletonised hour hand keeps tracking the home time without cluttering the dial. Two distinct apertures track the local and home time zone (blue for night, white for day). 

This watch's dual-time functionality is operated with two pushers on the side. You can adjust the local hour hand in one-hour increments forwards and backwards. The sporty material, cool design, and comfortable strap make the watch a pinnacle of ‘quiet luxury’.

Quick facts:

• Reference: 5164G
• Size: 40.8mm
• Material: 18ct White Gold 
• Bezel: 18ct White Gold
• Dial: Opaline Blue-Grey
• Bracelet: Blue-Grey Strap 
• Movement: Calibre 26 330 S C FUS
• Power Reserve: 35-45 hours

3. Cartier Santos De Cartier Dual Time Ref. WSSA0076

There are many interesting stories behind Cartier’s most iconic creations, and Santos is one of them. The story started back in 1904 when Louis Cartier designed the watch for his friend and aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont. Originally designed as an aviator’s watch, the Santos De Cartier is praised for its sporty style and casual elegance, which you expect from a Cartier.

Cartier’s iconic pilot’s watch integrates a practical complication with the Cartier Santos De Cartier Ref: WSSA0076. It is a refreshing model with a traveller’s function, but not in the classic shape as you’d expect. To keep the original design of the Santos untouched, Cartier took a dual-time approach and added a 24-hour sub-dial at 6 o’clock in a light grey colour to complement the rest of the dial in anthracite grey. Furthermore, Cartier creates an arch-shaped groove in the square minutes track to accommodate the complication.

The watchmaker plays with different textures and hues to maintain legibility, and the Roman numerals have a nice silver finish to match the polished bezel. Dual time watches are a new concept for Cartier, and the Ref. WSSA0076 adds a lot of versatility to the broad Santos collection.

Quick facts:

• Reference: WSSA0076
• Size: 40.2mm
• Material: Stainless Steel 
• Bezel: Stainless Steel
• Dial: Anthracite Grey Sunray-Brushed 
• Bracelet: Stainless Steel
• Movement: Outsourced automatic
• Power Reserve: 40 hours

4. Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT Ref. M7939G1A0NRU-0001

Tudor has long been known to be Rolex’s more affordable sister, offering quality and style. Debuted in 2018, the Black Bay GMT remains a favourite among watch enthusiasts for its blend of vintage-inspired design with modern technology that remains appealing for years to come.

Tudor fans collectively voted for the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT Ref: M7939G1A0NRU-0001, which takes the cult-favourite diver piece and adds GMT functionality. Tudor’s signature snowflake hands are used for the hours and GMT function. The hour hand corresponding to the local time can be adjusted in one-hour increments. The Tudor boasts a 39 mm case with retro aesthetic of vintage Rolex designs. Its standout feature is a Coke-coloured, 24-hour bidirectional rotating aluminium bezel, accented by elegant gilt indices and hands. The matte black dial plays with golden accents, a nod to the golden age of air travel in the 1950s and positions an instantaneous date window at 3 o’clock, synchronised with the jumping hour hand. The automatic movement Calibre MT5450-U (U=anti-magnetic) running inside has an integrated GMT function. 

Tudor offers a choice between a riveted stainless steel bracelet and a rubber strap, both equipped with a T-fit clasp for easy length adjustment. This bonafide traveller’s timepiece is both robust and efficient.  

Quick facts:

• Reference: M7939G1A0NRU-0001
• Size: 39mm
• Material: Stainless Steel 
• Bezel: 24-hour Bidirectional Rotatable In Steel with Black & Burgundy Anodised Aluminium Insert
• Dial: Black
• Bracelet: Stainless Steel, Rivet-Style 
• Movement: Calibre MT5450-U
• Power Reserve: 65 hours

5. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Ref. 7920V/210A-B334

Vacheron Constantin has been making watches since 1755, but it was only in 2018 that the watchmaker decided to instill a dual-time complication in its sport-luxury Overseas collection. With its GMT watches, Vacheron Constantin was able to capture the qualities people wanted to see in sports GMT- reliable, durable, practical and wearable.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Ref: 7920V/210A-B334 comes in a stainless steel tonneau-shaped case and has a notched bezel revealing the Maltese Cross. The blue dial is highlighted by a fourth hand anchored in the dial centre. You can change it by the second crown positioned at 4 o’clock. There is also a sub-dial for the date display at 6 o’clock. Rather than using a 24-hour hand, Tudor opts for the AM/PM indicator at 9 o’clock, connected to the GMT hand, making tracking the second time zone at a glance easier. Practicality is what Tudor has focused on here without compromising on the aesthetics a bit. 

Perfectly suited to active lifestyles, this Tudor steel watch perfectly embraces the spirit of travel. 

Quick facts:

• Reference: 7920V/210A-B334
• Size: 41mm
• Material: Stainless Steel 
• Bezel: Stainless Steel
• Dial: Blue 
• Bracelet: Stainless Steel
• Movement: Calibre 5110 DT
• Power Reserve: 60 hours

6. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT Ref. 26589IO.OO.D030CA.01

Royal Oak is Gerald Genta’s groundbreaking creation for Audemars Piguet. In 2002, AP launched another collection called the Royal Oak Concept. This stunning collection firmly establishes Royal Oak’s reputation in the 21st century. Characterised by complex open-work architecture and innovative materials, the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon could easily be confused with the engine of a sports car.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT 26589IO.OO.D030CA.01 has a diameter of 44mm, with the case crafted out of sandblasted titanium. The grey ceramic octagonal bezel has exposed hexagonal screws. The lack of a conventional dial exposes parts of the movement, including the flying tourbillion at 9 o’ clock. The asymmetric sandblasted titanium bridges are picked in blue, adding a bold, edgy vibe. The second time zone indicator is positioned at 3 o’clock on the sapphire plate, and the crown position indicator at 6 o’clock. The reverse side exposes the Calibre 2954, a manually wound movement, providing a power reserve of almost 10 days, which we think is the most useful in a GMT. Lastly, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT comes on a blue rubber strap, enhancing the blue elements on the dial. 

This monochromatic grey and blue model is limited to just 30 pieces, making it a fantastic investment opportunity, provided you can get your hands on one. Apart from that, this new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT of 2020 is a statement on the wrist and a compelling demonstration of what AP can do. 

Quick facts:

• Reference: 26589IO.OO.D030CA.01
• Size: 44mm
• Material: Sandblasted Titanium 
• Bezel: Grey Ceramic 
• Dial: Skeleton
• Bracelet: Blue Rubber Strap 
• Movement: Hand Wound 
• Power Reserve: 237 hours

Lastly..

The relationship between travel and timekeeping is an integral one. In their ceaseless endeavour to help us keep in touch with other time zones, the brands experiment with GMT complications and design the most functional and aesthetically interesting watches.

If you’re a frequent traveller or not, you’ll know the annoyance of resetting the time to the new local time zone once you reach the destination. Every GMT watch on our list allows you to keep track of multiple time zones simultaneously. Simply put, they are some of today's most popular, interesting, and practical GMT watches.

As you get ready to embark on your first adventure of 2025, buy GMT watches that will forever remain a timeless companion whether you plan for global travel or seek everyday elegance.