It is one of the most practical complications in watchmaking and every frequent flyer's dream: the second time zone. From elegant dress watches to sporty divers, this useful function shapes every type of timepiece, which makes finding the perfect GMT watch a challenging task. We make the choice easier for you and present five models praised by experts and loved by enthusiasts. Enjoy our Top 5!
Why a Watch with Two Time Zones?
Anyone who travels the world regularly benefits most from the advantages of the dual time zone watch, widely known as the GMT watch ("Greenwich Mean Time"): because it has two hour hands, which in modern models can be set independently of each other, it displays home time and current local time side by side.
[box type="success" align="" class="" width=""]The layout is complemented by a 24-hour scale, which in many models sits on a rotating bezel and distinguishes between day and night hours – handy for checking whether it's bedtime back home before you make a call to that faraway place.[/box]The 24-hour scales are often designed to look particularly sporty and bold, which makes the dual time zone watch an attractive companion even for non-travelers. A special form of the GMT model is the world timer, which displays not just two but typically all 24 full-hour time zones of the globe on its dial.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 7 GMT
If there were a prototype for the sporty, masculine dual time zone watch, it would be the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 7 GMT (Ref. WAY201F.BA0927): measuring a hefty 43 millimeters, this dive watch, water-resistant to 300 meters, bursts with power thanks to its angular bezel and dominates the wrist of its wearer. Besides the red-and-blue "Pepsi" coloring of the rotating bezel, this is due to its 24-hour scale, whose typography perfectly matches the angular features of the stainless steel case. Beneath the sapphire crystal, what stands out most is the sporty horizontal stripe pattern on the dial, which gives the diver additional visual punch and serves as the backdrop for the applied luminous indices.
And how this Tag Heuer glows at night! Meanwhile, the second time zone sets itself apart from the other functions with a red arrow-tipped hand; all of them draw their power from the automatic Calibre 7 (base: ETA 2892-A2) with a 42-hour power reserve. Delivered on an exceptionally solid and luxurious stainless steel bracelet, the Tag Heuer costs €2,900.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M Co-Axial
One class above the Aquaracer plays the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M Co-Axial in its 43.5-millimeter GMT version (Ref. 215.30.44.22.01.001). With 600 meters of water resistance, this dual time zone watch effortlessly conquers not only the world's lands but its oceans too, offering its owner pure luxury. Particularly refined is the two-tone ceramic bezel in black and white, which, like the lacquered dial, boasts a high-class sheen. True to Seamaster form, the watch features arrow-shaped hour and minute hands, and the hand for the second time zone is not set apart by color – a choice made in favor of a noble appearance. Color? None to be found.
Technically, too, the Planet Ocean is a serious piece, as its helium escape valve and in-house automatic movement 8906 demonstrate. A 60-hour power reserve thanks to two barrels mounted in series, METAS certification, a silicon balance spring and the Co-Axial escapement underline the technical ambition of the movement, which is on display through a sapphire caseback despite the impressive water resistance. Price point: €7,700.
Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone
While the Seamaster wins over buyers with performance and luxury, the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone (Ref. D009.429.16.092.00) relies on elegant retro charm in a classic 41-millimeter stainless steel case. Water-resistant to 100 meters and fitted with a sapphire crystal anti-reflective on both sides, it houses the ETA-based automatic movement U2893-2. What makes it special: every movement is assembled, finished and regulated in Glashütte, giving the Belisar as strong a character from a technical standpoint as from an aesthetic one. The highlight of this dual time zone watch is, of course, its green dial, whose dégradé effect meets a beautiful symmetry. Arabic numerals and a centered date window at six o'clock define its look.
The functional centerpiece, the second hour hand, stands out from its surroundings with a red tip and makes its rounds on an inner 24-hour scale. Curved lugs that flow seamlessly into a brown goatskin strap with folding clasp round off the harmonious overall look of the Belisar. €1,730.
Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT 45
The Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT 45 presents itself as mighty, massive and dominant on the wrist – this GMT watch knows no compromises. Aesthetically inspired by the brand's legendary pilot models, the Avenger immediately draws our eye to its wide, polished bezel. With its star shape, it lends the 100-meter water-resistant stainless steel case incredible strength, which continues in the strong contrast of the dial. Black background, white indices – every scale of the chronograph is superbly legible. Surprisingly understated is the slim GMT hand, whose red tip only catches the eye at second glance.
Overall, the Avenger also has an elegant touch, which is enhanced by the fine leather strap. It is powered by the COSC-certified chronometer movement 32. Price-wise, this symbiosis of maximum power and elegant aesthetics sits slightly above €3,000. The Breitling Night Mission special editions are somewhat more expensive.
Junghans Meister Worldtimer
A watch with two time zones is practical, but how about 24 time zones? The Junghans Meister Worldtimer (Ref. 027/3010.02) is a great example of how a world time complication can be executed in a timeless, clearly legible way. Instead of a second hand for home time, this special GMT watch has a rotating 24-hour scale in the center which, combined with 24 cities representing each full-hour time zone of the globe, allows information to be read at a glance. Like the 24-hour bezels of many dual time zone watches, the Meister Worldtimer scores with a practical division into day and night hours. Visually, the dress watch boasts perfect symmetry and inherits the full elegance of the legendary Meister collection – including a domed sapphire crystal, ultra-thin indices and a slim bezel.
Our magazine has repeatedly highlighted the uniqueness of the Meister Worldtimer in its price range – for €1,690, buyers get a stylish, unrivaled entry into the universe of world time watches, paired with an ETA-based automatic movement and "Made in Germany" quality.
