12 Best GMT Watches for Every Budget
There are a lot of different GMT watches on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is best for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best GMT watches for every budget! Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or a high-end watch, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about the best GMT watches available today!
What are the best GMT watches?
The watches on this list are arranged from the lowest to the highest price, so you can find the perfect watch for your budget.
1. Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT
Overview
Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT is an affordable timepiece with a slim build, made possible by utilizing quartz movement.
On the dial of this watch, one can observe highly polished hour indices and an additional 24-hour scale to track a second time zone. The dial has only three hands: the minute, hour, and GMT hand. The second hand is missing, therefore if you want precisely track seconds, this may not be your ideal choice.
You can choose between three different dials: gray, black, and blue, and configure one with either a leather strap or a bracelet.
Features
- Movement: FC-252 Quartz.
- 45 months battery life.
- Water resistance: 50 m.
- Case: 40.0 mm, Thickness: 8.61 mm, Lug width: 20 mm, Lug to lug: 46.5 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Solid case back.
- Date window.
Price
$895 – $995.
Summary
FC Classics GMT is an entry-level, Swiss-made watch and is a good option for those who prefer quartz movement and a slim profile.
2. Mido Multifort Dual Time
Overview
Mido watches always offer good value for your money, and the Mido Multifort Dual Time is no exception.
This timepiece is an automatic GMT watch with a true GMT complication. It has an exhibition case back, so you can see the movement in action.
The dial of this watch has a unique Geneva-striped design, setting it apart from the rest. The dial also has lume applied to the hour indices and hands and of course an additional GMT hand with a 24-hour scale.
Moreover, it comes with 100 meters of water resistance, making it highly practical for a variety of activities.
Features
- Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber 80 (base ETA C07.661).
- Power reserve: 80 hours.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 42 mm, Thickness: 13.4 mm, Lugs width: 22 mm, Lug to lug: 49 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- See-through case back.
- Date window.
- Weight: 168 g with stainless steel bracelet.
- Weight: 92 g with a leather strap.
Price
$1,200.
Summary
The Mido Multifort Dual Time is a great value, Swiss-made watch that offers true GMT automatic movement. If you want a dressy, yet sporty GMT watch, this is a good option.
3. Mido Ocean Star GMT
Overview
The Mido Ocean Star GMT is a dive watch that is capable of 200 meters of water resistance.
It pairs a dive watch’s DNA with a GMT complication. Instead of a 24-hour bezel, it offers a ceramic dive watch bezel, and the 24-hour scale is printed on the fixed chapter ring instead.
This watch has a high-quality bracelet, with a quick-release system, allowing you to quickly change the look of the watch. There is also an adjustable micro-adjustment function for the ideal fit. Great bracelet for the price point!
The automatic movement is the same as in the Multifort Dual Time and offers true GMT functionality and 80 hours of power reserve.
Features
- Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber 80 (base ETA C07.661).
- Power reserve: 80 hours.
- Water resistance: 200 m.
- Case: 44 mm, Thickness: 13.4 mm, Lugs width: 22 mm, Lug to lug: 50 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Solid case back.
- Date window.
- Weight: 209 g with stainless steel bracelet.
- Weight: 125 g with a nato strap.
Price
$1,250 – $1,460.
Summary
The Mido Ocean Star GMT offers great value for your money, with its true GMT automatic movement, great bracelet, ceramic bezel, and 200 meters of water resistance; you will be challenged to find a better GMT watch at this price point.
4. Raymond Weil Freelancer GMT
Overview
Raymond Weil Freelance GMT wants to be your travel companion, and it certainly can. It is a nicely sized watch measuring 40.5 mm in diameter and 9.7 mm thick, making it easy to wear while traveling and offering 100 meters of water resistance for many situations you may encounter.
This watch features a gradient blue dial with a 24-hour track printed on the flange, which is accentuated by an elegant moon marker to indicate midnight. The GMT hand and the moon marker are covered with blue lume, while the hour indexes and the remaining hands gleam with green luminescence.
The automatic movement of this watch has a simpler, office GMT complication, which is probably the reason why it is so slender.
The watch comes with a leather strap that does not have a quick-release feature, so if you’re looking to swap out straps frequently this may be a downside for you.
Features
- Movement: RW3230.
- Power reserve: 50 hours.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 40.5 mm, Thickness: 9.7 mm, Lug width: 21 mm, Lug to lug: 48.4 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and calf leather strap.
- See-through case back.
- Date window.
Price
$2,650.
Summary
Raymond Weil Freelancer GMT is a beautiful, easy-to-wear watch that offers a GMT complication in a slim package.
5. Oris Aquis GMT Date
Overview
The Oris Aquis GMT Date is a sturdily-constructed dive watch with a bonus GMT function.
One could say it is a compromised dive watch as it has a bi-directional bezel displaying a 24-hour scale, making it not the safest choice while diving. However, not many of us will be diving with it anyways.
This timepiece has a great quality integrated bracelet that is fitted to the case with screws, and the removable links of the bracelet are also screwed in, which is a great feature for the price point.
Instead of the usual red accents, this GMT features an attention-grabbing yellow for a unique look, which is well contrasted with the blue dial color. This watch has blue luminescence on its indices and hands, except for the GMT hand, which will not be visible in the dark.
Features
- Movement: Oris 798, base SW 330-1.
- Power reserve: 42 hours.
- Water resistance: 300 m.
- Case: 43.5 mm, Thickness: 13.1 mm, Lug to lug: 50 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- See-through case back.
- Date window.
Price
$2,800.
Summary
If you want a well-built, dive-style watch with GMT functionality, then the Oris Aquis GMT Date may fit your needs.
6. Longines Spirit Zulu Time
Overview
The Longines Spirit Zulu is not only aesthetically pleasing but also has great specifications. It contains an anti-magnetic automatic movement with silicone hairspring, has COSC certification, offers 72 hours of power reserve, and even includes a true GMT complication.
You can get three different dial variants: anthracite, black matte, and sunray blue. Each variant has a matching ceramic bezel insert. On the ceramic bezel, there is a 24-hour scale for second-time zone readings. The GMT hand is available in red, blue, or gold, depending on your dial choice!
Another great feature of this watch is the integrated bracelet, making it easy to change the look of your watch simply by clicking a button. You can pair the watch with either a leather strap or a NATO strap for different looks.
Features
- Movement: L844.4.
- Power reserve: 72 hours.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 42.0 mm, Thickness: 13.9 mm, Lug width: 22 mm, Lug to lug: 49.5 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Solid case back.
- Date window.
- Weight: 165.0 g with stainless steel bracelet.
- Weight: 113.0 g with a leather strap.
Price
$3,150.
Summary
Longines Spirit Zulu Time is a great watch for those who like aviation-inspired timepieces. It is a beautifully designed watch that houses a trustworthy COSC-certified movement, guaranteeing the precision you need for your next journey.
7. Bell & Ross BR V2-93 GMT
Overview
Bell & Ross is known for their signature square-shaped watches, yet they also have a selection of round watches to choose from, the Bell & Ross BR V2-93 GMT is one example of a such timepieces.
This aviation-style watch is certainly captivating and elegantly crafted.
The 24-hour scale is displayed on the two-toned anodized aluminum bezel: grey for daytime and blue to indicate nighttime. Additionally, the GMT hand is finished in eye-catching red, so you can easily track a second time zone at a glance. The large white numerals are well contrasted with the blue dial. Completing this watch face is the subtly incorporated date window that effortlessly blends into it.
The watch features a domed sapphire crystal, giving it a vintage aesthetic.
It is well-proportioned and should suit many different wrist sizes.
Features
- Movement: BR-CAL.303 (base ETA 2893-2).
- Power reserve: 40 hours.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 41 mm, Thickness: 12.2 mm, Lug width: 21 mm, Lug to lug: 47.6 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- See-through case back.
- Date window.
Price
$3,500 – $3,800.
Summary
The Bell & Ross BR V2-93 GMT is an elegant pilot watch. Compared to the similarly priced Tudor Black Bay, it loses out in the technical department, but on the other hand, it’s almost 3mm thinner and is more elegant.
8. Bulgari Aluminium GMT
Overview
The Bulgari Aluminium GMT stands out from the crowd by using unconventional materials, with an aluminum case, a titanium case back and crown, and a rubber-coated bezel.
This rubber strap is also unique, as its flexible links will conform to the shape of your wrist similar to a bracelet.
Combining all these lightweight materials, the watch weighs only 68 grams.
This watch has a lot of Bulgari branding, which you can see on the bezel, dial, and rubber strap. It’s for you to decide if you like it or not.
The dial design has a classic Pepsi look and feel. Featuring a large red and blue flange with a 24-hour scale that allows you to track the second time zone, this style is sure to make an impression. Due to the wide dial flange, the dial itself is relatively small.
Features
- Movement: B192 (base ETA 2893-2).
- Power reserve: 50 hours.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 40.0 mm, Thickness: 10 mm, Lug to lug: 50 mm.
- Material: Aluminium titanium.
- Solid case back.
- Date window.
- Weight: 68 g.
Price
$3,600.
Summary
The Bulgari Aluminium GMT is a thin and light watch with a unique choice of materials. If you want to stand out with your choice, it’s worth considering.
9. Tudor Black Bay GMT
Overview
Tudor Black Bay GMT is one of the crowd’s favorites. It has a utilitarian finish and belongs in the tool watch category.
Movement of this watch is made in-house and is COSC certified, has a silicone balance spring, 70-hour of power reserve, and GMT functionality.
This watch features an alluring, matte burgundy, and blue anodized aluminum bezel. It’s bi-directional, so you can easily set a different time zone with ease. The domed sapphire crystal provides the perfect touch that adds classic vintage charm to this timeless piece.
Tudor Black Bay GMT is quite bulky, as it is 15 mm tall, but don’t be disheartened – give the watch a shot to see if it’s suitable for you!
Features
- Movement: Calibre MT5652 (COSC).
- Power reserve: 70 hours.
- Water resistance: 200 m.
- Case: 41.0 mm, Thickness: 15 mm, Lug width: 22 mm, Lug to lug: 50 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Solid case back.
- Date window.
Price
$4,300.
Summary
The Tudor Black Bay GMT is a true choice for watch enthusiasts, offering unbeatable value for its price, including an in-house movement, GMT complication, superb quality, and it’s made by a well-respected brand.
10. Tag Heuer Autavia Cosc GMT
Overview
Tag Heuer Autavia Cosc GMT is yet another aviation-style watch on this list.
The aviation-inspired design offers bold Arabic numerals, and the blue sunburst dial is complemented by a bright orange GMT hand and Autavia text. The lume is green, and the ceramic 24-hour bezel boasts a sleek black and blue colorway.
This watch stands out with its oversized crown and features a quick-release bracelet for hassle-free personalization.
The automatic movement of this watch has an office GMT complication, a COSC certification, and a power reserve of 50 hours. Compared to the Longines Spirit Zulu, it lacks a screw-down crown, 72-hour power reserve, and a true GMT complication.
Features
- Movement: Calibre 7 COSC GMT (base ETA 2892-A2).
- Power reserve: 50 hours.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 42 mm, Thickness: 13.7 mm, Lug width: 21 mm, Lug to lug: 50.5 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Solid case back.
- Date window.
Price
$4,350.
Summary
Tag Heuer Autavia Cosc GMT is an aesthetically pleasing timepiece from a prominent Swiss watch brand. Although the cost of this watch might not yield the best “bang for your buck” in terms of technical features, you would probably buy it for its design and brand name.
11. Breitling Chronomat GMT 40
Overview
The Breitling Chronomat GMT is a well-balanced watch that will suit many wrists; it is technically a dive watch, yet also dressy and luxurious looking.
The bracelet of this watch is known as the “roulette” or “bullet” bracelet, which adds a touch of luxury and uniqueness to its look
The bezel is dive style and is unidirectional, the 24-hour scale for the second time zone is located on the dial flange instead. The dial is available in five different colors: white, black, blue, green, and anthracite. All dial combinations are nicely contrasted with a red GMT hand.
The COSC-certified automatic movement has a 42-hour power reserve. At this price point, one might expect an in-house movement; however, it is based on the ETA 2893-2.
Features
- Movement: Breitling 32 (base ETA 2893-2).
- Power reserve: 42 hours.
- Water resistance: 200 m.
- Case: 40.0 mm, Thickness: 11.7 mm, Lug width: 20 mm, Lug to lug: 47.4 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Solid case back.
- Date window.
- Weight: 153.0 g with stainless steel bracelet.
Price
$5,600.
Summary
Breitling Chronomat GMT 40 is a beautifully crafted watch, paired with the “roulette” style bracelet it looks luxurious and expensive. If you desire a sporty and luxurious-looking watch this one will fulfill your needs.
12. Rolex GMT Master II
Overview
When you think of a timepiece with a GMT complication, Rolex’s GMT Master II is undoubtedly one of the first watches that come to mind. It’s beloved for its iconic design and is a leader in the GMT watch category.
The watch has a black dial and a two-color ceramic bezel, earning it the nickname “Pepsi” due to its red and blue coloring. The bezel is bidirectional and allows you to keep track of up to three different time zones.
The iconic trait of this watch is the Cyclops lens, which magnifies the date for clear visibility.
The case is both well-sized and comfortable to wear, especially when paired with the Jubilee bracelet. Configuring this watch with either a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet is an option, though the Jubilee bracelet offers a superior aesthetic and we think it fits the watch better.
Developed exclusively by Rolex, the automatic movement guarantees a 70-hour power reserve. Additionally, it is equipped with Parachrom hairspring for improved shock protection and is certified to be accurate within -2/+2 seconds per day.
Features
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3285.
- Power reserve: 70 hours.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Case: 40.0 mm, Thickness: 12 mm, Lug width: 20 mm, Lug to lug: 48 mm.
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Solid case back.
- Date window.
Price
$10,900.
Summary
Rolex GMT Master II may be the best GMT watch assuming you can get one from the dealer. Its iconic design, rich history, and brand prestige make it an aspirational timepiece for many people.
Conclusion
When choosing your GMT watch, first you need to determine your budget and then what style of watch you would like; maybe you want a dress watch, a diver, or a pilot’s watch.
Then take a look at what features you would like in your watch, such as an automatic or quartz movement, COSC certification, power reserve, water resistance rating, and a quick-release bracelet.
You can choose from one of the many watches on this list, each with its own unique features and style. In the end, it will boil down to whether you like the design, size, and technical specifications.
This list should give you a good starting point when choosing a GMT watch!
Featured image by Wendel Moretti.
