Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by swisswatchreview
Can´t Afford the Rolex GMT?
GMT watches have served as the pinnacle of quality and style since they were first introduced in the 1950s. There was a day when only elite airline pilots sported GMT watches. However, as watch production has advanced over the years, it is now possible for anyone to purchase one of these watches. The appeal is readily apparent. The price tag, however, can be prohibitive for some.
The Pinnacle of GMT Watches
The first GMT watch was made by Rolex in the 1950s. Its design was a collaboration between horologists and aviation experts from Pan American Airlines. The goal was to create a watch that tracked multiple time zones at once. This would allow pilots to track their time with more ease as they traversed the globe.
Needless to say, the Rolex GMT was a hit. Over the years, multiple versions of the Rolex GMT have been released. Each one continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking and fashion. While many people pine for a Rolex GMT, these are expensive watches. Many buyers simply will not be able to afford them.
Other Options for GMT Style (Some under $100)
If you love the style of the Rolex GMT, but you have a budget, then you should know that you do have other options. While Rolex was the first to release GMT watches, other companies followed suit. Today, there are many watchmakers that produce GMT watches. Some of these models are even affordable for the more budget-minded connoisseur.
By looking over the options, you may be able to find the perfect GMT watch that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Automatic and quartz models can be found for under $100.
Quartz Models for Your Consideration
One great way to get a deal on a GMT watch is to look at the mechanical construction of the watch. Quartz construction was developed in the 1960s, and these watches are more affordable and more accurate. If you opt for a quartz GMT watch, you will automatically be reducing the cost of your purchase. Here are 3 models to consider and also one lookalike GMT.
Stuhrling Jubilee Bracelet GMT Watch
With quartz construction, this is an affordable and reliable timepiece. Plus, it has been designed to accent the GMT features with the Swiss Ronda 515.24H movement. The hands are luminescent, which makes them especially easy to read. To track the two time zones, there is a second hand with an outer rotatable bezel. The hands are distinctive in color and shape to make tracking even easier at a glance.
This watch has other features beyond its GMT function. The watch is fully adjustable with a stainless steel link bracelet. This design creates a noticeable profile on the wrist. The clasp is secured with a push button to increase safety for the piece. The Jubilee watch from Stuhrling is also water-resistant to 10 ATM or 330 Feet, and every watch sold by this brand comes with a standard two-year warranty. Overall, this is not the most flashy GMT watch on the market, but its sturdy design and affordable price make it a good bet.
Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Stainless Watch
Another affordable option for a GMT watch is made by the well trusted Invicta company. The Men’s Pro Diver features Swiss quartz movement. The caliber is 515.24H Ronda, and it relies on a 371 battery. All the movement parts are assembled in Switzerland for a real European refinement. The face is made with a synthetic flame fusion crystal, which allows the watch to look stylish and remain affordable. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, which makes it a good watch for surfing, swimming and other water sports.
As for the GMT features, this watch does not disappoint. There is a stationary stainless steel bezel, which is set in a black and blue top bezel ring. To help with visibility, the hands and hour markers are luminous. Each hand is sized and shaped distinctly to make it simple to see both time zones simultaneously. Add these features to the stainless steel adjustable band, and it is clear that this is a practical watch that fits a lot of different lifestyles.
GMT Navy Seal Swiss Men’s GMT Watch
This sleek watch features a 316L stainless steel case ,304 band and a bold black face. The bezel is designed with striking red and blue tones. There are three hands in addition to the second hand, and each one is clearly delineated for easy usage. The varied color, shape and size of each hand creates a dynamic look that makes this watch quite attractive.
Made by Road Warrior in Hong Kong with a Swiss Ronda GMT movement. The stainless steel band is adjusted by removing links as necessary, and the face utilizes durable sapphire. The watch offers some water protection up to 3 meters. Although it is a little more expensive than some of the other options on this list, it is still a relatively affordable option for a quartz GMT watch.
Southberg GMT (Not really GMT)
This watch can be found on Aliexpress.com for under $15 and is sold as a GMT watch and looks like it at first sight. The movement in the watch is however a cheap regular movement, not GMT movement and the GMT hand simply moves with the hour hand and not at half speed like it should (The GMT hand is actually a part of the hour hand extending from the back) . This is similar to some cheap “chronographs” that do not have moving sub hands, because they only have regular movements.
If you want to wear a watch that looks something like the Rolex gmt master for the absolute lowest price then this gmt lookalike might be for you. Actually it looks quite good for the price but why bother when a real functioning GMT watch can be found for under $100 both quartz and even automatic.
Other Options Available in Automatic Models
Automatic watches are made in the traditional style of watchmaking. Instead of a simple quartz interior, these watches have a more complex series of gears. While these watches are less accurate and more expensive, they are horologically more impressive. That is why true watch enthusiasts are still willing to shell out extra cash to procure one. Even so, it is possible to find affordable automatic watches made with the GMT style
Fanmis GMT Master
The first option is the Fanmis GMT Master. The design of this watch embraces a classic flair, which will remind you of the original GMT models. However, the versatile design also works well for the modern buyer, and it has a lot of functional perks. The black face is covered with a mineral glass dial window with anti-scrape technology. The stainless steel band is made with a top class alloy.
As for the working parts, this watch has sleek hands that are color-coded for your convenience. There is just a touch of blue in the design to create a striking contrast. As an added feature, this watch has a calendar display to help you track the date. This is an automatic watch that winds itself as needed.
Corgeut GMT
There is something striking about the GMT watch from Corgeut. The design has blocky touches with squared-off hands and stiff numbering. This gives the watch a militaristic feel, and it really sets this watch apart from the competition. There are many geometric elements with kite-like finishes to all the hands.
The watch is made with a stainless steel case and a stainless steel band. There is a secure deployment clasp to help keep the watch in place. The sapphire glass on the front provides protection from daily wear and tear. The black and blue accents make this an attractive and affordable choice for a GMT watch.
Conclusion
The allure of a GMT watch is easy to understand. Now, with these affordable options for a GMT watch, the look is possible for every buyer.
