What is a GMT watch?
Everything you need to know about watches with a second time zone
A GMT watch is a watch that allows you to read a second time zone in addition to the local time. This makes this type of watch particularly popular with travelers, business people, pilots, and anyone who regularly communicates with people in another country. Thanks to an extra hand and a 24-hour display, you can see at a glance what time it is in two different places in the world.
GMT watches were originally developed for aviation, but today they are among the most beloved complications.
What does GMT stand for?
GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time. This was the time standard that served as a reference for all time zones worldwide. The name refers to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, a district of London where the prime meridian runs.
Although the term UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is now mostly used, the name GMT has been retained in the watch world. A GMT watch therefore refers to a watch that can display multiple time zones.
How does a GMT watch work?
In addition to the regular hour, minute, and second hands, a GMT watch has an extra hour hand. This GMT hand makes one full rotation in 24 hours instead of 12 hours.
The hand works together with a 24-hour ring on the dial or on the rotating bezel. This allows you to easily read a second time zone without complicated calculations.
Suppose you are in Belgium and have family in New York. You can set the regular hands to Belgian time, while the GMT hand continuously shows the time in New York. This way, you never have to calculate the time difference again.
Why choose a GMT watch?
A GMT watch offers several advantages.
Those who travel regularly only need to set their second time zone once. The extra hand then automatically continues to run.
For international entrepreneurs, a GMT watch is also particularly useful. When planning meetings or phone calls, you can immediately see whether it's morning, afternoon, or night in another country.
In addition, the design appeals to many watch enthusiasts. The extra hand, the 24-hour ring, and often the striking color accents give a GMT watch a sporty and technical look.
What is the difference between a GMT watch and a Dual Time watch?
Although both watches show multiple time zones, they work differently.
A Dual Time watch usually has a second, separate time display. This can be an extra dial or a digital display.
A GMT watch, on the other hand, uses one extra 24-hour hand that works with a 24-hour display. This keeps the dial clear and elegant.
For most users, a GMT watch is easier to read and more practical for daily use. A GMT is a dual-time watch, but the reverse is not true.
Which brands make good GMT watches?
At Juwelier Van de Heyning, you will find several brands with quality GMT models.
Seiko is known worldwide for its reliable GMT watches with excellent value for money. Both the Seiko 5 Sports GMT and various Prospex GMT models enjoy an excellent reputation.
Also Maurice Lacroix offers refined Swiss watches where elegance and functionality come together.
Depending on the collection, you will also find GMT models from other renowned watch brands.
Conclusion
A GMT watch is a practical complication that allows you to easily track two time zones simultaneously. This makes it the ideal choice for travelers, professionals, and anyone who is internationally oriented.
Are you looking for a quality GMT watch? Discover the GMT watch collection at Juwelier Van de Heyning. We are happy to help you choose the model that perfectly suits your needs.