What is a GMT watch and why would you want one?
For those who travel frequently, do business across multiple time zones, or simply appreciate a bit of functional watch technology, the GMT function is a fascinating and especially useful addition to your wrist. But what exactly does a GMT watch do? And how do you use it? Time to find out.
The origin of the GMT function
The abbreviation GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time , the time zone of the prime meridian in Greenwich, London. It was long used as a global standard for measuring time zones.
The GMT function as we know it today became popular in the 1950s thanks to a partnership between Rolex and Pan Am . Pilots needed a watch that could simultaneously track two time zones: local time and home base. The solution? An additional hand that rotates once every 24 hours, along with a rotating bezel with a 24-hour display.
How does a GMT watch work?
A typical GMT watch has:
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An additional GMT hand , often in a striking color, which makes one full revolution in 24 hours.
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A 24-hour bezel or a separate 24-hour scale on the dial.
The regular hour hand indicates your local time, while the GMT hand tracks a second time zone. The 24-hour bezel helps you adjust this to any time zone you like.
An example:
Imagine you're in Amsterdam and traveling to New York. You set your local time (Amsterdam) on the regular hour hand, and the GMT hand to New York time. While your watch continues to show the time in the Netherlands, the GMT hand indicates what time it is on the other side of the ocean.
Why wear a GMT watch?
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For travelers: you don't have to adjust your watch every time you're in a different time zone.
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For business people: useful for planning meetings in international time zones.
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For watch enthusiasts: it's simply a cool complication that often comes with bold designs.
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For those who have friends or family abroad: always know when you can call without getting anyone out of bed.
GMT vs. Worldtimer: What's the Difference?
A GMT watch displays two (sometimes three) time zones. A worldtimer shows the time in 24 cities worldwide simultaneously. Convenient, but often a bit more cluttered on the dial and usually more expensive.
Finally
The GMT function is much more than just an extra hand. It's a tribute to the glory days of aviation, a tool for modern globetrotters, and a piece of technology that demonstrates just how smart a watch can be. Whether you travel, work with international clients, or simply appreciate watches with character—a GMT watch definitely deserves a place in your collection.
