The quintessence of a storied luxury travel companion, the GMT-Master II's dominance at the upper echelon of dual-time watchmaking is as undisputed as it is storied. Originally released to the market in 1954, the GMT-Master II was the first watch capable of showing the time in two separate time zones.
Long before the convenience of all things digital, the GMT-Master II served its purpose for pilots, whom the Pan American Airlines' pilots of which the piece was developed in cooperation with, wore during their flights. The reference that started it all was the legendary 6542, and in over half a century since its introduction to the world, the GMT-Master II has remained a staple, notwithstanding the actual application of its innovated function, of course.
However -- and there is always going to be a caveat -- the ability to actively purchase one of these micro-man-made-marvels (How's that for alliteration!) is hindered on a variety of factors, namely scarcity and exclusivity, depending on the model you're opting for.
So, with that being said, I've put together a handful of decent Rolex GMT-Master II alternatives across the pricing spectrum that more than hold their own against the standard.
Rolex Explorer II
The most obvious alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II would have to be the Rolex Explorer II. Sporting the same movement in the Calibre 3285, the Rolex Explorer II seems the logical choice amongst the other pieces here. While it lacks the vivid colours of the GMT-Master II, cue the Batman and the Pepsi, the Rolex Explorer II has a certain utilitarian tool-watch look that has fantastic appeal and saves you a few thousand dollars compared to the GMT-Master II.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M brings about the notion of a bulkier, more capable and more rugged option. Bigger and bolder, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M offers a lot of technical advancement but does walk the fine line of being a touch too large to be a viable comparative to the GMT-Master II.
Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT
I was torn between the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT and the new Pelagos FXD, but went the route of the BB58 GMT because of its like-for-like qualities to the GMT-Master II. A wholly similar aesthetic lends the question of this being a carbon copy to the legend, but in its own way the Black Bay 58 GMT has its own unique visceral quirks that, at the same time, differentiates itself from, but also positions itself as one of the best alternatives to the GMT-Master II.
Panerai Submersible GMT Navy SEALS PAM01323
Here is one badass GMT-Master II alternative. The Panerai Submersible GMT Navy SEALS PAM01323 is maybe, just maybe, my favourite iteration of the Submersible, ever. Its colour palette is spot on. Perhaps a touch too big -- 40mm is my sweet spot -- but damn, if you're looking for something seriously out of the box and equally as cool, the Panerai Submersible GMT Navy SEALS PAM01323 might be right up your alley.
Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT
With the Spring Drive GMT we're going down the refined, sophisticated and restrained route that is Grand Seiko. Legible, beautifully finished and featuring a lovely hue of green, the Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT is almost a no-brainer alternative to the GMT-Master II.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT
For the budget-conscious is the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT. While it might not be able to compete with the Rolex GMT-Master II on a prestige level, there is no doubting the quality of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT. COSC movement, 300m water resistance, fantastic proportions. And you get the Batman-esque coloured bezel, too.
Oris Aquis Date GMT
With the Oris Aquis Date GMT you're getting a well made, well engineered and well thought out piece that opens that is going quickly become your go-to GMT piece. Priced super accessibly, the Oris Aquis Date GMT looks the absolute goods and has one of the most beautiful blue gradient dials, too.
Longines Spirit Zulu Time
If you're yet to go hands-on with the Longines Spirit Zulu Time, I implore you to do so. If you're seriously looking for an alternative to the GMT-Master II and you don't consider the Longines Spirit Zulu Time, then you're doing yourself a huge disservice. Before I saw this in the metal, it was an afterthought. As soon as I handled it, my opinion almost instantaneously changed. It's really that good.
Chopard L.U.C GMT One Black
For the purveyor of higher horology, the Chopard L.U.C GMT One Black might be the answer. It's a Chopard, we so know it's going to finished to its nth degree. And while its dark monochromatic look might be polarising to some, I feel that it's a look that absolutely suits the practical nature of a GMT.
Breitling Chonomat Automatic GMT 40 Giannis Antetokounmpo
And finally, we have the Breitling Chonomat Automatic GMT 40 Giannis Antetokounmpo. In any of its colour combinations, the Breitling Chonomat Automatic GMT 40 works. But in this particular example with that brilliant green dial, I feel it really comes to life. The touch of yellow on the GMT script and hand blends well with the shade of green but doesn't melt away, while the cold look of the steel case and bullet-style bracelet round off a very considerable alternative to the GMT-Master II.
Comments