A travel watch should do more than just tell the time not only in your holiday destination's timezone, but also your local (or home) timezone. But beyond the luxury of peering down at your wrist and seeing two timezones being simultaneously displayed for your viewing pleasure, in my personal and very humble opinion, it should offer its wearer a few more qualities.
It should be durable, practical, robust enough to handle the quote-unquote rigours of luxury travel. Should you have a certain duality from your high end travel watch, with it being able to be worn semi-formally, casually and down by the swim-up pool bar at your 5-star hotel. Yes, I am talking about the Patek Philippes, Rolexes and Vacheron Constantins of the world, but high end travel watches don't stop there.
These are 11 of the best high end travel watches that money can buy.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT
Brand: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT
Reference: 26589TI.GG.D006CA.01
Case: 44mm x 16.10mm
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Calibre 2954
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 237 hours
Hear me out: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT can potentially make the claim for the best travel watch, period. It's the perfect combination of a bona fide IYKYK status, it's titanium, it's true haute horlogerie with the practicality of a second timezone indicator, and packs some serious in-your-face punch with which you can use to overshadow almost any other holidaying watch aficionado's travel timepiece.
Patek Philippe 5942G Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph
Reference: 5942G-001
Case: 42mm x 13.05mm
Case Material: White Gold
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Calibre CH 28‑520 C FUS
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 45 hours
The Patek Philippe 5942G Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph is another out-of-left-field option here, but hey, we are looking at the best of the best high end travel watches that money can buy. With a chronograph, a dual timezone indicator with a day/night indicator for both local and home times, as well as a date indicator, the Patek Philippe 5942G Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph is just about as much watch as one would want with them on a holiday.
Patek Philippe 5990/1A Nautilus Chronograph Travel Time
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Nautilus Chronograph Travel Time
Reference: 5990/1A-011
Case: 40.50mm x 12.53mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Caliber CH 28‑520 C FUS
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 45 hours
Another Patek Philippe, this time with the 5990/1A Nautilus Chronograph Travel Time. If I had to go out on a limb and choose a piece on this list, this would have to be it. Dress it up or down, wear it on the beach, at the pool, down at the restaurant or anywhere in between, the Patek Philippe 5990/1A Nautilus Chronograph Travel Time has all bases covered. One of the best high end travel watches out there.
Patek Philippe 5164G Aquanaut Travel Time
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Nautilus Chronograph Travel Time
Reference: 5164G-001
Case: 40.80mm x 10.20mm
Case Material: White Gold
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Caliber 26-330 S C FUS
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 45 hours
The Patek Philippe 5164G Aquanaut Travel Time is a purpose built machine made for the traveller wanting to add a bit of exclusivity and luxury to their wrist. In its simplest form, the Patek Philippe 5164G Aquanaut Travel Time combines the usefulness of a Travel Time display, but beyond that the Patek Philippe 5164G Aquanaut Travel Time is anything but conventional. A true high end travel watch, the Patek Philippe 5164G Aquanaut Travel Time has the penchant of being one of the most inconspicuously impressive watches you can wear on your next adventure.
Rolex GMT-Master II
Brand: Rolex
Model: GMT-Master II
Reference: 126710GRNR
Case: 40mm
Case Material: Oystersteel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Caliber 3285
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 70 hours
The perrenial traveller's watch is the Rolex GMT-Master II. In all of its glory, the Rolex GMT-Master II is perhaps one of the greatest tool watches of all time, let alone one of the best high end travel watches. With its simple-to-use GMT function, this particular reference which was released only a few months ago at Watches And Wonders 2024, the Rolex GMT-Master II deserves all of its deserved plaudits as being a staple go-to for many travellers.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Overseas Dual Time
Reference: 7920V/210A-B546
Case: 41mm x 12mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 150m
Movement: Caliber 5110 DT/2
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 60 hours
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is the quintessential high end traveller's watch, epitomizing luxury and functionality for the sophisticated globetrotter. This high end traveller's watch boasts a sleek design and advanced features, including dual time zones, making it an indispensable companion for those who frequently cross borders. The meticulous craftsmanship and robust performance of this high end traveller's watch ensure that it meets the highest standards of both style and precision, solidifying its place as a must-have for the discerning traveler.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Deep Black GMT
Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Deep Black GMT
Reference: 215.92.46.22.01.001
Case: 45.50mm x 17.40mm
Case Material: Ceramic
Water Resistance: 600m
Movement: Omega 8906
Frequency: 3.5 Hz
Power Reserve: 60 hours
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Deep Black GMT is the ultimate high end traveller's watch, combining cutting-edge technology with elegant design. This high end traveller's watch is crafted from a single block of black ceramic, ensuring both durability and a sleek aesthetic. Its GMT function allows for easy time zone adjustments, making it the perfect high end traveller's watch for those who navigate international waters. With water resistance up to 600 meters and a helium escape valve, this high end traveller's watch is as reliable under the sea as it is stylish on land, catering to the needs of the most discerning adventurers.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT
Brand: Bulgari
Model: Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT
Reference: 103068
Case: 42mm x 6.90mm
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: BVL 318
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 55 hours
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT is a masterpiece that stands out as a high end traveller's watch, seamlessly blending sophistication with utility. This high end traveller's watch is renowned for its ultra-thin profile, combining a sleek design with the functionality of both a chronograph and GMT complication. The lightweight titanium construction and precise Swiss mechanics make it an ideal high end traveller's watch for those who demand elegance and reliability on their journeys. Perfect for navigating multiple time zones with ease, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT exemplifies what a high end traveller's watch should be: stylish, functional, and impeccably crafted.
Panerai PAM01441 Luminor GMT
Brand: Panerai
Model: Luminor GMT
Reference: PAM01441
Case: 44mm
Case Material: Ceramic
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: P.9010/GMT
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 72 hours
The Panerai PAM01441 Luminor GMT is another quintessential high end traveller's watch, merging robust design with exceptional functionality. This high end traveller's watch features a ceramic case and automatic movement, ensuring durability and precision for globetrotters. Its GMT function allows for seamless time zone transitions, making it an indispensable companion for frequent flyers. The distinctive design and superior craftsmanship of this high end traveller's watch underscore Panerai's commitment to excellence, making the PAM01441 Luminor GMT the perfect choice for discerning travelers who seek both style and performance.
Chopard L.U.C GMT One Black
Brand: Chopard
Model: L.U.C GMT One Black
Reference: 168579-3004
Case: 42mm x 11.71mm
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: L.U.C 01.10-L
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 60 hours
The Chopard L.U.C GMT One Black is the epitome of a high end traveller's watch, combining luxury with practicality. This high end traveller's watch features a sleek black ceramic case and a sophisticated dual-time display, making it an essential tool for those who frequently navigate different time zones. Its refined aesthetics and advanced mechanics ensure that this high end traveller's watch offers both style and precision. The Chopard L.U.C GMT One Black stands out as an exquisite choice for discerning globetrotters who demand both elegance and functionality in their high end traveller's watch.