What Is A GMT Watch?

You may have seen a GMT watch on the website of almost any luxury watchmaker, but what exactly is a GMT Watch? GMT watches were originally meant for pilots and frequent travellers; however, they can now be enjoyed by anybody. These watches not only tell time but also offer a window into the global landscape, enabling wearers to traverse time zones with ease. 

If you want to learn more about how a GMT watch works and the benefits of having one, you've come to the perfect spot. 

The Origin Of The GMT Watch

The history of the GMT watch can be traced back to the 1950s when Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) collaborated with Rolex to create a watch that could assist pilots on long-haul flights. With the increase in international air travel, pilots needed a way to keep track of time in their departure and destination cities. The result was the iconic Rolex GMT-Master, complete with a 24-hour rotating bezel and an extra 24-hour hand.

What Does “GMT” Stand For?

GMT, short for Greenwich Mean Time, is the starting point for all time zones around the world or the time zone from which all others scale up (+) or down (-). For example, Singapore is GMT +8, Dubai is GMT +4, and Toronto is GMT -4.

So, what exactly is a GMT watch? It's a watch that can tell time in two (or more) different time zones simultaneously.

How Does a GMT Watch Work?

The fundamentals are quite straightforward. A conventional GMT watch features two hands for measuring time but is powered by a standard watch mechanism. The regular hands make one turn of the dial every 12 hours and correlate to the dial's numerals or markers. 

The GMT indication, on the other hand, is designed to move at half speed to traverse the complete dial in 24 hours. The GMT hand has a visible pointer for clarity and is generally coloured, making it easier to understand each timezone at a glance.

Certain GMT watches can measure a third-time zone due to a spinning bezel with a 24-hour reference that may be configured to indicate the time zone of interest's reference time.

This, however, was all about how to make sense of the different timezone. We’ll be talking about how to set the time and more below in further detail to make sure you know how to correctly set up and enjoy the full functions of your GMT watch should you choose to get one(or if you just got one). 

• Using the Bezel

The GMT hand may be attached to the hour hand, depending on your watch. The GMT hand will move with you when you change the local time. Flip the bezel to align with the correct hour for the second time zone. Movements have improved, and many brands' product models now have independent GMT hands. The bezel continues to revolve bidirectionally for a convenient time setting.

However, it would be best to remember that not every GMT watch has an hour-scale bezel. 

• How To Read And Set A GMT Watch

When calibrating a GMT with a static GMT hand, start with the bezel aligned at 12 o'clock. The GMT hand will correspond to the current local time. To tell time in a different city, spin the bezel to the right or left, depending on your timezone's location. If the second timezone is behind, turn the bezel clockwise. Similarly, if the second timezone is ahead, turn the bezel anticlockwise.

• Tracking A Third Timezone With A GMT

Because many current GMT functions have a separate GMT hand, the GMT hand and 24-hour bezel can be used to track a third timezone. Set the GMT hand to the current GMT and the hour hand to local time to establish a third timezone.

The bezel may then be spun clockwise or anticlockwise depending on location to select a third timezone, using GMT as a guide for how many hours to add or remove. The bezel would then line with the third timezone and GMT hand, while the hour hand would read your local time. 

It is crucial to remember that to read the time in the second timezone; the bezel must be turned back.

What To Look For In A GMT Watch

There are more complicated movements now than those early models, and they may be broadly classified into two groups. The first kind features a GMT hand that may be changed independently from the local time represented by the hour hand and is not tied to the date function.

The GMT hand is linked to the minute hand of the second kind, but the conventional hour hand is independently movable and is connected to the date. The second kind is more of a classic GMT watch and is slightly easier to use when travelling since turning the hour hand forward or back without affecting the minute hand is quick and straightforward as your plane lands down in London or The Bahamas.

Is It Worthwhile To Invest In A GMT Watch?

Outside of a diving watch, the GMT feature may be among the most helpful. This is especially true for people who travel frequently for business or have family members who live in various time zones and want sporty-looking timepieces.

GMT watches come in various designs catering to diverse tastes and styles. From classic to contemporary, sporty to luxurious, there is a GMT watch for every wrist. 

Our Final Thoughts On GMT Watches

Originally GMT watches were created for pilots to adjust to different time zones. However, they are now widely used by anybody who wants to track the time in two distinct locations. If you travel frequently, this will help you stay on schedule. It's especially useful if you have many layovers or connecting flights. Airport travels become less stressful with this sort of watch. 

GMT watches can make fantastic travel items for folks who need help remembering what time it is at home.