Looking for an Alternative

[EWY]

I have been searching for an alternative for my GMT 2 for travel.
Functionally, I like my GMT 2, this only issue is that mine is in 18K Gold. I rather not wear a gold watch while traveling. I do have a Breitling Thunderbirds Pluton for travel. However, there are issues with that dual time watch.

The Rolex GMT 2 has a rotating bezel which is really useful. I set the 24-hour hand on the GMT. Rotate the bezel to offset the time zones and I can track the 24 time zones. I never adjust the 24-hour hand. I just adjust the local hour hand forward or backward and rotate the bezel.

Some GMT watches without a rotating bezel would have the same issue with the Explorer 2. That means most would set the 24-hour hand as home time and change the local time for travel. This is fine for travel but at home but at home, the local time and home time is the same.

Some watches have 2 dials (including the Sky Dweller), one for local and one for home. The issue is most of them has one large dial and one small dial. For normal use, most want to set the local time on the large time. So, when I travel, do I swap the local and home time on the dials? I guess I could set the home time to the city that I want to track and let the local time be the home time at home. This arrangement means that I have to change the home time on the watch every time I want to track another time zone. The only exception is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface Dual Time which has two dials of same size. The issue of this dual dial is that neither has 24-hour indication which does not make it a GMT watch.

There are world time watches that are really the ideal for a quick glance to find the time for different time zones. Quite a few of these watches do not have a date which is a function that most of us use most other than the time. Even a Patek Philippe World Time watch does not have a Date indication.

Ulysse Nardin has some interesting Dual Time or GMT watches. The 2014 Ulysse Nardin GMT Perpetual Manufacture is a marvel. However, it is not available with a bracelet. I rather not wear a leather strap in the summer.

IWC Pilot Worldtimer looks like a good alternative and in fact I think it is probably more useful than a GMT or dual time watch. It has a Date and 24 time zone indications. Same issue, it does not come with a bracelet.

For a while, I was considering the Sky Dweller. However, I would have the same issue of 2 dials watch. I would have to swap time between the small dial and the large dial when I travel or just keep the small dial (Home Time) same the Large dial (Local Time) while at home. Sort of defeating the purpose of having a dual time watch when you are at home which is most of the time. The fluted bezel is also shouting Rolex which is not what I want to do while travelling. The other issue is that the Steel Sky Dweller is not available unless one pays over list. I have never paid over list and I do not intend to.

The Rolex Explorer 2 is really not as useful as the GMT2. The reason when one is not travelling, the home time would be the same as the local time on a non-rotating bezel watch. Yes, the home time could be set to another time zone that you want to track but as soon as you travel, you have to reset the home time back to home.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time (3rd Generations) is really nice. It comes with Steel bracelet, Crocodile strap and a Rubber strap. It also does not have a rotating Bezel.

Actually, after all the research I found that a good replacement for my 18K GMT2 is probably another white metal GMT 2. I just cannot justify to myself that I need another GMT 2.

I do wear my 18K GMT 2 but just not for travel, that sort of defeating the reason that I purchased it in the first place. I think it looks nice but should I trade it in and get another white metal GMT/World Time watch? Are there better alternatives? When do you guys think?

[returntorolex]

I’ve ordered this reference (Breitling)

In-house B35 movement with 70-hr power reserve
Bracelet or leather....or both!
Date is at 6 o’clock
COSC certified
World timer
Under $9k (list)

[EWY]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

I’ve ordered this reference (Breitling)

Thanks for the tip. May I have the model number so I can do some research?

[returntorolex]

Sure thing:

https://www.breitling.com/us-en/watc...AB3521U41B1A1/

[EWY]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

Sure thing:

https://www.breitling.com/us-en/watc...AB3521U41B1A1/

Thanks. This comes with a Manufacture movement also.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

I’ve ordered this reference (Breitling)

In-house B35 movement with 70-hr power reserve
Bracelet or leather....or both!
Date is at 6 o’clock
COSC certified
World timer
Under $9k (list)

I came extremely close to walking out for our AD with that same watch. I really like the look, nice hefty watch with a great bracelet. The blue is so nice and stands out. Wore it around for about 15 mins. But there was something about the winding that I just didn't like. Ended up leaving with a Tudor. But I still go back and look at it from time to time. Who know, maybe someday. Congrats on
a very nice watch.

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by Art 1

I came extremely close to walking out for our AD with that same watch. I really like the look, nice hefty watch with a great bracelet. The blue is so nice and stands out. Wore it around for about 15 mins. But there was something about the winding that I just didn't like. Ended up leaving with a Tudor. But I still go back and look at it from time to time. Who know, maybe someday. Congrats on
a very nice watch.

Thanks - I should get it delivered tomorrow. I also ordered the black alligator strap for it 😎

[EWY]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

Thanks - I should get it delivered tomorrow. I also ordered the black alligator strap for it 😎

Please post pictures for us to view. Where did you order yours BTW?

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by EWY

Please post pictures for us to view. Where did you order yours BTW?

Breitling boutique in NYC when I was there last week.

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by EWY

Please post pictures for us to view. Where did you order yours BTW?

Been wearing this since delivery. Been wearing this since delivery

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by Art 1

I came extremely close to walking out for our AD with that same watch. I really like the look, nice hefty watch with a great bracelet. The blue is so nice and stands out. Wore it around for about 15 mins. But there was something about the winding that I just didn't like. Ended up leaving with a Tudor. But I still go back and look at it from time to time. Who know, maybe someday. Congrats on
a very nice watch.

Thanks Art. I came very close on the IWC (there is a preowned example on Tourneau website). When I tried on the Breitling it sealed the deal for me.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

Thanks Art. I came very close on the IWC (there is a preowned example on Tourneau website). When I tried on the Breitling it sealed the deal for me.

Looks so nice. Congrats !

[Geaux Tigers]

Man that IWC is nice looking! Might add that one to the list.

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by Geaux Tigers

Man that IWC is nice looking! Might add that one to the list.

Discontinued. I was debating between that and a new IWC timezoner. Ended up getting the Breitling instead.

[Potawatomi]

The VC is my choice out of the lot. Yea it doesn't have a rotating bezel but the overseas is amazing looking

[EWY]

Originally Posted by Potawatomi

The VC is my choice out of the lot. Yea it doesn't have a rotating bezel but the overseas is amazing looking

Yes, that is why I include it. It is expensive but I could trade in my GMT 2. I am just not sure if I should do it. Function wise, GMT 2 beats it hands down. I would set the Home time always home and use it like a Date Just at home. The interchangeable bands is a nice touch. Considering, it cost about the same as the Steel Sky Dweller, this is a bargain.

[marcusp23]

Panerai GMT - various dial colors and options. My favorite travel watch.

Here’s mine

[EWY]

Originally Posted by marcusp23

Panerai GMT - various dial colors and options. My favorite travel watch.

Here’s mine

Technically this Panerai is not a GMT even though it is called one. This one does not have a 24-hour indicator. It would have the same issue as other 2 dial watches. How time do you set the small dial? Do you set the small dial Home Time or another Time Zone? Do you swap the time between the large dial and small dial when you travel? The Blue face with the Blue band does look nice. I like the simple and uncluttered dial. What is the case size?

[marcusp23]

Originally Posted by EWY

Technically this Panerai is not a GMT even though it is called one. This one does not have a 24-hour indicator. It would have the same issue as other 2 dial watches. How time do you set the small dial? Do you set the small dial Home Time or another Time Zone? Do you swap the time between the large dial and small dial when you travel? The Blue face with the Blue band does look nice. I like the simple and uncluttered dial. What is the case size?

Yeah, it is a GMT, just doesn’t have a 24 hour ring. The hand with the arrow is set to home time, and the quick set hour hand is set to local time.

I alternate between this and my CHNR when traveling to different time zones. I like this because it is less flashy than my CHNR.

It’s a PAM 1033. Case size is 44mm

[StackLexus17]

Originally Posted by marcusp23

Panerai GMT - various dial colors and options. My favorite travel watch.

Here’s mine

The more Ilook at Panerai the brand grows on me. Nice watch bud




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[Rotaz]

Originally Posted by marcusp23

Panerai GMT - various dial colors and options. My favorite travel watch.

Here’s mine

That blue dial is killer. What is the thickness on the case? Does it have the quick change strap function? I


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[marcusp23]

Originally Posted by Rotaz

That blue dial is killer. What is the thickness on the case? Does it have the quick change strap function? I


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Thanks! Not sure how thick - definitely thinner than my Big Pilot (though most are) - feels great on the wrist - not too thick. Does have the quick change strap function. And of course you have to get a bunch of straps to mix it up, which is part of the fun with Panerai

[locutus49]

Patek aquanaut 5146A I believe is the one you want. Correct me if I'm wrong on the reference.

[EWY]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Patek aquanaut 5146A I believe is the one you want. Correct me if I'm wrong on the reference.

I did look at the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A. The dial is very simple and I like the style. It has two day and night indicators for Home and Local Times. This is a beauty. It also demands serious money. If I am paying for this kind of money, I expect a bracelet not just a rubber band. It also needs a tool to push the hidden recessed button to advance the date. So, every other month, I would need to wipe out a pusher tool to advance the date. The VC Overseas Dual Time while not as elegant does not need a pusher tool. Thanks for the recommendation though, this Patek is just not my cup of tea.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Patek aquanaut 5146A I believe is the one you want. Correct me if I'm wrong on the reference.

That’s a perfect suggestion

or

Just buy a SS Rolex gmt

[ademarco]

Nice PAM 1033. My next watch for the future. I love the dial!


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[kieselguhr]

Didn’t read your specifications.
Tudor GMT. I am already getting passer’s remorse that I didn’t get the one offered to me.

[danwang0520]

alternative to Rolex brand in the same price/competitor segment is Panerai and Omega....
For Panerai, I would pick PAM964/PAM999 that features full-gmt(with AM/PM display) with quick-set local hand functionality(these two watch features the P.4002 movement with micro-rotor)

For Omega, I would picket Planet Ocean any of the GMT available(they have rotatable bezel as you would find in a Sub or GMT Master II)

Happy hunting~

[lukajur]

I am personally considering the VC Overseas Dual Time. I really think it is the perfect travel watch as it has a go anywhere do anything vibe. Don't forget an exquisit water resistance and a prestige of the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture.

If you can get it at a decent discount, I think the value is there as well!

[superdog]

Originally Posted by lukajur

I am personally considering the VC Overseas Dual Time. I really think it is the perfect travel watch as it has a go anywhere do anything vibe. Don't forget an exquisit water resistance and a prestige of the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture.

If you can get it at a decent discount, I think the value is there as well!

I am with you on this one.

it is one hell of a watch.

I just picked up a SS SkyD and I am a big fan of it. Great fitting and a superb complication. it is super neat.

looking at the VC makes me think it is next on my hit list.