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Old 7 April 2024, 02:20 AM   #1
hartsy
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GMT Alternative to the Rolex GMT Master II

Hey all!

Loving my 224270 but also finding that I am yearning for (and have a pretty valid need for) a watch with a GMT complication. I am somewhat new to the watch world and only really know of the Tudor GMT as an alternative - which upon looking at feedback may be a bit too thick to be a viable candidate. What other watches similar to the Rolex/Tudor GMT are out there that I should check out?

Thanks!
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Old 7 April 2024, 10:42 AM   #2
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Grand Seiko has tons of GMTs with a variety of movements (which means a pretty expansive range of prices). I have the SBGJ201 with a Hi-Beat movement. There are sportier as well as dressier alternatives. Check them out.

Seiko has a bunch of options if you’re fine with caller-style GMTs. Or then the Longines Spirit Zulu Time collection.

Last edited by DocChand; 7 April 2024 at 10:43 AM.. Reason: Grammar
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Old 7 April 2024, 11:24 AM   #3
hartsy
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Ill check them out, thank you!
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Old 7 April 2024, 11:25 AM   #4
AAMD11
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Longines Spirit Zulu Time. This thing is great
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Old 7 April 2024, 11:28 AM   #5
hartsy
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Longines Spirit Zulu Time. This thing is great
Beautiful!!
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Old 7 April 2024, 11:54 AM   #6
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Beautiful!!
Keep in mind I swapped the OEM bracelet for an OEM bracelet of another Longines model. Just because I wanted to differentiate it. This bracelet is a lot more comfortable for my particular wrist
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Old 7 April 2024, 07:17 PM   #7
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For me Breitling Navitimer 41 GMT
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Old 7 April 2024, 09:47 PM   #8
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Since I have no fear of heights it's the Tudor BB GMT for me.
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Old 7 April 2024, 09:48 PM   #9
1William
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So many to choose from. I am a fan of the Tudor GMT's and while the internet is beating the drum on thickness, it works for me. The Tudors also lend themselves to being strap and bracelet monsters. Go try one on and see.
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Old 7 April 2024, 11:36 PM   #10
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Not at all similar to the Rolex, but the Bulgari Octo Finnissimo chrono/GMT is remarkably thin and the steel model has lume and good water resistance.
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Old 7 April 2024, 11:56 PM   #11
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The longines hydroconquest GMT is stunning, and Mido just put out a new GMT that I think looks great as well.

https://www.longines.com/en-ca/p/wat...-l3-790-4-96-6

https://www.midowatches.com/ca-en/oc...291804100.html

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Old 8 April 2024, 02:54 AM   #12
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Although I too wish the Tudor was a little thinner, it is just so versatile on different straps/bracelets.
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Old 8 April 2024, 03:53 AM   #13
hartsy
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The Tudor is beautiful, its just so dang thick! How have these held up over time?
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Old 8 April 2024, 06:25 AM   #14
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If you dont mind a quartz movement you could do a lot worse than one of these.
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Old 10 April 2024, 01:47 AM   #15
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Well....

Now you have the BB58 GMT to throw around as well OP. I'm not a fan of the gilt bezel markers and hands, but it's going to check a LOT of boxes for people looking for a flyer GMT who (for whatever reason) aren't in the market for a Rolex GMT Master II.
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Old 12 April 2024, 03:43 AM   #16
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Good advice here so far.

I agree Grand Seiko is the first place you should look.

Their models with multi directional bezels (like the Rolex) are great but a little big.

They have moderately sized GMTs but these do not have the ability to rotate the bezel.

They also have a dress watch version without any 24 hour bezel, but it looks pretty cool/unique.

I also agree the Longines Zulu is also a nice GMT, and they also have a Hodinkee collaboration in titanium.

In addition to these, I have enjoyed the Panerai 233 which is a really cool (but very big) GMT which was my standard goto before I got the Batman.

Lots of nice choices out there.
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Old 29 April 2024, 03:19 PM   #17
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If you’re open to a little more off the beaten path and not blingy. I might suggest IWC 3251. Super easy to read GMT and also a true GMT. Totally under the radar for travel as well.



https://www.chrono24.com/iwc/iwc-die...6_F8WGpO&pos=4
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Old 30 April 2024, 07:49 AM   #18
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Worth considering whether you need “true”/“traveler” GMT functionality versus “caller”/“office.” There are a lot more caller GMT’s out there at a lot of different price points. There are fewer true GMT’s and they’re generally more expensive, but there’s more variety with those than there used to be.

One of my favorite options is the Monta SkyQuest in its various flavors. This is a caller GMT though, so maybe not ideal for every use-case.

https://montawatch.com/collections/skyquest
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Old 30 April 2024, 09:44 AM   #19
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I do like the new Seiko GMTs but these ones are "caller" GMTs, with adjustable GMT hand.
Seiko SPB385
Seiko SPB381
Here is the green one

The other is my Omega Seamaster 2534.50, which has a "traveler" GMT function with jumping hour hand. There is also a 2234.50 with a white face but these are on the older side. Also, no HE valve, which I consider a plus!
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Old 30 April 2024, 10:52 AM   #20
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One of my favorites is the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time. Truly unique how they do it. Though it is very pricey!
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Old 5 May 2024, 01:39 AM   #21
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GMT Alternative to the Rolex GMT Master II

If you want to spend a little less money, Seiko has a LE white Alpinist that is a GMT:


Thinking about picking this up. If you are into smaller brands, Christopher Ward has a nice one, too:



Both retail for about $1,300.00


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Old 12 May 2024, 04:56 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KatGirl View Post
If you want to spend a little less money, Seiko has a LE white Alpinist that is a GMT:


Thinking about picking this up. If you are into smaller brands, Christopher Ward has a nice one, too:



Both retail for about $1,300.00


Kat


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Those are both very nice, but I really like the CW. I want a Polar but can’t justify the spend. Also I think the 42 is a bit big. Older ones are still pricey.
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