The Top Five Alternatives To The Current Rolex GMT-Master II

Choosing something other than one of the Crown's most colorful icons

January 28, 2022

comments 66

Are there proper replacements for the watch world’s biggest icons? That’s a question that often has a personal answer. A little over two weeks ago, I tried answering the question of whether there are great alternatives for the good ol’ Rolex Datejust. Last week, Robert-Jan did the same for the Omega Speedmaster. In this article, we will be searching for five alternatives for the current Rolex GMT-Master II. The famous GMT-Master defined the category of GMT watches. Many of the watches in the same genre took inspiration from the original that started the legacy in 1954. So let’s see if there are true alternatives for the current GMT-Master II.

The original Rolex GMT-Master is one of the most iconic watches ever created. I love Rolex’s travel watch because it spawned an entire category of watches that came after it. On top of that, the Crown released quite a few brilliant versions of the GMT-Master. In the Buying Guide about the best Rolex watches from the 1950s, I explained the first GMT-Master ref. 6542 is my favorite vintage Rolex. And I still stand by that. Okay, maybe it has to share the spot with the Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655. But the general idea of a watch that portrays the adventures and glamorous world of travel is still magical even seven decades later.

The modern GMT-Master II

But what did change is the watch itself. I love a good vintage GMT-Master. I particularly love the watch because it handles wear-and-tear really well. It’s probably the only Rolex and one of the few watches overall I love seeing all beaten up, and it seems to only increase its charm. The one GMT-Master that I would go for is the ref. 1675. It embodies the vintage spirit of world travel that I love so much, which is why I would go for that. It’s this charm that I miss with the modern GMT-Master II ref. 126710.

Ever since Rolex updated its top travel watch and equipped it with the ceramic bezel, it has lost a lot of its original appeal. It has become a louder, flashier watch, and, honestly, I’m not too fond of the red and blue tones used for the ceramic bezel. Now, don’t get me wrong; it’s still an amazing watch with an amazing story. On top of that, Rolex has increased the quality of the materials and the movement to great levels.

But if you are going to spend a lot of money on a watch, you have to be sure that this is the watch for you. And as it stands, my money would either go to a vintage GMT-Master or an alternative. But is that even possible? Let’s find out if these five choices are real alternatives for the current Rolex GMT-Master II.

Grand Seiko SBGJ237

The first watch on this list is a watch that I love and, with me, many on the Fratello team. When the Grand Seiko SBGJ237 and SBGJ239 were dropped off at our offices for review, both watches made an immediate impression. The green-dial SBGJ239 is sophisticated and classy, and the SBGJ237 is the sportier one and a proper alternative for the GMT-Master II. As Robert-Jan explained in his review of the watch, specs-wise, the SBGJ237 is hard to beat. And even our own Mike Stockton, who is a fan of the “Pepsi”, confessed after seeing the Grand Seiko in the metal that it is a better watch than the Rolex. Coming from Mike, that means a lot.

The SBGJ237 is larger than the GMT-Master II at 44.2mm, but from experience, I can say that it doesn’t wear big. The watch comes on a comfortable bracelet with small polished links, but it is not necessarily my preferred style. I would have preferred a simpler Oyster-style bracelet. However, I do love the spectacular blue-and-white sapphire bezel that lights up spectacularly in the dark. A quirky detail that I like and others might hate about the bezel is that the daytime portion runs from 6.30 AM to 5.30 PM. Inside the case, Grand Seiko equipped the watch with the hi-beat caliber 9S86. This great movement has 37 jewels and a 55-hour power reserve. At €7,000, this is a great alternative for the Rolex GMT-Master II that delivers great quality. The movement is superior and the finishing is unmatched, making this a very tempting offer.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT

Omega does not have a big selection of GMT watches with a 24-hour bezel. Back in the late ’90s, the brand made a brilliant GMT version of the Seamaster Professional 300M known as the “Great White.” While the Great White had a white dial and a silver bezel, it also came in a black-dial version with a black-and-silver GMT bezel that you can pick up these days for a lot less. Omega decided to use a very similar color combo for this Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT. The Planet Ocean is far from the most popular Omega collection. Honestly, I am also not the biggest fan. I liked seeing the Deep Black, and another stand-out model is this pick for the list because of its bidirectional black-and-white ceramic bezel.

As Rob explained in an article about GMT dive watches, “In real life, in natural light, however, the ceramic bezel, ceramic dial, polished indices, and arrow-tipped hands make for one hell of an impact piece.” The watch features a 43.5mm stainless steel case that is thick at 17.1mm. Despite its chunky character, the lug-to-lug is “only” 49.5mm, making it very wearable. The chunky case is water-resistant to 600 meters and comes equipped with a Helium Escape Valve. Omega equipped the watch with the 39-jewel Master Chronometer Co-Axial caliber 8906. It operates at 25,200vph, has a 60-hour power reserve, and can resist magnetic fields of at least 15,000 gauss. Overall, this is an impressive piece that is available for €7,900. It will serve you well traveling the skies of the world and the great depths of the oceans.

Rolex Explorer II ref. 226570

You could call the current Rolex Explorer II a lazy pick. Technically, it’s very similar to the GMT-Master II, and on top of that, it suffers from the same cloak of unattainability. But I did not want to leave it out because I currently would pick the Explorer II over the GMT-Master II. The reason is simple: it has not changed too drastically in its appearance, and therefore, it hasn’t lost its charm. No ceramic bezels here that have changed the overall aesthetic, while the technical improvements are completely on par with the GMT-Master II. Last year, some people labeled it a rather boring update, but I loved seeing the new Explorer II. Sometimes small steps will do the trick.

The watch features an updated 42mm case that is significantly more elegant than the previous case. On top of that, the Explorer II has the latest-generation Oyster bracelet, which, as Dave explained, is a significant update in quality and practicality with its Easylink comfort extension. Lastly, Rolex updated the movement to the caliber 3285. The movement has a 70-hour power reserve, a blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, and an accuracy of ±2 seconds per day. At €9,000, it theoretically is €1,000 cheaper than the GMT-Master II. And practically, the Explorer II is one of the lesser-hyped Rolex timepieces. The black-dial version, which I prefer over the white, is actually “within reach” of its list price.

Tudor Black Bay GMT

In all honesty, I generally do not believe that you will settle for a Tudor if you are looking for a Rolex. While Tudor definitely has upped its game greatly over the years, Rolex is simply in a different league regarding the overall brand appeal. Having said that, the Black Bay GMT perfectly captures that vintage spirit that made the original GMT-Master such an iconic timepiece. This is the watch that has the Pan Am charm of the past. The watch was introduced at Baselworld 2018 to much critical acclaim. Mike even went as far as calling it “the Baselworld 2018 shocker” in his introduction article.

It features the 41mm case that we know from the regular Black Bay models. It has a domed crystal, a screw-down crown, and a water resistance of 200 meters. While Tudor tried convincing us the colors were tracing back to Tudor models from the past, it’s definitely not what people think about when seeing the blue and red aluminum bezel. Inside the case, Tudor uses the chronometer-certified MT5652 automatic movement. The movement operates at 28,800vph and has 26 jewels and a 70-hour power reserve. With a list price of €3,920, a great movement, and equally attractive looks, it’s hard to deny the Tudor a spot on this list. Because there aren’t many great alternatives for the GMT-Master, this could be a great pick.

Grand Seiko SBGJ201

Overall, it’s safe to say that Grand Seiko has claimed the world of the GMT. As Lex explained not too long ago, the European Grand Seiko website shows a whopping total of 37 different GMT watches in the current Grand Seiko collection. While the first pick for this list is visually closer to the Rolex GMT-Master II, this will probably be a more popular pick when looking for a Grand Seiko GMT. I perfectly understand why. Fratello’s own Robert-Jan owns a Grand Seiko SBGJ201 Mt. Iwate, and from seeing and wearing the watch, I can say this is an impressive timepiece. While it is less sporty and more formal in its appearance than the GMT-Master II, it does fit a great number of different situations and makes for a great travel watch.

The SBGJ201 features a 40mm stainless steel case that is 14mm thick. It’s the famous 44GS-style case created with Tanaka’s Grammar Of Design in mind. Inside, Grand Seiko uses the same caliber 9S86 as in the sportier SBGJ237, which is at the number-one spot on this list. The hi-beat movement is a joy to see in action with its 36,000vph operation frequency. It has a 55-hour power reserve and a date window at 3 o’clock, which is preferred over the SBGJ237’s crown and date at 4 o’clock. The iconic design, the incredible movement, the immaculate finishing, and the great versatility make this a great GMT and a possible alternative for many out there. I would not pick the white-dial Mt. Iwate, but I’d go for something more colorful like the SBGJ021. But at €6,500, this is a great last option for this list.

Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675

Final Thoughts

After researching the options and writing the article, it is safe to say that it’s hard to come up with five proper alternatives for the current Rolex GMT-Master II. There are plenty of GMT watches out there, but there aren’t that many great timepieces that replace the iconic design and great story of Rolex’s iconic travel watch. Some honorable mentions for this list are the Panerai Luminor GMT PAM 0188, the Chopard L.U.C. GMT One, and the Breitling Navitimer GMT 46. But while they are great watches, I do not consider them better alternatives than the five picks on the list, let alone great alternatives to the GMT-Master.

In my opinion, it’s incredibly hard to find an alternative for the current Rolex GMT-Master II. The only better alternative for me would be a vintage GMT-Master, so a ref. 1675 stays on my list as the only way to go. But it’s over to you guys. What do you think? Are the five options I mentioned really the best options that are currently available? Please tell us your alternatives for the current GMT-Master II in the comments section.

Find and follow me at Jorg Weppelink • Instagram.

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The Top Five Alternatives To The Current Rolex GMT-Master II

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Mark joseph, BUDGIE, Ridgard says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 16:01

Ball watch company GMT pilot needs to be on this list Iam suprised it isn’t….

Reply
1. MH
  Desmodromic says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 16:54
  
  Honestly, saying you couldn’t find 5 alternatives then leaving out the Ball Roadmaster GMTs sounds like a fail . . .
  
  Reply
2. RV
  ralfybaby says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 23:30
  
  If only the SBGJ237 came in a civilized size ….
  Until then my Christopher Ward C65 GMT pepsi will do the job …..
  
  Reply
RR
WatchesSwiss says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 16:09

All the suggested alternatives are great but nothing will replace a Rolex GMT Master II like another Rolex GMT Master II. If buying pre-owned and money is not a factor, how about a neo-vintage Rolex GMT, reference 16710Z? If buying new, off the list, I like the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean best. It’s a superb value proposition. It can serve as one’s GMT and deep sea 600M Submariner combined into one watch.

Reply
Nick says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 16:09

It’s a damn shame that Omega hasn’t found a way to stick the calibre 8605 into a smaller case with a GMT bezel and reasonable thickness. A GMT with 600m water resistance is hilarious and useless. Drop that to 200m, (or even 150m) and shrink that bad boy and i’ll buy one tomorrow. Omega needs a true direct competitor with the GMT Master II and I can’t imagine why they haven’t gone for it…

Reply
1. Mike Walsh says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 18:06
  
  And get rid of that damn helium escape valve, its so ugly.
  
  Reply
2. Kirk Macdonald says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 20:09
  
  I was reading the part about the “Great White” and the black dialed version. I hit the link for the picture and get to see a photo of the watch I am wearing! It’s a 1998 Seamaster 50th Anniversary LE and I’d say it’s one of my favorite watches. The case is slim and sits close to my wrist and it has lovely brushed and polished surfaces. The bezel has sculpted scalloped edges that aren’t as grip-able as gear teeth but they flow so smoothly. I also find the sword hands more striking than the horrible “dot on a stick” hands that they currently use. The anodized aluminum bezel insert is probably the only thing that that could use a rework. Service note: it’s a Travel GMT and the hour wheel has a tendency to crap out after 20 or so years. Best for last: No helium escape valve!
  
  Reply
3. Brown McPherson says:
  
  Jan 29, 2022 at 18:43
  
  Omega makes a 43mm Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT
  
  Reply
  1. Nicholas Franklin says:
    
    Jan 30, 2022 at 18:37
    
    Oof. You have caught my error. I meant to say the 8906 caliber, not the 8605 that is found in that AT.
    
    Either way: Omega… please… master chronometer reasonably sized GMT….. with a bezel…
    
    Reply
IB
ib_travlin says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 16:20

And this is why there is really no true replacement for the Rolex GMT. The size and specs are great yet no one can put it all together. The thin profile, 40mm size, 70hr power reserve, GMT functionality, rotating bezel, great bracelet, etc.
There are some that come close, but this is why Rolex will win all the time. Heck, even the Explorer II is the closest(although bigger diameter), but you can’t walk into any store to buy it.

I believe if watch companies looked at making a better overall package people would gravitate towards those options.

Reply
GD
1Gav1 says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 16:24

Once again for me – like the SLGH models as an alternative to the Datejust – Grand Seiko offer the only one that comes close to passing muster as a consolation prize. But much the same…or even more so than the DJ, there really isn’t an alternative to a GMT-Master when one’s heart (and brain) is set.

No shame in buying it pre-owned; after all, you won’t be alone.

Reply
PL
Plecren says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 16:27

You can still get 16710 GMTs for reasonable money so I might have thrown one of those in but vintage credentials aside its not exactly a great watch. I agree that the new pepsi is a bit showy (I am supposedly on some sort of mythical list for one) and ideally would be on a fully brushed oyster but beggars cant be choosers.

Of those you have picked I love an Omega PO but find the colour scheme a little too monochromatic. The pick for me would be the grand seiko with the blue and white bezel. Its lovely and probably a better watch than the Rolex anyway whilst still being cheaper.

Reply
1. RR
  WatchesSwiss says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 18:33
  
  Yes, the 16710’s can still be found for a very reasonable and fair price but how long will that last as more and more people want a modern Rolex GMT but can’t buy them new in stores and boutiques.
  
  Reply
  1. RR
    WatchesSwiss says:
    
    Jan 28, 2022 at 19:07
    
    Especially if you can get the last 16710’s made around 2005-2006 with the Z Serial numbers and the Caliber 3186 movements, which have the blue Parachrom hairspring.
    
    Reply
    1. TM
      TAT2 says:
      
      Jan 29, 2022 at 16:14
      
      The only replacement for a 126710 is a 16710. Its the classic Rolex GMT. But I wouldn’t pay a single penny more for a 3186 movement. I also wouldn’t pay a penny over MSRP for a 126710.
      
      Reply
      1. RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        Jan 29, 2022 at 17:45
        
        I feel that way about a lot of watches. But if you can’t buy it new from the boutique or AD, you don’t have many choices if you are set on owning one. The Rolex GMT is a perennial favourite. Hard to imagine it will ever go out of style. Usually, I just walk away, rather than put my name on a seven year waiting list.
        
        Reply
AfrikaSORAI says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 16:33

I like the Omega SPO GMT with black ceramic case, gold bezel, indices and hands most. A little bit of gold on a black case is a great combination. It looks just amazing and has absolutely the right size ( like the ProPlof…)
And you can be save, there will be only one next to lots of Rolex GMT at your next meeting…

Reply
GB
GPBox says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 16:57

Personally, I prefer the Grand Seiko SBGM247 or the SBGJ255 Hi-Beat GMT in titanium.

Reply
JH
Conor Whitworth says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 16:58

Who am i to argue? Some really great watches listed. But i picked up a SBGN003 last year. Damn the dimensions are in vintage Rolex territory at 39mm, so it wears like an absolute dream, is beautifully weighted and is just a great no fuss accurate as hell travel watch. Maybe the 9F movement is the perfect evolutionary path for a GMT ?

Reply
1. RR
  WatchesSwiss says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 19:12
  
  I would buy a GS with a 9F quartz movement if it was in a smaller field watch with 100M WR, a screw down crown, AR, etc. Sort of like a GS Explorer.
  
  Reply
  1. JH
    Conor Whitworth says:
    
    Jan 28, 2022 at 19:45
    
    The SBGX341/343 are just awesome. I have my eye on a SBGV245. Tough no nonsense watches that still manage to look stunning.
    
    Reply
  2. Nicolaselkhoury says:
    
    Jan 29, 2022 at 09:07
    
    6
    
    Reply
Ugo says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 17:12

designwise, the SBGJ237 is objectively perfect.
it has everything an ideal gmt should have: 24h rotating bezel, 24h rehaut, date, lumed hands, decent PR, an interesting movement, it even has an offset crown, and reasonable price.
it just need to shave 2 or 3 mm, but it is as close as “perfection” as one can go.

the PO is maybe more interesting and beautiful, and the glossy dial is awesome, but it lacks an intelligent use of the rehaut and it waaaaay too chunky at 17 mm thickness. it really has to slim down a bit in two dimensions…

Tudor seems stil the most solid choice. not slim either though…

Reply
brooklyn_boy says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 17:18

Though it doesn’t quite meet the bracelet and water-resistance specs of the GMT Master II, the JLC Master Control Geographic is a splendid travel watch that just doesn’t get the love it deserves. But that’s true for all JLCs isn’t it?

Reply
1. LC
  Chow says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 19:29
  
  @BrooklynBoy, when are you coming to Canal Street to see the old man Chow?
  
  Reply
  1. brooklyn_boy says:
    
    Jan 28, 2022 at 20:20
    
    I’ll come when they discover Buzz Aldrin’s long lost 105.012. So probably never.
    
    Reply
    1. LC
      Chow says:
      
      Jan 28, 2022 at 21:21
      
      Ayyyyyaa!!!! That hurts! They may find it my friend!
      
      Reply
2. PB
  brusephi says:
  
  Jan 30, 2022 at 09:08
  
  Similarly, I would consider a JLC Reverso Duoface. Great travel watch, especially in steel, and can still be dressed up/down. You lose in water resistance and general ruggedness, but gain in understatement.
  
  Reply
Chaz_H says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 18:46

“Top Five NON ROLEX Alternatives…” would have been better and more realistic an article. Explorer II? Puh-leeez.

Personally I think one of the best GMTs out there is the IWC 3251. Yeah it’s not “IN HOUSE” and it’s discontinued but it’s a nicely modified ETA that’s been encased in a low profile, classic design that flies under the radar and most likely you won’t get killed for it. In Europe, at least. Still many that can be had at the usual watch websites at slowly rising prices.

Reply
1. Elliot Moon says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 23:10
  
  The thing that always really bugged me about the 3251 is that IWC printed “Univeral Time Coordinated” on the dial, which…isn’t a thing. In English the official term is Coordinated Universal Time (CUT). In French it’s Temps Universel Coordonné (TUC). The initialization UTC was picked as a compromise that everyone could use across languages. So I have no idea why IWC used “Universal Time Coordinated” but it’s one of the most glaring mistakes I’ve ever seen on a watch dial.
  
  https://www.nist.gov/pml/div688/utcnist.cfm#cut
  
  Reply
  1. Chaz_H says:
    
    Jan 29, 2022 at 03:07
    
    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
    
    Reply
  2. Ron_W says:
    
    Jan 29, 2022 at 17:22
    
    From the link you posted, and yes i actualy read that kind of stuff 🙂 , it is not IWC that changed it to UTC ( excellent watch btw, i owned one and it is as clever as Kurt Klaus ) but the commission that decided on the compromise ;
    
    For example, in English the abbreviation for coordinated universal time would be CUT, while in French the abbreviation for “temps universel coordonné” would be TUC. To avoid appearing to favor any particular language, the abbreviation UTC was selected.
    
    Reply
    1. Elliot Moon says:
      
      Jan 29, 2022 at 19:09
      
      Yes, that’s the point I’m trying to make. IWC printed “Universal Time Coordinated” on their dials, presumably because it initializes down to UTC. Apparently they were unaware that UTC *doesn’t* actually stand for Universal Time Coordinated and that Universal Time Coordinated isn’t something that exists. IWC should have printed Coordinated Universal Time. Or, Temps Universel Coordonné. Or just UTC. They wanted to get technical and wordy and they ended up just being wrong. Like I said, it’s bothered the hell out of me since the first time I saw the watch. ; )
      
      Reply
      1. Ron_W says:
        
        Jan 29, 2022 at 19:32
        
        Same with printing Automatic on a dial, it was done i guess just to explain it to us mortals so we would understand it was special 🙂 ……. at least it is better than GMT, which was anbandoned so many years ago already.
        
        Reply
        
        Elliot Moon says:
        
        Jan 30, 2022 at 03:48
        
        And still I disagree, friend. : )
        
        Sure, it’s an anachronism now, GMT hasn’t been the world standard for many decades, but it was at one time. And it still exists as a functional time zone equivalent to UT1, which itself is equivalent to UTC for all practical purposes that a mechanical watch would care about. At the very least naming a watch GMT has historical significance. IWC’s “Universal Time Coordinated” is just simply nonsensical. A mistake presumably born from ignorance.
        
        Reply
        
        Ron_W says:
        
        Jan 30, 2022 at 15:29
        
        So you prefer an outdated term such as GMT , presumably because it is `understood ` to be a standard, over the correct use of UTC ( as defined by the commssion ) written in full ?
        
        Hardly due to ignorance but most likely signalling a modern and a new standard opposed to GMT. And it fitted nicely around the cresent apperture with the 2nd timezone.
        
        You can`t fault IWC for using it as it is the standard, but purely for reasons of a clean dial UTC would have been sufficient for me. They did nicely improve on that with their later watches such as Timezoners, and many worldtimer make use of UTC on the dial or casebacks so i think it has rightly been made the standard abbreviation for timezones.
        
        Now all the world has to do is to get rid of that imperial system…
        
        Reply
        
        Elliot Moon says:
        
        Feb 01, 2022 at 00:12
        
        Ron, I reeeeeally don’t think you’re understanding what I’m saying at all. I’ll try this one more time:
        
        “Universal Time Coordinated,” as printed on that stupid IWC dial, isn’t a real thing. There is no such thing as “Universal Time Coordinated.”
        
        “Coordinated Universal Time” is the correct term. THAT is what should be printed on the dial.
        
        End of story. I bow out. Good luck everyone.
        
        Reply
        
        Chaz_H says:
        
        Jan 30, 2022 at 19:54
        
        Maybe that’s why the new IWC “MJ271” just simply says “Spitfire UTC” on the dial with no other superfluous script. ?
        
        Reply
SR
SPQR. says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 19:22

The glaring omission on this list is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black/Big Blue. Full ceramic cases in black or blue with a fixed GMT scale on the dial rehaut and a functional divers bezel. 600M of water resistance, plus comfortable and light weight due to the ceramic case. Why is this watch not on the list? And why is another Rolex on the list when it is also as difficult to get hold of as the GMT-Master? Lazy research seems to be evident here.

Reply
Warky says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 20:24

I tried on an “exhibition” Rootbeer today. Couldn’t maintain the lie I have told myself that I don’t like it and am not fussed that I will never get one. It was beautiful.?

Having said that there are unquestionably good alternatives out there. GS in particular as Gav has said have a cracking range of GMT watches. The one I would have is not on here. At 40mm it is closer to the Rolex so the SBGE255 or the alternative colours would be my choice. Great secondary prices add to the appeal. Fabulous and distinct looks, superior finishing and that cache amongst watch aficionados of being a GS make this really appealing.

Also, albeit it isn’t a direct comparison I would suggest a steel Aqua Terra Worldtimer for the same price at list is a superior option. 50mm greater water resistance, more functionality and a better/more advanced movement.

Reply
1. GD
  1Gav1 says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 22:30
  
  I think I may have to revise my choice of the only viable alternative to the DJ being an SLGH, to being the SBGA211. 😉
  
  Reply
  1. Warky says:
    
    Jan 28, 2022 at 22:50
    
    You really do need a Grand Seiko in that collection dude.
    
    Do it, DO IT!
    
    Reply
Greg says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 20:56

I view this on Watchville (so, with the rest of the feed), and it feels like the same old topics get retyped into the same kind of articles featuring the same 10 watches. (Shocked face when the Black Bay GMT is mentioned here). It gets so boring. I know, don’t read ‘um, but still…

Reply
1. Elliot Moon says:
  
  Jan 28, 2022 at 23:15
  
  It’s weird, right? I could have sworn I’ve seen this exact article from W&W or Q&P or even the ‘dink fairly recently. I don’t know though, these websites only exist to drive sales so it makes sense.
  
  Reply
watchguy says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 21:49

The problem with most of the GMT Master II alternatives is that they do not have a true independently adjustable 12-hour hand linked to the date – a “true GMT” movement.

Omega and Grand Seiko do, and they are listed here. However, there is also a Swatch Group only version of the Powermatic 80 that has a “true GMT” movement. It can be had in a number of watches, but the Mido Multifort Dual Time M038.429.11.041.00 and Certina DS Action GMT C032.429.18.041.00 are some of the better ones. Both are available for about $1,000 or less with “true GMT” movements.

Reply
JuicyFruit says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 22:11

I like the design archetype of the GMT watch but the current Rolex version, the GS and Omega are all not to my taste. Black Bays rather cumbersome and not feeling refined. So I would focus on a travel watch rather than the Rolex style and go for either a JLC Reverso Duoface or a IWC UTC. Both very interesting, high quality watches with great history.

Reply
Carlos says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 22:47

hmmm
writers seem to have no deja vue sense when putting out article over and over again for the same alternatives. gladly not all do that.

There are so many great GMT alternatives and even historically relevant non-rolex originals, yeah, hmmm.

But you’re right. There’s no alternative to the GMT Master II.

Because the GMT Master II is one of the alternatives to the original PANAM watch the 6542. The outside options are hommages or very different and some original to their roots.

Reply
1. watchguy says:
  
  Jan 29, 2022 at 02:09
  
  The original GMT Master was derivative of the Glycine Airman – the original 24 hour rotating bezel watch.
  
  Reply
Heinrich Beck says:

Jan 28, 2022 at 22:50

The Muehle Glashutte SeeBattalion is a gorgeous GMT diver. I should know, I own one.

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DL
Sumodano says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 00:27

The GMT watch I want the most is the Laventure Transatlantique, specifically the one with the cream dial. I feel like that watch would look great with scratches, scuffs, dings, and all the stories that go along with a lifetime of travelling to exotic places. I feel like this watch also captures some of that feel of a vintage GMT Master.

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says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 00:28

Love the new EXP II in BLACK

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OL
Omar Leung says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 02:02

If you are looking for a second time function, there are many- from Baltic, Christopher Ward, Unimatic to JLC and Patek.

If you’re looking for an alternative to a Rolex, you’ve already lost. Like looking for alternatives to bacon. Ive tried many tines. And failed.

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Jie Benz says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 02:11

the next best (and less hyped) professional travel tool watch is the same Black dial, same modern Cal. 3285, but All-steel! Explorer II ref. 226570. Nothing comes close to it!

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Eric says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 04:50

You left out the davosa Batman Batman watch it’s a great quality Swiss watch. As a matter of fact that Dovosa Batman should have been number 1,2,3,4amd5

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Assaf says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 10:06

Steinhart watches are the best! I don’t understand how come you didn’t write nothing about these watches compared to Rolex GMT

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TA
Aquinas says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 11:44

Mido OceanStar GMT. Wears much smaller than the nominal 44mm (L2L similar to the GMT), dive bezel plus GMT rehaut, makes for the perfect beach travel watch. Decent movement with 80h power reserve and travel GMT function.
Plus, no worries about someone stealing a sub 1k watch.

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Robert Drach says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 14:38

You forgot on Grand Seiko the Sbge257. It has a ceramic bezel, in green, blue or black. At 40mm is the same size as the Rolex GMT. Finally, it has Grand Seiko spring drive movement.

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Mark says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 15:46

Interesting article, but a glaring omission is a Ball watch.

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RM
Robbyman says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 16:22

I would say an Omega Seamaster 41mm 50th anniversary for the early 2000’s. Why these are not 10k I have no idea. Awesome watches for 3k.

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Tuxounet says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 16:58

And what about the Norqain Neverest GMT?

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RR
WatchesSwiss says:

Jan 29, 2022 at 18:17

Fortieth anniversary of the Rolex GMT Master II this year. A breathtaking new watch may be awaiting us in April.

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Dick Baldwin says:

Jan 30, 2022 at 04:44

I have both a 1958 GMT Master and a more recent 2005 GMT MASTER II. I love them both (though I never wear the older one) and I would never switch to a different swatch.

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K. J. Mcphaul, Jr. Ed.M says:

Feb 01, 2022 at 05:15

Polar 40mm is a classic watch ref # 16750. I love this watch out of my collection of Rolexs

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David Turner says:

Feb 03, 2022 at 21:08

The only thing is they all look a like….. boring I love Panerai so much better.

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Mark says:

Feb 04, 2022 at 18:03

I have a 16760 Fat Lady GMT Master II coke bezel from 1984. I love the aluminum bezel . I bought it way back before all this crazy hype started and it’s been not only my favorite but a great investment..

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Jose Diaz says:

Feb 07, 2022 at 15:11

Sin duda, en el estiño de bicel giratorio, elijo el GS 237, aunque me parece un tanto grande. Sin embargo, si he de romper la alcancía, me quedo con el GS201

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