The Definitive Leaders In Attainable GMT Watches In 2023 - Up to $5,000 

Back when I wore a GMT for purpose (early 90s) most of the military pilots I worked with would set the hands to UTC (Zulu time for the military) and use the bezel to mark local time. The flight schedule was published in UTC so everything else was referenced to that. UTC never changed wherever in the world you were so your watch was never wrong. I have heard that is also how the Pan Am pilots used the original Rolex.

Traska Venturer GMT is a true GMT at a very reasonable price. Good looking and very well spec'd too. I ordered one and am now waiting for delivery. I also considered the Oak&Oscar Humboldt GMT, Monta Atlas GMT, Baltic Aquascaphe GMT, and several Zelos options. The true GMT and value pushed me into the Traska.

The Zulu in green is amazing. Even more impressive when you see it up close in person.

I think that beyond the significant increase of GMT options, many of the newer movements are also impressively thin, making these watches far more wearable and versatile. I'm patiently waiting for my Maen Hudson GMT, which at 38mm and 12mm in height including glass, should be incredibly comfortable

The Zulu Time is my clear winner for Watch of the Year, 2022. Truly hits above it's weight class and a real contender to rival Omega. Longines has really come out swinging.

I loved seeing the Grand Seikos mentioned. I’m all for a greater number of dressier GMTs marketed at all price points.

Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT is my favourite of the group Blue on Black with bracelet, so much so I bought it!

Longines got my money mid last year with an anthracite/green Spirit zulu time on steel.. Keeps great time, keeps looking fantastic (to my eyes)

Happy to see you mention the Grand Seiko SBGM221 at the end! It's an exceptional watch for the money, and I managed to get mine from Japan when exchange rates were low. It's much more versatile than you'd think and can be dressed down nicely on a perlon or more rustic leather strap. I've gotten many more compliments on this watch from non-watch people than all my others combined!

Good list! Fwiw liked the Bulova (Blowva) and the Longines Spirit Zulu is beautiful. The Grand Seiko also looks like a great option for "dress GMT".

Teddy finally mentions Norqain! I really like my Freedom 60 (not a GMT). Norqains look great on the wrist and have a lot to offer. They deserve more exposure.

I’ve got the Black Bay GMT, the Black Bay Pro and the Longines Zulu and cannot pick a favorite, all are amazing watches and incredible value.

The Traska Venturer GMT deserves a spot on this list 🎉

GMT I wear is mostly set for 2 time zones, main hands for the local time, GMT hands for the other tracked time on another continent. But when I switch locations, and it’s usually for weeks or more, I will reset everything, the GMT hand to the previous and the main hands to the new current. - Honestly, the only time that True/Traveler GMT “jumping” hand comes in handy is when I jump one or two hours out of my local time, and then use the bezel to track the previous local time. Now you have 3 time zones you can monitor on the watch.

Hey Teddy!! have you thought about covering Jack Mason? They released a true gmt last year, the Strat-o-timer. Would love for a expert like you to cover this micro brand! I bought one of the Seamounts in 2020 and have taken it around the world, it’s tough as nails. Love the channel!!

Missed the Traska Venturer GMT that just came out. $695 for a traveller GMT with great finishing using the Miyota movement you mentioned

The Sbgm221 was the first GS I fell in love with a few years ago and its even more stunning in person! Haven't pulled the trigger yet though. Thanks for the reviews here

I got my first gmt this week. I received the call from my AD for the BB Pro. Picked it up the next day. Absolutely love it.

Wish they'd squeeze that Mido Ocean star GMT in to a 40 or 41mm case. I like the idea of gmt plus timing bezel functionality

That's the first Grand Seiko I've seen that's really impressed me - beautiful design. Shame most of these are so big and 1/2 inch thick Tudor, my goodness!

I love my green/anthracite Zulu Time. worn it all but 2 days over the last 3 months! almost got the seiko 5 and put the price difference into a used black bay 36 or something but I'm happy with the Longines.

Well done today. The market is getting flooded, but that’s good for us watch enthusiasts. It keeps the selection up and the prices down. Everyone should have a GMT, especially if you travel a lot. Thanks

Can't wait for my Jack Mason Strat-o-timer GMT to arrive in March. They are using the same Miyota movement as Bulova and have created three versions of a beautiful 40mm watch at just under $1K. Worth checking out.

Teddy, I totally agree with your opinion on Certina. I own the DS action gmt and it was a great purchase. A reliable and a beautiful watch.

Love your reviews. Surprised that the Jack Mason GMT that just came out is not in your review. Maybe to early to tell or just a competitor. I get it

The dressy Grand Seiko GMTs were extremely tempting when i was shopping for a traveler GMT recently but my use cases for a GMT make lume really handy. Had the Longines been a smaller size, I likely would have gone that route. If the Seiko Sharp Edge GMTs had a date window instead of a dial, I almost certainly would have gone that route. Ultimately I ended up with more budget than originally planned and got a Mistflake but some of those are still tempting to pick up at some point. I am really look forward to seeing what microbrands can do with the more affordable traveler GMT movements though, especially if they make more mid-sized watches instead of immediately going for chonky cases like most of the established players seem to.

If you're looking into Micro's I think it's worth mentioning the Zelos Spearfish GMT. With a price point of around 1000 it's very competitive.

Wow! Love to see you reference Certina. I know it's not the first time, but still great to see. Would have liked to see a Sinn. Nonetheless, always great material. I enjoy your videos.

Bought the Seiko SKX SSK001 few weeks ago after your video. I was looking at so many watches for weeks and your video really convinced me. Seriously, that watch is a beast 👌

No CW Sealander GMT on the list? That watch is a great bargain for around a $1000

Surprised you didn't include the Monta SkyQuest (original version) -- I think that one has a lot of charm, particularly with the bent GMT hand.

No love for the Formex Reef GMT. That's an awesome watch!

I'd like to suggest the Traska Venturer GMT with the 9075 as an honourable mention.

Teddy great video. Would like to hear you open your video with what watch you are wearing.

Personally I think Certina are criminally overlooked. Glad you mentioned them. High quality and affordable.

That blue dial Seiko presage GMT looks amazing, would make a great everyday watch.

Hey Teddy! Is the Seiko Prospex 110 save the ocean a good watch?

Traska just came out with a new GMT using that same Miyota movement. For under $700.

My favorite gmt is either my zenith elite dual timer or my blancpain leman dual timer. I'm also waiting for my horage supercede which comes in April.

Great list! But imho there is definitely the Formex REEF GMT missing. It delivers great quality for quite an affordable price.

Traska Venturer is worth another look from a microbrand perspective, now with the updated "flyer" movement and 4th hand! Love their hardness treatment and incredible dimension set.

Traska just launched its new Venturer (True) GMT for about $700 - It will sell out soon.

Hopefully the new Traska Venturer GMT, with the new Miyota movement, that shipped this week will be added soon enough after you get your hands on it. Mine arrived and it is certainly one of the best values in all of watches, certainly the Flyer GMT category and is under 1000 dollars. I have a Patek 5164a and Everose GMT Master II 126715chnr and still absolutely adore this Traska. Jon Mack has done awesome things for his brand and watch enthusiasts!

For a strong aviation look, there's the Sinn 856 UTC and 857 UTC

in addition to the seiko i wanna shout out citizen GMTs, they are also very affordable with eco drive.

Great video! I love the GS SBGM221 and feel like that would be a great pick. Any thoughts on Tudor updating their BB GMT this year given it’s the 5th anniversary?

I hope Tudor release a mark 2 of the GMT with slimmed down dimensions. Baby's got back!

Great content Teddy. Looking to buy the new Breitling Chronomat GMT. That green dial is just amazing. Would love to hear your two cents beforehands

Hey Teddy, great video as always! Have you had a chance to look at the Nodus Sector GMT? Same movement as the Seiko SSK, with no external bezel, and a sapphire crystal! I think it’s a real stunner, and great for smaller wrists.

I bought the Presage SPB303. Such a great piece!!

I really miss the Longines VHP GMT Flash Setting from the list. 5 sec/year accuracy in a ~1000USD watch :)

The GMT Master was large for legibility as a pilot's watch. Most people seem interested in GMTs today as travel watches. Dive watches have started coming more commonly in 38-40mm. I think besides wrist sizes, this is about everyday versatility. Don't most people want the same versatility in a travel watch? Perhaps moreso since you're likely traveling with only one watch? Smaller GMTs seem a ripe opportunity.

Great video, Teddy! I think Glycine Airman deserves a mention. I'd also be extremely interested to hear your opinion on how you think it stacks up against the other more affordable watches in the video.

Great overview of GMTs, Teddy. It's the Black Bay Pro or the Grand Seiko GMT for me. And I think I'm leaning toward the GS.

Love the grand seiko at the end, a stunning piece!!!!

Nice list as always, but there's nothing new here. I think there's too much hype around the Seiko SSK. Instead of that I would suggest a Glycine Combat Sub GMT. Much better value and finished. Better movement and underappreciated IMO. I also missed the new Traska Venturer in this list. The Miyota 9075 is a more innovative movement than the Seiko NH34 and I don't see why not more people are talking about it! What I love about the new Traska Venturer is that it's the only one under 40mm in size (38.5mm)! It's hard to find a midsize GMT even more a flyer one!

I just bought a Ball Engineer III Outlier GMT limited edition (1000 pieces) for just under 3K. I 'm surprised people are not talking about this watch and no "You-tuber" hasn't reviewed it either. Great video Teddy!

Omitting the Oris Aquis GMT is an oversight. It’s a caller, which is more usable for most people anyway, and it has the 24-hour markers on the dial and the bezel like the SSK. Solid Sellita SW-330. $2800 MSRP but you can find discounts..

My first serious watch purchase was an Oris Aquis GMT. Still a huge fan of it.

Don't overlook Jack Mason's Strat-O-Timer, a true GMT watch at around $1k with the same movement as Bulova's.

The Mido x Hodinkee collab also produced an excellent looking GMT in an even smaller 41mm case with great vintage styling

You are pure class sir! and a gifted orator sir. Always so well spoken. Very well done.

Should’ve mentioned the new Traska GMT just released last week.

I’m a sucker for the sea star. Id never use one for my daily or go to, but I can’t help but add them to the collection. Priced very nicely for what they are. Just got the 2000 last in that nice teal color, suckers huge but very nicely done. Needless to say, now I have to get a sea star GMT. We are very truly a sick bunch of people lol.

All good choices Teddy. I have to agree that both of the Tudor options should not be written off just because of the thickness numbers. I like many initially dismissed the BB Pro as too thick right up until I got a call just to have a look at one at the AD. It wore extremely well on my whisker under 7" wrist and I ended up making a purchase. I now suggest this to any watch purchase, try it on if possible but I appreciate this is not always possible. The Longines Zulu time looks stunning in the flesh but I cannot currently justify another GMT.

To me it doesn't matter if it's a true GMT or caller GMT. Both can present at least 2 time zones. So, since the true GMTs are more expensive, simply get a caller GMT and be a happy camper. Functionality is the important factor and then style. Well presented video,as always.

I wish they would make the Zulu Time in 39mm. I have a small wrist and 39mm is about the biggest I can wear. I have the spirit in 37mm with blue dial. I am very happy with it.

i am glad to learn that the watches industry produces a lot of new quality watches every year. All the watches i saw are very nice even a SEIKO for less than 500 $ has a good design and seems to be well manufactured. Of course in the segment 3000-5000 $ , you have found very nice watches (longines, TUDOR, Grand Seiko, .....) Thank you for opening my eyes for new watches, new nice brands.

I noticed the 2 Seiko watches at the beginning of the video look like very nice watches. But the rotating outer rings don't match up properly with the dial, they aren't aligned properly, or at least that's what it looks like from the picture. I saw on some other you tube channels comments about some Seiko watches not being up to the usual Seiko standard of before, the dials not properly aligned etc. How could such a large Japanese watch maker with so many yrs in the business get these things wrong, I've always thought that most Japanese manufacturers were at the forefront of quality control

Teddy Talking about attainable ones , pls inspect the Venicianico Gmt with Sopron movment and unique ceramic Tungesten material. Cost about 600 dollar limited production

Can you do a review on NODUS?

Any thoughts on the Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT?

I really like the Glycine Airman series. I personally go for the Purist version. For a traveler's GMT (Miyota 9075) that's well under $1k, I recommend checking out the new Gavox Longitude, a relatively slim 39mm GMT with unique integrated bracelet solution option to adapt aftermarket straps of you choice . I own and really like the new Serica 8315 GMT Chronometre for a unique GMT design. And, both caller and traveler's GMTs, they're all True GMTs.

Nice video. What do you think about the microbrandSan Martin? Their GMT watch model. For example the SN0112.

Looking at the attainable premium market in Aus, retail prices have gone up. The Tudor 1926 on steel now retails at $3k from $2600 and Longines Spirit Pilot on leather $3650 from $3200 a year ago. Black Bay under $10K, Rolex Pepsi under $20k, Hublot Big Bang blue diamonds under $30k my picks.

I enjoyed every second. Please keep it coming.Thank you for another great video brother

If you only need two times zones , for example as someone said , "You are calling someone in another country" and are at a desk, you will more likely have the time zones on your desktop or Google. True gmt or not doesn't matter. The seiko 5 gmt , there is no need to move the gmt hand , just the bezel, move it how ever many hours forward you need it and leave it there, the gmt hand will tell you the time in that time zone. This is all about aesthetics, like any watch is! The best looking on this list to me is the longines. I am biased here, longines is by far my favourite watch brand. I have 10 different longines and wouldn't dream of swapping them all for one daytona. I also have the seiko 5 gmt, my beater watch, and it's just brilliant. It gets plenty of attention and folk wondering what it is and how much it was.

I haven't seen the Porsche Design 1919 Globetimer GMT on anyone's list. I got the previous model - I like the design better (Pre 2017) - off a watch clearance site for around $2k over a year ago. With the GMT function, Automatic movement, day of the month, titanium case, sapphire crystal, screw down crown, and water resistance w/ decent depth comparatively speaking for the price it is a fantastic watch. It has a distinct modern look compared to the common 'GMT Design' the seems to stem from the Rolex and whatnot.

6:23 There is a significant difference in what the Mido Multifort Dual Time looks like in this video versus how it looks on Mido's site. The dial look beautiful in the video.

Hey Teddy, can you make a new video on wrist size and wearable watches for that wrist. I'd love to see specific watches for different wrist sizes. I have a 6 inch wrist and everything seems so big for my wrist...

I was close to buying the Longines Spirit Zulu until I asked the assistant how to set the date. I was horrified to see that to move a day, it was necessary to rotate the hour hand through 24 hours. I considered that a deal breaker, especially in addition to the flaky response that the assistant had to the quality of the leather strap.

Omg, please talk about the new Alpinist gmt!!!! I'm so in love !!!!!! Also yeah, as a French can't talk enough about baltic so yeah, aquascaphe gmt ❤

It would be interesting to see a true vs caller gmt video, pros cons why choose one over the other etc, excellent video as always guys

Hi!! Been following you for close to 2 years. Finally bought 2 watches but in Grand Cayman. Curious since you were talking about GMT's. I bought the Tudor Black Bay GMT in rose gold. I paid exactly what is on Tudors website-$5,850.00. You showed $4,100. in this video. Did I overpay or is mine a more expensive model? On Tudors website it shows "new". I also bought the Tag Carrera day date. Starting to really get into watches since watching your videos. Keep up the GREAT JOB!! Thanks.

Though I have been watching your videos for months (if not years) cause of you I ended up getting a Scurfa. I won’t say you motivated me, but last Friday it was the first time I heard of that brand. Since then many things happened with me. I went on a spree of looking for Scurfa and there was just one diver one available in entire Australia for sale. Only one. I got that off course. And breaking my bank ended up buying a second one (imported from US). And destroying my bank account. I own a doxa and after my salary is paid I shall get a reverso (not of JLC) but under 500 usd. Lost my entire collection years ago, some got stolen some destroyed in a flood. Total I own six watches now and by the end of this year will probably have 4 more. One seiko the new speedtimer, the mint tissot Prx one more Scurfa diver one (probably the orange variant) and may be the blue dialled citizen. My favourite is off course my digital Harry Potter one plus watch. It is more because of what HP means to me as a man child. And a Garmin (lavender one) and a black samsung 4. I wanted to get a gshock but I am more drawn towards the non digital watches now. I might get a Sinn instead of a Scurfa though but I like the orange variant of Scurfa a lot. I personally have realised, a watch over 500-600 usd doesn’t suit my personality. May be I will get a omega seamaster after getting recognition as a scientist. Though chances are slim. Sorry for this long message. Been binge watching your videos for 3 days now (even during sleep the yt app stayed on) I can’t sleep in silence since it is eerily silent around me always. Anyway have a great day. Would like to hear any reco from anyone about my last 4 watches. 10 is the number for me. Have a fine day. Cheers J

Picked up a squale 1545 gmt for a lot less than 1000 and it's a fantastic watch. 40mm wears like a 39. Selita movement excellent spec

Teddy thank you for another excellent and informative video!!! With having Tudor GMT and Grand Seiko GMT in my collection and LOVING them I always wanted to add a Tissot however none have really appealed to me until now. The Seastar “had me at hello”. Just place my order on your site and am getting excited to have it on my wrist next week!!! Again Thank You for all of the excellent videos and info and keep up the great work!!!! PS what is the service interval for Tissot and this movement specifically??

Seiko recently announced Sumo diver quartz true GMT's. Looking forward to seeing that movement in smaller watches.

Perhaps you could follow this up with a micro brand GMT list? Traska, Lorier, Nodos, Christopher Ward, Farer…

Lorier Hyperion series II is also coming out soon. Great option, and tremendous value for money.

Hi Teddy, you sell Frédérique Constant, but have never mentioned the Runabout GMT. True GMT under $2k.

I think the traska venturer GMT is one of the best value watches out there, its incredible how much you get for your money.

I just picked up the Zulu Time in black on black and I absolutely love it. I also have the red/blue Mido Ocean Star GMT. I might be a GMT junkie.

I’ve been waiting for a Black Bay Pro for 9 months now. So I’m not sure “attainable” really fits.

I went with the Frederique Constant GMT. A dress watch GMT. Love the look

Great video as always Ted. I still wear my Tudor Black Bay Pepsi with the black fabric strap with the burgundy stripe more than any of my other watches. My wife was wondering if you could ever do a review on woman's watches. She wears her Rolex Datejust almost every day and is looking for a more casual watch to wear.

I Don’t need a GMT if the hour hand can be adjusted without stopping the watch. The Omega constellation that Teddy recently reviewed had that function. Really would like that in a GS spring drive.

I cannot believe you did not mention a single Ball watch. They make so many awesome GMTs.

Another option I believe very new in this group would be Formex. A different look still trying to decide on the bezel design but it looks interesting.

The new Seiko GMT Sumo SFK003J1 and SFK001J1 should be included here! Teddy drop a video for us on these!!