To make sure you get a top-grade quality GMT watch, it’s important to check the specifications and durability of the watches you consider.
Above all, you want what you invest in to last you for a good number of years, right?
There are many products to choose from, but reading this will definitely narrow your choices.
While many GMT watches are very expensive, here are some that I have managed to find for under $500.
Best Overall
Tissot T0636391603700
Best Value
Tissot TIST0694394403100
Best Budget
Sturling Men’s “Northstar”
Best GMT Watches Under $500
So you’re set on buying a GMT watch? Great choice!
But with so many brands it is so hard to decide on which dual-time product to get. I have compiled a list of some of the best GMT watches under $500.
Here is the list:
- Tissot T0636391603700 Tradition GMT Leather Men’s Watch
- Tissot Men’s TIST0694394403100 Titanium GMT Watch
- Stuhrling Original Men’s Stainless Steel ”Northstar” Swiss Quartz GMT Watch
- Seiko SUN049P2 Men’s Prospex Prospex GMT Analog Business Kinetic Watch
- Davosa Professional Men’s Watch
- Zeppelin Nordstern Series Swiss Quartz GMT Watch
- JBW Luxury Men’s Jet Setter GMT J6370 1.00 Diamond Wrist Watch
- Zeppelin Second Time Zone GMT Black Leather Strap Watch
- Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Blue Angels World Chronograph Atomic Timekeeping Watch
- Traser H3 Blue P59 Aurora Swiss Quartz GMT Watch
- Alpina Seastrong Diver GMT Quartz Movement Grey Dial Men’s Watches
Tissot T0636391603700 Tradition GMT Leather Men’s Watch
Best Overall
This GMT watch is definitely a classic timepiece you can wear to both casual and formal events. It looks sneakily like a dress watch, but don’t worry, it still is a GMT watch.
Vintage hues and minimalist elegance are all over this watch’s face.
The date window at the 3 o’clock position is a great touch to maintaining its minimalist appeal and the two dials (24-hour dial and 6-second dial) are finishing touches to make it stand out in the crowd.
This watch provides you everything you would want in a GMT watch.
The silver-tone hands make it look elegant for sure. While it may not look like it can tell another time zone with this watch, the chronograph design is where you would be able to read the second time.
However, this is only water-resistant up to 30 meters, but no issues there.
It has a stainless steel case, mineral glass window, and quartz movement.
Finally, the leather strap and stainless steel design give the watch a polished finish any woman would love to see on a man’s wrist.
This is the best GMT watch for someone who wants to have a GMT watch you can wear looking sharp be it a polo shirt, t-shirt, and tux. It’s definitely a unique piece that would stand out under those cuffs.
Pros
- Classic watch design
- Great minimalist, elegant appeal
- Stands out in a crowd
- Great quality
- Quartz movement
Specifications
- Model: T0636391603700 (2012)
- Dial Window: Anti Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- Display Type: Analog
- Clasp: Deployment clasp
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 42 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 11.07 millimeters
- Band Material: Leather
- Band Width: 20 millimeters
- Band Color: Brown
- Dial Color: Silver
- Movement: Swiss Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
Tissot Men’s TIST0694394403100 Titanium GMT Watch
Best Value
Looks alone, the TIST0694394403100 Titanium GMT Watch looks like a watch that would go well with an Ironman suit.
What I mean by that is, it’s the very definition of durable.
It has a titanium case and sapphire crystal dial window. This places it as part of high-end spectrum.
How so? Titanium is lighter and stronger than stainless steel, so it definitely has superb build quality.
This watch has a nice and clean design that will no doubt catch anyone’s attention. It has a 24-hour sub-dial and a 60-second dial.
Its hands have luminous tips, which makes it easy to read in the dark.
Even better, the TIST0694394403100 Titanium GMT Watch is also water-resistant up to 100 meters, so it can withstand light splashes and short-term swimming.
This high-quality watch would be the best GMT watch for someone who wants something durable and lightweight.
Where else can you get a titanium build under $500?
Pros
- High quality and fantastic durability
- Clean, sleek style
- Swiss quartz movement
- Great GMT function
Specifications
- Model: T0694394403100 (2018)
- Dial Window: Anti Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- Display Type: Analog
- Clasp: Jewelry Clasp
- Case Material: Titanium
- Case Diameter: 43 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 11 millimeters
- Band Material: Titanium
- Band Width: 20 millimeters
- Band Color: Silver
- Dial Color: White
- Movement: Swiss Quartz
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
Stuhrling Original Men’s Stainless Steel ”Northstar” Swiss Quartz GMT Watch
Best Budget Pick
This stainless steel watch is no doubt a gorgeous timepiece with silver and blue tones that match perfectly.
This watch comes in blue and black. Personally, the blue dial version is more attractive, as it looks more striking. But if you prefer something more classic, then by all means take a look at the black dial.
This has a dual time zone present in the center of the sub dial. This provides individual time setting functionality. There is a 42 millimeter case diameter and flute bezel.
It has a Krysterna crystal glass, which is incredibly clear, durable, and reliable. This is also complemented by the stainless steel strap with a push-button clasp.
Did you know? Krysterna is actually manufactured solely for the use of this watch brand.
This swiss made watch is powered by a Swiss quartz movement with 515 Rinda movement. There is also a date window in the 3 o’clock position for a classic, finishing touch.
The luminous hands and markers are also quite large and neatly designed, making it easy to read.
This is perfect for someone who wants to remain classy on a budget, yet be able to have GMT function.
Pros
- Classic and bold design
- GMT functionality
- Durable
- Swiss quartz movement
- Two-year warranty
Specifications
- Model: 892.01
- Dial Window: Krysterna Crystal
- Display Type: Analog
- Clasp: Push Button Deployant with Safety Clasp
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 42 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 9.5 millimeters
- Band Material: Stainless Steel
- Band Width: 22 millimeters
- Band Color: Silver
- Dial Color: Blue/Black
- Movement: Swiss Quartz
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
Davosa Professional Men’s Watch
Let’s talk design first.
This GMT watch has a retro design along with a solid stainless steel case and a black dial. That means you can rely on the durability of this GMT watch, not to mention the quality of a Swiss timepiece.
First impressions alone, you can wear it every day for sports or even as a dress watch.
HOWEVER.
Its looks are not the only thing great about it, it also performs great as a GMT watch, and it definitely serves its purpose.
Its red and blue aluminum bezel has unidirectional turning and shows both 12 and 24-hour functionality.
It has a date window on the 3 o’clock position for bonus readability. And let’s not forget its Swiss quartz movement, giving it a high-end feel.
You can wear it while swimming or snorkeling as it has 100-meter water resistance.
Protection-wise, a mineral glass dial window isn’t the strongest, but it’s capable of resisting scratches.
It has luminous hands and indices, and an easy-to-read dial with a 39mm case diameter.
The leather strap gives it a more vintage feel as well.
So who would love this GMT watch?
The Davosa Professional Men Watch is the best GMT watch for people who want a great all-around GMT watch with great accuracy, plenty of features in-between, and solid longevity.
However, its style may not be as appealing to some. But don’t worry! There’s plenty more options below!
Pros
- Looks great, can double as a dress watch
- Swiss quartz movement
- Water-Resistant (100m)
- Big luminous watch face
Specifications
- Model: Vintage Diver Quartz
- Dial Window: Mineral Glass
- Display Type: Analog
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 39 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 13.5 millimeters
- Band Material: Leather
- Band Color: Brown
- Dial Color: Black
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
Seiko SUN049P2 Men’s Prospex Prospex GMT Analog Business Kinetic Watch
The Seiko SUN049P2 Men’s Prospex Prospex GMT Analog Business Kinetic Watch is definitely a head-turner.
This kinetic GMT watch is great for any outdoor enthusiast! Not only is it rugged and durable, but there are also many features this comes with.
For starters, the ion-plated bi-directional rotating bezel allows it to pass off as a decent dive watch. So if you love hiking and surfing, for example, this GMT watch is a prize!
Now you have a 2-in-1 watch strapped to your wrist!
It has 24-hour features that have a minute marker on the watch’s outer rim. There is also a date window present between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The analog display and black dial give it a touch of BOLDNESS along with the red accents around it.
The date window is made of scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal glass. Not bad.
Now, here’s where it gets extra sweet.
Being a kinetic GMT watch, it has an automatic movement for great precision and reliability to last you for years and a power reserve that can last for 6 months.
That’s not all. It’s also surprisingly easy to operate for a kinetic watch. The second time zone functionality works great with automatic movement.
Any watch can tell time, but to maintain its durable image throughout the years is where automatic shines, thanks to the high caliber materials used.
The strap is also made out of black leather; however, we would’ve preferred an all-black design. The stainless steel case is 42 millimeters in diameter, making it easy to read.
Finally, it’s also water-resistant up to 100 meters, which makes this a great GMT watch for swimming or snorkeling.
This is the best GMT watch for someone who wants something durable, can function as both GMT and a dive watch, and has a movement that’s reliable enough for years to come.
The only downside? An automatic watch requires slightly more maintenance and this watch’s style could’ve been a lot better if they made the strap all-black.
Pros
- Automatic movement
- Great build quality and durability
- Plenty of features
- Kinetic GMT function
- Water-resistant
Specifications
- Model: SUN049P2 (2017)
- Dial Window: Hardlex
- Display Type: Analog
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 42 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 6 millimeters
- Band Width: 22 millimeters
- Dial Color: Black
- Movement: Automatic
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
Zeppelin Nordstern Series Swiss Quartz GMT Watch
Any Led Zeppelin fans here?
The Zeppelin Nordstern Series Swiss Quartz GMT Watch definitely looks gorgeous. It has an eye-catching design that will definitely turn heads both on land and…outer space.
Don’t you think it reminds you of outer space? (which I love, by the way).
This watch’s case is stainless steel with a 40-millimeter diameter, a fixed bezel, and Swiss quartz movement with a second-time functionality zone.
It has beautiful white detailing on the face, as well as the leather strap. There is a date window at the 3 o’clock position.
The red and white hands also signify its GMT function and well-thought-of at that.
This Swiss quartz GMT watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, so now you can wear it to a cocktail party, the beach, and even outer space!
Space jokes aside, on top of everything, this watch has a two-year warranty as well.
This would be the best GMT watch for someone in need of a GMT watch they can wear for practically any occasion. And if you love space, the galaxies, and stars, the design is a bonus to boot!
Personally, it’s a design out of all the dual-time watches that feels like will never get old.
Pros
- Swiss quartz movement
- 2-year warranty
- Gorgeous appeal
- Great for any occasion
- GMT function
- Second-time zone
Specifications
- Model: Nordstern
- Dial Window: Mineral
- Display Type: Analog
- Clasp: Buckle
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 40 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 10 millimeters
- Band Material: Leather
- Band Width: 22 millimeters
- Band Color: Black
- Dial Color: Blue
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
JBW Luxury Men’s Jet Setter GMT J6370 1.00 Diamond Wrist Watch
This is definitely one flashy GMT watch.
This watch will have heads turning when you wear it, so as long you wear it in safe places.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Apart from the 100 white diamonds, this has a Swiss quartz movement, accuracy, and durability.
This GMT watch has 12 popular city time zones, so you know what time it is across different parts of the world. There’s also a dial city track that can easily give you two different time zones.
The case is stainless steel with 18k gold plating and diamond embellishments to give it a luxurious, fancy feel.
And of course, you can thank all the gold for its long-lasting durability.
To top it all off, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
This is the best GMT watch if you want something that looks and feels luxurious if you travel often (so you can set a time zone for every country you love visiting), and well…for those who love the beauty of gold.
Pros
- Durable
- Has 12 time zones for anyone who loves traveling
- Comfortable
- Bold design
- Sophisticated, glamorous appeal
Specifications
- Model: Jet Setter GMT
- Dial Window: Mineral
- Display Type: Analog
- Clasp: Fold-over Clasp with Safety
- Case Diameter: 40 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 13 millimeters
- Band Width: 24 millimeters
- Band Color: Gold
- Dial Color: Gold
- Movement: Swiss Quartz
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
Zeppelin Second Time Zone GMT Black Leather Strap Watch
Zeppelin Second Time is more of an antique, classic, and can definitely double as a dress watch.
It has an analog display that features a 12 hour dial and a 24 hour one for an extra classic tone; however, the date window seems slightly out of the picture or hard to notice.
This watch has a great build quality and has no defects. That includes the stainless steel case with a 40-millimeter case diameter, showcasing a well-built design and a polished finish.
This Swiss quartz GMT watch is a solid contender, but that’s mostly about it. Its mineral glass dial window has a decent level of scratch resistance.
The hands of the GMT watch provide some illumination in the dark, and gives a red glow when you see night vision. However, the leather strap gives it a nice touch as well.
Finally, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
This dual-time watch is great for people who want a classic yet simple design or a daily beater to wear for casual events.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Classic design
Specifications
- Model: 764215
- Dial Window: Mineral
- Display Type: Analog
- Clasp: Buckle
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 40 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 11 millimeters
- Band Material: Leather
- Band Width: 21 millimeters
- Band Color: Black
- Dial Color: White
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance:50 meters
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Blue Angels World Chronograph Atomic Timekeeping Watch
The Citizen Eco-Drive is a gorgeous timepiece. No doubt, this one will spark the eyes in a room. After all, chronograph craftsmanship has always been appealing.
This watch has a stainless steel case with a 43 millimeter case diameter. There is a slide fixed bezel to add to its already great quality and performance.
The Eco-Drive also has luminous hands, which makes it readable in the dark.
Not to mention, the hands, markers, dials, and subdials with blue and yellow tones hit the sweet spot of a watch that’s bold and elegant all at once.
This watch has anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass for the window, making it highly scratch-resistant and durable.
Most importantly, this has GMT functionality. It is also possible to reset the watch if it stops working. If the power reserve is insufficient, you need to charge the watch immediately.
The Eco-Drive has a synthetic leather strap that is easy to adjust, but honestly, synthetic threw off the design a bit.
This watch has many functions, such as:
- Atomic timekeeping technology that allows the 26-time zone with synchronized adjustment functionality.
- 1/20 second clock that can measure up to 60 minutes
- Perpetual calendar and eco-drive movement
- Easily check a second time zone
To top it all off, it is 200 meter water-resistant. You can use this watch for swimming, bathing, and even diving.
Eco-Drive watches from Citizen also tend to last 10 years. So durability is no concern.
This watch would be the best watch for those who love adventure and need a rugged watch that can also function as a casual dress watch.
Pros
- Durable
- Accurate and precise
- Sapphire crystal with high scratch resistance
Specifications
- Model: AT8020-03L Eco-Drive
- Dial Window: Anti Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- Display Type: Analog
- Clasp: Buckle
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 43 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 13 millimeters
- Band Material: Artificial Leather
- Band Width: 23 millimeters
- Band Color: Blue
- Dial Color: Blue
- Bezel Function: Slide Rule
- Movement: Japanese Quartz
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
Traser H3 Blue P59 Aurora Swiss Quartz GMT Watch
This GMT watch is an elegantly designed timepiece. Not only is it gorgeous, but it provides excellent performance. The blue dial looks stunning and classy. Almost as if…you’re in Tron’s world.
It has stainless steel fixed bezels that prevent it from being damaged, and a stainless steel case with a 42 millimeter case diameter.
The leather strap is comfortable, and you should have no problem wearing this GMT watch the whole day. The design would look perfect paired with a blazer.
This has an analog display with features that can be used both day and night.
It has a Swiss quartz movement, with a 24-hour and 12-hour dial, a date window on the 3 o’clock position, and sapphire crystal glass that’s scratch-resistant and anti-reflective.
Finally, the case is large, so reading it is effortless.
Pros
- Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Water-resistant (100m)
- Elegant design
- Swiss quartz movement
Specifications
- Model: 107035
- Dial Window: Anti Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- Display Type: Analog
- Clasp: Buckle
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 50 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 10 millimeters
- Band Material: Leather
- Band Width: 22 millimeters
- Band Color: Blue
- Dial Color: Blue
- Weight: 2.56 ounces
- Movement: Swiss Quartz
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
Alpina Seastrong Diver GMT Quartz Movement Grey Dial Men’s Watches
This GMT watch has a stylish and luxurious design, with a 300 GMT quartz movement.
Its biggest selling point? It’s manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland, and has anti-magnetic and anti-shock qualities.
This has a stainless steel case and a fixed bezel. The watch face is clear and easy to read, even in dim light.
This swiss made watch has Sapphire crystal glass, making it very durable and scratch resistant.
Talk about an all-around durable watch!
This watch has 4 hands, giving it GMT functionalities: One of the hands is a GMT hand, allowing you to track a second time zone.
This is a high-quality timepiece meant for the risky adventurers & daredevils who still want to remain classy and have GMT functionalities.
Pros
- Sapphire crystal glass
- Easy readability
- Anti-magnetic and shock qualities
- 3 year warranty
Specifications
- Model: AL247LGBRG4TV6
- Display Type: Analog
- Clasp: Tang Buckle
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 44 millimeters
- Case Thickness: 12.5 millimeters
- Band Width: 20 millimeters
- Band Color: Blak
- Dial Color: Grey
- Weight: 14.4 ounces
- Movement: Swiss Quartz
- Water Resistance: 300 meters
Our Top Picks
The Tissot T0636391603700 Tradition GMT Leather Men’s watch takes the crown of all the best GMT watches mentioned.
Classic. Beautiful. High positive reviews. And Elegant for any occasion. That’s the real steal!
However, the Tissot Men’s TIST0694394403100 Titanium GMT Dual Time watch is just as excellent, coming in 2nd place.
Among all the watches, this was made with the highest quality materials, from titanium to sapphire crystal glass. The case is durable and lightweight.
Personally, sapphire crystal is a favorite, as it is very clear and durable. Getting a watch like this for under $500 is a steal.
Finally, practical and budget-conscious users will love the Sturhling Northstar Dual-Time watch. It’s a diamond you don’t see too often under $500.
Which Watch Suits You Best?
If wearing your watch while diving is a must for you, then I suggest you go for Alpina Seastrong Diver GMT Quartz Movement Grey Dial Men’s Watches.
This watch has 300-meter water resistance, great for swimming and diving. There is also a version that’s under $1000 that is 1000 meters water-resistant.
A great alternative to Alpina would be the Citizen Eco-Drive.
If you’re dead set on an automatic watch, then the Seiko SUN049P2 Men’s Prospex Prospex GMT Analog Business Kinetic Watch is an ideal pick. It’s also very rugged and would be great for outdoors.
If fancy and high-class are your best pals, then the JBW Luxury Men’s Jet Setter GMT J6370 1.00 Diamond Wrist Watch suits you best.
But if you want rugged, durable timepieces outdoors that still show class even in semi-formal events, the Zeppelin Nordstern, Davosa, and Seiko models are excellent choices.
Style is subjective, and you ultimately want a timepiece that looks good and feels great for you.
Recommendation:
Tissot T0636391603700 Tradition GMT Leather Men’s Watch
★★★★★
Things You Might Want To Know
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
GMT is the time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. In short, GMT watches are watches that can tell dual time.
When referring to time zones, we always go back to GMT. For example, the time in California is GMT -7, which is 7 hours behind. The time in Singapore is GMT +8 which is 8 hours advanced.
Why Would I Want a GMT Watch?
There are many reasons a person would want a GMT watch.
The keyword here is time zone.
Maybe they’re a pilot and they need to know the local time as well as the time back home. Maybe they’re in a long-distance relationship and need to know what time their partner is awake.
Watches that can tell dual time are very useful if you need it for different situations.
And sometimes, it’s just cool to have a GMT watch. To make sure you have a good quality watch, it’s important to look at the best GMT watches.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Find the best GMT watch under $1000.
What to Consider in a GMT watch
In a GMT watch, you’ll want to look out for something that has both 12 hour and 24-hour formats. This is how you can tell that it has a GMT function.
Material
Material is also important to look out for, as this can attest to its durability.
Dial Window: Mineral vs. Sapphire
The dial window can be made from a variety of things, but typically, it will be made from either sapphire crystal or mineral glass.
While mineral glass is cheaper, it is less durable and resistant to scratches than sapphire crystal.
Case: Stainless Steel Vs. Titanium
The case could be made from stainless steel or titanium. While both are great, titanium is more durable and lightweight.
The material of the case is something to consider, but do note that stainless steel itself is an excellent case material.
Both stainless steel and titanium won’t rust, so they’re both great options. Stainless steel is cheaper, so it is often used in watches.
Strap
You also want to consider what type of strap you would be comfortable with when wearing your watch.
A leather strap is easily adjusted and looks nice and classic. However, if you’re sweaty, you might prefer a metal chain over a leather strap. A metal strap is usually made of stainless steel.
Hands
Look for something that is either a chronograph or has an extra hand. This extra hand allows you to tell the extra time zone.
Having luminous hands is also a HUGE help in reading your watch in the dark or for outdoor activities.
Movement
The movement of the watch is crucial, whether it’s a kinetic watch or has quartz movement is something you may want to look at.
For GMT watches, mechanical watches would not be ideal, as they are not as accurate.
Water Resistance
How water-resistant the watch is can determine what activities you can do with your watch. Do consider this when buying any watch.
Usually a watch that is at least 100 meters water resistant would be good for swimming, while one that is 200 meters water-resistant and higher can be used for diving.
Case Diameter
This diameter of the case determines how readable your watch is. For GMT watches, you will be looking at a relatively large case, as there are lots of elements that have to be incorporated on its face.
You just want to choose something with a case diameter that matches the size of your hand. If you have hands on the smaller side, a huge watch would overpower you.
User Reviews
User reviews can help you determine what the best GMT watch is, or any watch for that matter.
Price
When considering what to buy, you want to buy GMT watches that are worth their price.
Look at the features of the watch you want and look at the price. Then compare it to other products of a similar price range.
Most watches under $500 would be made of stainless steel and mineral glass, so if you find something made of titanium and sapphire, I say go for it.
Final Thoughts
Being able to tell the time in two different time zones sounds like a dream, especially for those who have a long-distance relationship or family and friends abroad.
It’s also why a dual-time watch can be a major lifesaver in some cases. Achieving this is easy with a GMT watch.
Different people like different things, and therefore style becomes very subjective. Having a watch with luminous hands and markers would definitely help you see well in the dark as well.
Every GMT watch mentioned here has a second time zone, so there’s no worry when choosing either of these.
Hopefully, this list of best GMT watches was helpful in helping you decide what to get.