Mario Canonizado 
Ever the kings of accessible, no-nonsense watchmaking, Hamilton has unveiled a dynamic duo of new GMT timepieces, ready to take on the world’s many adventures!
While Hamilton doesn’t have quite the same prominence in the Australian market as some of its Swatch Group peers, that hasn’t stopped the brand from earning universal respect. The American-born, Swiss-made watchmaker has built an impressive reputation in the industry, known for its signature reliability and ease of use — all while quietly embedding itself into popular culture. Whether it’s soldiers, divers, service workers, movie stars, or even gamers, there seems to be a Hamilton watch for just about everyone.
However, one type of timepiece you don’t often hear Hamilton being discussed for is the GMT watch. While the literal term ‘GMT’ is somewhat outdated — having been replaced by UTC as the civil time standard — it still holds a place of reverence among watch enthusiasts around the world. Not only is a GMT watch incredibly useful for frequent travellers and adventurers, but the idea of owning one can often evoke a feeling of having the whole world in your hands — or in this case, on your wrist.
That’s not to say Hamilton haven’t made GMT watches in the past — they’ve quietly featured in the lineup for quite some time. But they’ve never truly been at the forefront of the Hamilton catalogue. For 2025, however, it seems the tide is turning, as the brand has unveiled a duo of brand-new timepieces tailor-made for the modern adventurer.
Related Reading: The Art of Complications – GMTs
Measuring 43mm in diameter, with a 52mm lug-to-lug and a 13.9mm thickness, the new Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba GMT is certainly not for the faint of wrist. While smaller-wristed wearers like myself may be effectively sized out, the dimensions aren’t without good reason — both models boast an impressive 300m of water resistance. While that figure is hardly surprising—the Khaki Navy Scuba is, after all, Hamilton’s premier dive watch offering — it still underscores the ruggedness and reliability that define the line.
Available in either full stainless steel or a predominantly bronze case, the design language remains consistent beyond the silhouette. A textured black or white dial sets the backdrop, accented by red highlights on the seconds and GMT hands. Both timepieces feature a ceramic bezel insert, with the 24-hour scale text colour adjusted to complement the case material. And of course, being dive watches, it’s no surprise that the hands and hour markers are generously coated in Super-LumiNova — ensuring optimal legibility, even during red-eye flights or deep-sea dives.
While both models share similar aesthetics, the intention behind each couldn’t be more different. The white-and-red stainless steel version is tailored to the tastes of the typical watch enthusiast, featuring a classic steel bracelet secured with a deployant-style folding clasp. The bronze edition, on the other hand, serves as a tribute to the golden age of travel, navigation, and the standardisation of time.
No matter how the bronze model is worn, the case will develop a unique patina over time, allowing the watch to physically reflect its age and adventures alongside its wearer. Its NATO-style fabric strap not only provides a more comfortable and casual wearing experience, but also offers functional durability — staying secured even if a spring bar fails in rugged conditions.
All this horological goodness is powered by the signature H-14 automatic movement. The H-14 is Hamilton’s tailored version of the exceptional value-for-money Powermatic 80, offering the same impressive 80-hour power reserve, albeit with a slightly slower beat rate of 3Hz (21,600 VpH).
Of course, it also features a caller-style GMT complication, allowing the wearer to adjust the GMT hand independently via the crown to track a second time zone. It’s the perfect function for staying on top of international calls — or simply keeping tabs on home time while you’re off on your next adventure.
My Thoughts
Though you won’t catch me wearing the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba GMT any time soon — thanks to my diminutive wrists — I still believe that a new GMT watch from Hamilton has been long overdue. It’s one of the most popular complications in modern watchmaking, second only to the chronograph, and combining it with their flagship dive watch only makes it a more compelling option for prospective buyers and future adventurers alike.
It’s not the most revolutionary release, but for Hamilton, the GMT complication represents relatively uncharted territory. And honestly, who better to get lost in the fog with than Hamilton? When all is said and done, Hamilton can still take pride in the fact that they remain one of the most dependable names in the industry — especially when the journey matters just as much as the destination.
References: H82555150 (Steel) / H82565930 (Bronze)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 43mm case diameter x 52mm lug-to-lug x 13.9mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel or bronze with black ceramic bezel insert
- Dial: Grained white or black with red accents
- Movement: Automatic Cal. H-14 with caller-style GMT complication
- Power Reserve: 80h
- Beat Rate: 3Hz (21,600VpH)
- Water Resistance: 300m (30bar)
- Strap: Stainless steel three-link bracelet with folding clasp or Black & bronze NATO fabric strap with black PVD steel loops & pin buckle
