Day 3 of our Christmas Countdown, and today, we’ve got the jetsetters covered. We have 10 Travel Ready GMT’s to help you navigate those pesky time zones when travelling.
Christmas and New Year’s are always a popular time to travel, getting away to see friends and family at the end of the year and starting a new year fresh. And for those who are travelling in different time zones, either interstate or overseas, a GMT will come in very handy for the holidays. We’ve assembled 10 GMT‘s that we think you’ll love across a range of styles and price points for everyone.
Sam’s Go To GMT’s
TAG Heuer Carrera Date Twin-Time
Starting off the list is TAG Heuer’s Carrera Date Twin-Time, or as I like to call it, a classic GMT for life on the move! During Watches & Wonders 2025, TAG Heuer introduced their new three-hand Carrera collection, retaining the signature silhouette of previous Carrera Day-Date models while refining it with a more modern and elegant appearance.
The Carrera Date Twin-Time stands out as the only model in the lineup with a significantly different design, drawing inspiration from the original 1955 Twin-Time while bringing it into the present with polished Arabic indices, a fixed day-and-night indicator, sharp, refined hands, and a neatly integrated date display.
What I was most impressed by this timepiece, however, was the teal dial. When I had this watch for review (click here for the hands-on experience!), the dial colour had a personality of its own, changing from teal to dark green and at other times to a completely black shade. Combine this with the day-and-night indicator of white and green, the GMT hand, which has a red tip, and the overall look of the timepiece is one that results in a dial that feels dynamic, playful, and highly versatile. Perfect for travellers who want character without sacrificing refinement.
Australian RRP: A$7,400
Availability: Available through TAG Heuer boutiques and authorised dealers. For more, head to TAGHeuer.com.au
Breitling Navitimer GMT 41 Ice Blue
Breitling’s most iconic watch, now made for those who love travelling. One of the most recognisable designs in the world of watchmaking has been redesigned with a simpler dial and an added GMT function. Even though I say simpler dial, it still features the Navitimer’s signature slide scale on the outer part of the dial, offering the core DNA of the collection without the chronograph functionality.
Originally designed for pilots, it only makes sense to see a GMT execution that continues to honour its aviation heritage. Breitling’s current Navitimer GMT 41 catalogue offers four dial colours, from the classic black and white, beige, ice blue, to a beautiful green with rich sunburst effect.
Personally, the ice blue dial is my pick, as it offers a fresh twist to the Navitimer classic black and white look, while remaining understated for daily wearability. The Navitimer features a busy dial, and while it’s just an illusion, it feels less “clustered” on this dial colour, thanks to a more subtle contrast compared to the classic black-and-white execution. The Navitimer GMT 41 Ice Blue strikes a perfect balance between modern flair and the timeless Navitimer DNA. A subtle statement piece for travellers who want character without sacrificing versatility.
Australian RRP: A$8,690
Availability: Available through Breitling boutiques and authorised dealers. For more, head to Breitling.com.au
Citizen Series 8 880 GMT – Pepsi Edition
The Citizen Series 8 880 GMT collection that was released in late 2023 has always been a fantastic budget-friendly GMT collection for me. This new range of GMTs has improvements throughout the entire timepiece, from the new Calibre 9084 movement offering high accuracy and anti-magnetism (can withstand magnetic forces from everyday electronic forces as close as 1cm without affecting accuracy!), while delivering practicality with a 50-hour power reserve. Aside from the technicals, the collection also offers different coloured aesthetics depending on the wearer’s style.
While the latest version of this collection is a limited-edition black-tone stainless steel case, a black and white bezel followed by gold-toned elements, giving a bold and contrasting look, I still prefer the classic “Pepsi” style GMT look. The Pepsi version features a 24-hour scale on the bezel that’s split with a red and blue colour theme, with the GMT hand featuring an orange pointer for a standout effect. What makes this model stand out further is the dial pattern.
This checkered pattern symbolises prosperity, and according to Citizen, is a “popular design that’s inspired by Tokyo’s architectural windows. The integrated sports-case design enhances versatility, allowing the wearer to move effortlessly from the office to a weekend getaway or even international travel.
Australian RRP: A$2,250 (On sale currently for A$1,800)
Availability: Available through Citizen boutiques and authorised dealers. For more, head to Citizenwatches.com.au
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Green Dial
This is not your average GMT watch. Far from it, actually. In fact, at first glance, you might not even realise it has GMT functionality, other than the two miniature globes slowly rotating across the dial. That’s because the Montblanc Geosphere 0 Oxygen isn’t like your traditional “fourth-hand GMT”.
The 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen doesn’t feature a 24-hour scale bezel with bi-colour to showcase day and night. It features something far better, a more adventurous approach, if you will, through a dual-time and world-time display. I’ve always loved the 1858 Geosphere collection from Montblanc, as it feels like it’s a true explorer’s watch rather than airport-lounge practicality. This is a watch that offers something different from the usual GMT scene.
Where a standard GMT lets you track two time zones, the 1858 Geosphere lets you track the whole planet at a glance! The initial part of learning to use the GMT functionality can be tricky, but once accustomed to it, it easily becomes one of the best traveller’s watches on the market. To track the different time zones, first set the local time on the main hands.
The home time (2nd timezone) can be tracked through the 9 o’clock subdial. Then the spheres, which are split into Northern and Southern hemispheres, can track the time anywhere else in the world. Pair this functionality with Montblanc’s 0 Oxygen patented case design (created to prevent fogging in extreme temperatures), it becomes one cool expedition traveller’s timepiece. With the two rotating hemispheres being the star of the show, this is the perfect watch for the traveller who wants to stand out from the crowd.
Australian RRP: A$2,250 (On sale currently for A$1,800)
Availability: Available through Citizen boutiques and authorised dealers. For more, head to Citizenwatches.com.au
Matt’s Go To GMT’s
Rolex GMT Master II
OK, I have to start with the Rolex GMT Master II. Why? Well, I own it for starters, and secondly, it’s just a great everyday-wearing GMT watch, plus it’s iconic in the watch world. Rolex has expanded its range of GMT‘s over the years, and what started out as a red and blue bezel for Pan-Am pilots now has a range of different colours and materials to suit any Jetsetting traveler. From the classic Pepsi and Batman or Batgirl, depending on the bracelet, to the left-handed Sprite, the new black and grey bezel “Bruce Wayne”, and full solid gold and two-tone variants are all added to the mix.
Personally, I love the look of the Batgirl as it gives you that beautiful blue lower half of the bezel as well as the blue GMT hand. On the Jubilee bracelet, it looks sensational and is a slightly dressier version of the Batman on the oyster bracelet. Being a true or flyer GMT, it is perfect for those who are travelling across time zones who want to keep track of their home time over the Christmas holidays.
This is a watch that I use when flying a lot, and it can serve as your daily when on holidays, as it looks great in any situation. And look, it may not be the easiest to get at retail still, but we can’t have a list of GMT’s without including the classic Rolex GMT Master II.
Australian RRP: A$19,200
Availability: Available through Rolex boutiques and authorised dealers. For more, head to Rolex.com
Bvlgari – Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Rose Gold
The BVLGARI Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT is a completely different watch from the Rolex GMT Master II that I talked about above. But this is a watch designed for those who want to travel with a bit more flair on their wrist. With this watch, you are getting the unique look of the BVLGARI Octo Finissimo, coupled with the added benefit of being able to track a second time zone on the dial and a chronograph function on top.
This is also the world’s slimmest automatic winding watch with a chronograph and GMT function, and that is something that BVLGARI prides itself on, being able to produce complications in ultra slim watches. At only 8.73 mm thick, the 43mm case will sit flat and snug on most wrists, and I can attest to the way the Octo Finissimo range wears, thanks to reviewing the steel variant earlier in the year.
It may not be the cheapest pick at a tad over $60,000, but you are getting an 18-carat rose gold case, a chronograph and a GMT function combined and the unique look that can only come out of the mind of Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani!
Australian RRP: A$60,200
Availability: Available now through Bvlgari boutiques, retailers and online at Bvlgari.com
Parmagiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante
As I mentioned in our 10 summer watches Christmas guide, I am starting to get more and more into Parmigiani Fleurier so that is why my third pick in our GMT Christmas buying guide is the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante. I also did say I saw this on Zach Blass’s wrist a few times this year (he loves it and swears by it), and it is a piece that I am liking more and more every time I look at it. I think this is the case with Parmigiani Fleurier. It is a brand that kind of grows on you.
In the range, there are currently three model variants: one rose gold and the Milano blue dial, another in steel/platinum with the Milano blue dial, and the new model this year, the Verzasca, which is the steel and platinum case with the beautiful teal green dial of the same name, inspired by the green waters of Switzerland’s Verzasca Valley.
The great aspect of the Tonda PF Rattrapante is the hidden GMT hand. It remains under the hour hand when not in use, so is hidden. To set the time, use the crown as you would normally, which sets the GMT to home time. When you arrive at your destination, use the pusher at 8 O’Clock to advance the hour hand to local time where you are, revealing the home time rose gold GMT hand. When you have landed back home, simply press the gold button on the crown, and just like a Rattrapante Chronograph, it flies back under the hour hand, becoming invisible again.
Australian RRP: A$55,600
Availability: Available now through your local Parmigiani Fleurier dealer or online at Parmigiani.com
Mario’s Go To GMT’s
Timex Atelier GMT
Though bias tells me to put my father’s own Longines HydroConquest GMT on this list, there was a release this year that really caught my attention. Not because it was anything particularly groundbreaking, but because it came from such an unexpected source.
Of all the watch brands to release a high-end, upmarket GMT, Timex has come out swinging with the spectacular GMT24. This new piece is part of the recently established Timex Atelier, an upmarket offshoot headed by longtime collaborator and designer Giorgio Galli. While it’s a little startling to see Timex produce a watch that sits far beyond its archetypal target market, it’s not completely unrealistic either.
Seiko, for example, has both Grand Seiko and Credor. Tudor, technically, has Rolex. So why can’t a brand like Timex, which has a comparable legacy to many other watchmakers, join in on the fun too? In any case, it’s a gorgeous design at a reasonable price point, complemented by a fully self-adjustable bracelet system. Prospects already look good for Timex Atelier, and the GMT24 should put other brands in the same price point on notice.
Australian RRP: AU$2,750 (Steel bracelet) / AU$2,550 (Rubber strap)
Availability: Available now, at Timex retailers and online at Timex.com
Ressence Type 7 GMT
Let me ask you a few questions. Do you like titanium watches? Do you like integrated bracelet watches? Do you love tool watches? And finally, do you love trying to figure out what time it is every time you look down? If you answered yes to all of those questions, look no further than the Ressence Type 7 GMT.
One of the most befuddling watch designs ever, the Ressence Type 7 is a demonstration of how disruptive style and mechanical substance can merge.
As always, the madmen behind the independent brand have created a horological package that’s as delightful as it is confusing. If you’re unfamiliar, Ressence specialises in oil-filled watches, which means you don’t get the same reflection or distortion as with a regular watch. But even though it looks like a smartwatch touchscreen, don’t be fooled: this is one serious piece of mechanical tech.
Built atop a base ETA calibre, the Type 7 is outfitted with the ridiculously complex-looking, yet deceptively simple, Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) module. This allows the entire dial to rotate within the oil-filled capsule, while incidentally keeping all the gears lubricated. As far as Ressence watches go, it’s fairly easy to read: the hours are displaced from the central minutes display, the GMT complication has its own subdial, and everything is operated via a caseback rotation system instead of a crown. It’s not the most conventional pick, but hey, I’m sure you’ll get it eventually. I know I’m still trying to.
International RRP: CHF 36,000
Availability: Available now, at Ressence retailers and online at RessenceWatches.com
NOMOS Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer
If you’ve been following my impassioned horological ramblings since the start of this year, for starters, I hope you’re okay. More importantly, though, you’d then know just how much I’ve been singing the praises of the NOMOS Club Sport neomatik Worldtimer that debuted at Watches and Wonders this year.
You see, NOMOS has never really been my thing. The Glashütte brand has been putting out an excellent body of work, sure, but nothing I saw ever quite got me over the line in terms of wanting to own one. One of my main obstacles was the lug-to-lug distance, which, for most NOMOS watches, made me want to attack them with a power sander.
That said, I’ve never once questioned their horological capabilities, only whether their designs really spoke to me. All of a sudden, though, that changed. The Club Sport neomatik Worldtimer came equipped with a thin, in-house movement, paired with a simple but legible dial and case proportions that actually work for me – all at a reasonable price. With just one watch, my entire perception of NOMOS shifted in a heartbeat, and it’s certainly one of their best watches to date.