5 Alternatives to the Rolex GMT-Master II | Crown & Caliber

[@nachovalenti]

Tudor BB GMT, I bought 5 months ago and I love it in every single way.

[@robertlock6041]

I've just bought mine... it's still got the protective film it's that new. Amazing...

[@billiondollardan]

Just ordered one today. I'm glad to hear you're happy with it. It makes me feel good about the order

[@Phil5150Bower]

I’m thinking of picking one up have you had any problems? That’s the only thing stopping me pulling the trigger on it 🤙🏻

[@billiondollardan]

@@Phil5150Bower no problems. I've had it for two weeks and I haven't even had to adjust the minutes

[@Phil5150Bower]

@@billiondollardan Thanks for letting me know, wear it in great health sir 🤙🏻

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Most people want the rolex not because of the complication but the wrist recognition.

[@markomarin3414]

True that. Most of rolex user doesn't know anything about the horology behind it anyway

[@janymeraga7452]

@@markomarin3414 bold assumption.

[@Ruso982]

@@markomarin3414 what is the problem with that?

[@3xoticG4m3r]

@@Ruso982 knowing nothing is just bad in general.

[@danielmelendez9943]

i owned my Rolex GMT II Coke dial for 16+ yrs and I love the watch.

[@robmiller3029]

I've had my Omega 50th Anniversary for 20 years now. Still love it.

[@pth8888]

I have mine for 16 years and have travelled round the world with it. I chose it as I could not afford the Rolex GMT 2 but I have no regret with my decision. It beat Rolex GMT 2 with 300m water resistance and I don’t have to worry getting rob while travelling with it. Love it! awesome watch.

[@floridasoldat]

Ok mooner

[@ScotianBlooded]

how often do you service it?

[@pth8888]

I have not service it at all 😀

[@ScotianBlooded]

@@pth8888 yup buying one soon as I can thanks

[@rickfanning5647]

Just got my Omega GMT from C&C so I love that it made the video. It is a 50th birthday gift from my wife so the 50 years on the back of the case is perfect. Awesome watch.

[@kiwi_commander]

I would also add the Glycine Airman to the list due to its uniqueness, affordability, and heritage.

[@Wa-wk6qk]

Ssssstt, let this one be for the enthousiasts

[@arthurschopenhauer9805]

I think why he didn’t include glycine is because he tried not to include garbage watches, except tag he had nice premium watches, nothing even close to glycine. And forget about the heritage. Glycine now has nothing to do with glycine at the time, on top of that even at the time it was nothing special. It is just a grabage.

[@MisterMaster4life]

With all respect, The Glycine definitely doesn't belong in this list. Totally different ballpark.

[@clontstable1]

@@arthurschopenhauer9805 Nice comment, high brow!

[@toolongforyoutoread6]

@@arthurschopenhauer9805 Bitter

[@olivierorban787]

Glycine airman for legacy, Mido ocean GMT for budget, Davosa Ternos for Batman copy, Oris Aquis GMT for independency, Eberhart and Co scafograph gmt for style, JLC Amvox5 world for complications, AP Royal oak concept for the outlaw live.

[@BlankNameless]

Affordable travel GMT models (all using the ETA Powermatic GMT movement): - Certina DS Action GMT - Mido Ocean Star GMT - Mido Multifort Dual Time - Rado Hyperchrome UTC LE

[@BlankNameless]

And, for a *really* left-field choice, a Seiko 4S27/4S77/4S36/4S76

[@jimlittle5769]

Zodiac makes some good GMTs too.

[@craigroberts5965]

Baltic Aquascaphe GMT uses a Swiss soprod movement

[@aneeshwagle8892]

Montblanc heritage gmt....a bit out of the wheelhouse for sure, but oh so beautiful

[@pb8876]

I'm really struck on the Ball roadmaster marine gmt at the moment.

[@ruvarkus]

Super affordable option: Vostok Amphibia GMT

[@kelvinx5704]

No one mentioned the Glycine Airman. The original Airman was the first watch that had a 24 hour hand. I think it came out 1 year before Rolex GMT Master. The current rendition of the Airman is an "office" GMT but I feel it deserves a mention.

[@olivierorban787]

That’s the true

[@watchgeek6712]

Yes kelvin x, you are right and the Airman was introduced in 1953 a year before Rolex. I have the Omega Seamaster GMT 2538.20 also know as the Great White. Like the 50th Anniversary it is a great option also.

[@richardtan322]

Omega 50th anniversary is the one!! Awesome watch.

[@kentfoster4112]

The Rolex Explorer II is also a great Rolex option at about half the price of GMT II

[@jimlittle5769]

does it have a GMT complication, cause that's what this is about

[@kentfoster4112]

@@jimlittle5769 Yes it does

[@jimlittle5769]

@@kentfoster4112 Cool. But wasn't another factor in these options he presented availability?

[@kaidanner6962]

Agree. I wondered why the Explorer II was not mentioned. I assume he was only looking at non-Rolex alternatives.

[@hugohernandez3651]

@@kaidanner6962 The Polar is hard to get as well.

[@WrongTimeWatch]

Great idea for a video. My alternative is the Glycine Airman Purist. It looks quite close to the Original.

[@tarjazz1]

I have long worn Breitling and have their Avenger GMT 43 newest version as my GMT watch. Doesn't have an in-house movement, but has a chronometer grade ETA.

[@bergerecossais]

It is a pity there wasn’t a truly radical alternative offered like the Longines Hydroconquest VHP GMT. I bought one because when it came to travelling I wanted near absolute accuracy; ease of function where I can see a different time zone at the press of the crown and understated “leave me on my wrist” design with large legible dial and excellent anti reflective coating. I appreciate that it will not have all the non-functional qualities that are projected by your other choices but it is perhaps the most radical development in the GMT concept.

[@youraveragebreakfastcereal5285]

It is a great idea and concept. Longines blew it with the water resistance. 50 meters on a "hydro" conquest? Somebody forgot the plot...

[@bergerecossais]

@@youraveragebreakfastcereal5285 they certainly forgot to update the app. You need to use a four year old iPhone to use the flash setting. Also as for the claimed battery life of over four years, I am now on my third battery in four years but to give them credit it has been replaced twice under warranty. The perpetual calendar is a great feature though. My understanding is that Longines erred on the side of caution in limiting the public statement to 50m for fear of aggressive US legal action but I swim and shower and wash with it on every day. Ultimately Longines took an interesting avenue which turned into a dead end.

[@Daggerfall40]

If you can get your hands on it, the Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 would be my pick. Runs on the same movement as a pre 2018 GMT master II (Caliber 3185). The only downside is the fixed bezel which only lets you track 2 timezones instead of 3. Price is steadily going up but still a lot more affordable than a GMT master II.

[@CrownandCaliber]

Thats a great "pro-tip" Daggerfall40! Thanks for watching.

[@Faceless_XIV]

Happy purchased a Blancpain instead of a cheesy Rolex and far prefer it. Sold my sub and bought a PO years ago. Best decision!

[@ericmal5055]

Awesome show. I loved your selections. I went through selecting a GMT process and went with the 216570 Explorer II.

[@Andy-4342]

Squale Giramundo for the win in this category.

[@ChitohYung]

That GS SBGE209 has been on my list for too long. Perfect size, finishing, and movement.

[@BarnOwl61]

This GS is advanced to a level far beyond anything Rolex has to offer. The choice would be easy for me!

[@mcclechinois1213]

UN’s GMT+_Perpetual is my all time favorite!

[@jiggylee865]

I’m in a new number citizen black ion watch

[@jonnypescado1]

Hamilton makes some amazing GMTs. My black world time has a jumping GMT hand and was ~$700.

[@davidb9531]

Personally if I was looking at a gmt I'd be looking at Zodiac or Yema, they both do classic styled gmts at fair prices and they have some reasonable heritage

[@waygone6657]

Nice lineup but I like the larger watches like Breitling Avenger and Oris Aquis GMT

[@charlespurdy1115]

Missed the Ball Roadmaster Marine GMT. Definitely a competitor.

[@pb8876]

Yes. Nobody is talking about that watch. It's my favourite gmt out at the moment. I want one. They do a roadmaster vanguard too which I like

[@harry-eto]

I actually went with the Tudor BB GMT. It's quite close designwise to the very first Rolex GMT Ref. 6542 also with unguarded crown.

[@ericiidx]

Can anyone provide an ID on those eyeglasses? Thanks!

[@tberreth33]

Awesome review! I own the Tudor BB GMT as well as your bonus Omega Seamaster GMT and would love all five/six :)

[@StuntpilootStef]

Even though it's too big for me, I've always liked the Alpina Alpiner 4 GMT.

[@markojirasek]

Excellent review and research. This is exactly what Ive been looking for. Thank you!

[@amickinflorida9008]

One addition for the folks is the omega sea-master 300 professional gmt, which is different than the anniversary edition you featured. The gmt was added the the O3P in its prior generation during the transitional years. However the edition you have is on my list, especially the polar.....and the apnea!

[@4034miguel]

HI. Longines (ETA also) has a GMT with jumping hour: the LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME with the caliber L844.4. I think it is a good alternative. IMHO if one is looking for an alternative to the GMT Master II, the rotating bezel is a must. So the Seiko could be more an alternative to the Explorer II, although a more elegant and less sportive one.

[@iammt00]

i will pick omega planet ocean gmt or tudor gmt

[@nishadkarim]

i am planning to buy a Breitling - confused over regular or a GMT ? also is Breitling good brand.

[@warusk2nd]

I love the "bonus" because I received a Omega 2x34.50 (2834.59, same watch you mentioned, just different bracelet) for Christmas and it was purchase from you guys! Love the watch and the true...I mean travelers GMT complication 😂 Great video Nathan!

[@CrownandCaliber]

I hope its with the 3 link Speedmaster bracelet. I think that bracelet is more timeless. Such a great watch!

[@nabid87000]

I really like the Mido Ocean Star GMT in Navy and blue, it's original shape, sporty, not expensive, but I haven't tried it yet.

[@andrewnisbett7565]

Is the Brietling superocean A32380 an option I like the water-resistance everyone seems to hate the look is it an office GMT?

[@hugohernandez3651]

I have the PO GMT Good Planet. It is a gorgeous watch. I hope Batman will arrive soon. Both can coexist perfectly on any collection.

[@rickjason215]

That Springdrive is beautiful. I love Rolex, but the GS is a better watch. I also really like the Panerai. Good choices.

[@magnusjensen7651]

Great video. Straight to the point, good diversity, something for every taste, and solid knowledge. Makes it quality. Love the Seamaster 50th with its sword hands and awsome bezel (might buy one), maybe the Great White or Polar 16570 too?

[@vianouche1]

I love my Omega GMT 50th anniversary and I think that Nathan was the one that convinced me to buy it in a previous video like this one some time ago. Eternal thanks to you for this hidden gem. I love it !! (no steel bracelet for mine, it came on rubber)

[@morgan97475]

Nice selection. How about which traveler's watch to wear when heading to a 3rd World locale, someplace where your arm might get cut off in a traffic jam if it's sporting a Rolex GMT?

[@tarjazz1]

I take a homage gmt watch to such locations.

[@ClassicalProtestant]

My Steinhart GMT: INCREDIBLE. 800 bucks...

[@chiliprepper7678]

Scored my Batman last year. But Tudor BB GMT 👍 and bonus Omega for black white bezel 👍.

[@okumonux]

The Seamaster GMT is a great looking watch; be aware of case pitting though.

[@kw8757]

Ive had mine for about 20 years and I've worn it in every ocean and many seas and it still looks like new, apart from a few scratches.

[@brianlloyd4796]

I’m new to the channel and really enjoying the videos. I bought the Tudor and still await the Rolex from my AD.

[@palerider9855]

Micro brand: Monta Atlas and Skyquest? I own the Monta Altas in Charcoal and love it. Plus I didn’t have to take out a loan to buy it.

[@maxp5422]

How much monta is expensive

[@palerider9855]

@@maxp5422 Roughly 1/5 TH the price of the basic Rolex GMT Master II

[@heyhey1512]

such a great video! It went through the thinking logic when I was looking for the gmt master alternatives!!

[@julioerodriguez6097]

I love my 2007 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT, reference 231.13.44.52.04.001 with the co axial movement. I bought it two years ago and never missed a beat. That's my alternative to Rolex GMT Master II.

[@kirbs1054]

What about the haute horology alternative - something from the big three? Would love to see a review of these

[@007Chancellor]

You didn't mention Steinhart. They make incredibly high quality Swiss GMTs for a fraction of the price of those you mention. Of course, one of the ways they keep the cost down is by cutting out you - the middle-man - and selling direct. So I understand why you wouldn't mention them. But they are a great watch and a great value.

[@amjed8985]

Nice alternatives, so useful. Thanks Nathan

[@kk7sm]

Favorite alternative, I was wearing that Omega Seamaster GMT all week last week, so that must be it. :-)

[@thehun06]

Glycine Combat Sun GMT is a solid choice too!

[@foodarackacycle]

I went with the Rolex Explorer II. Slightly less expensive than the GMT Master (albeit not much). It has the GMT complication and is a very robust watch.

[@CrownandCaliber]

Good move Gene! Those have flown under the radar for quite some time and have the EXACT same movement.

[@willbrink]

If interested in a very good GMT, a fraction of the costs and as good or better than anything in this vid, look at the Farer GMT Bezel. I have had three Rolex's, have the Tudor, etc, and the Farer is a game changer quality and value for $. True Story :)

[@jeffreylouie8881]

If microbrand is an option then the Jack Mason Strat-o-timer GMT is a viable true traveler GMT option sub $1K ($999). They were one of the first microbrands selected by Miyota for their new Caliber 9075 GMT movement. I never thought I would consider a microbrand but this one has me thinking. Love the “Americana” (Pepsi) version.

[@diegom.8773]

🙋🏻‍♂️ Omega PO gmt 😍

[@hogwithme8652]

Hey great info, can u also include price comparison in the videos

[@sepp540]

Fantastic video....! Thanx!

[@kungen1117]

The beater - Sinn 856 / 857 utc

[@TekindusT]

I was really hoping the hot take would be a Casio World Time.

[@morgan97475]

Can't go wrong with the Casio Royale. I'm wearing mine right now.

[@masqueman01]

Bonus watch! Yes! 😀

[@andersfrihagen3656]

One of the major points with the OMEGA SEAMASTER 300M GMT 50TH ANNIVERSARY is that the lume actually works, you can nearly read the newspaper :-) And it lasts all night long.

[@JP-nj2sl]

No non-sense vid explaining the different types of GMT movements. Learned a lot... It would be nice to see the 300M Seamaster GMT from Omega back again.

[@EssenceOfTrance]

What's on your wrist? A Rolex DJ or OP? Looks great!

[@Pwj579]

I had this dilemma, with not wanting to put down more than $10k for a GMT Master. I chose the Christopher Ward Retro classic GMT instead of the Tag Huer Aquaracer

[@Todd_Whitehouse]

Which CWard color way did you purchase? Any issues or problems with the watch at all? I'm looking at the CWard World Timer (black/yellow) as a next purchase.

[@VictorDude98]

I would say Steinharts GMT's aswell, It's just one of those watches that is worth every penny

[@minjin0259]

Bulova Wilton GMT. A traveler's GMT for less than $800 (Teddy Baldassarre has it for less than $600). A stunning watch and a true GMT.

[@michaelmeloche9207]

I own the tag heuer gmt it is absolutely beautiful and looks great on the wrist

[@jamiebourne8047]

Me too, its absolutely gorgeous 👌🏼

[@greggbull9543]

I personally like the Ulysses Nardin Dual Time , totally opposite to a conventional GMT.

[@billcore6295]

I own several GMTs to include the Rolex, Pan. Lum. and Tudor but the absolute best is my Tudor Aeronaut ..... the easiest GMT to use period.

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

For a quartz the Raymond Weil Tango (Pepsi) is a great GMT under £1,000 however it does not have micro adjust like its older sibling the W1.

[@japd7897]

7:32 Wrong: GMT watches are NOT pretty expensive to produce.

[@borjastick]

Or do what I did and buy a Parnis sterile dial coke GMT copy. Great watch, works really well with a good movement in it and with a Sub style strap that is nearly as good as the real one and all for just $50. Get them on ebay but take your time to look through and check what you are ordering. It complements my Tudor BB58 silver and the original black versions too.

[@lukebanfield6433]

GS GMT.....looks very special 👌👍

[@TWN321]

Well done

[@tomnewham1269]

I don't understand why Omega's take on the GMT is to use the Seamaster case. I cannot imagine a diver at say 500m will look at his/her watch wanting to know what time it is in New York. Totally unnecessary especially in my opinion as the escape valve ruins the look of the watch.

[@wjvlodek8769]

I agree...I like the OP Seamaster with the submariner bezel. But this GMT design is completely stupid.

[@LymanPhillips]

Omega for the win.

[@millersx9]

I have the bonus watch. Just love it!

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

I am extremely happy with my steinhart ocean one 39 gmt premium 500 (blue/black). And honestly i think it looks more modern. But hey, to each his own:-)

[@malibooz]

What about the Glycine DC-4?

[@koppervik1]

Not really an alternative to the Rolex GMT Master, but I love my Glycine Airman 'purist' Noon with a cream dial.

[@davem8836]

Rolex did not come up with the GMT complication. The Glycine Airman did. In terms of actual quality, in house movement, etc., *THE* best GMT watch is the JLC Hometime, period. And it's not that expensive comparatively speaking

[@PENCHOCK]

I am really looking forward to issue 50th seamaster anniversary gmt again. I really want to have this watch using a new Omega movement. 5 years warrenty, Mastet Chronomaster, anti electromagnetics....it's fantastic.

[@w3therby]

It's too bad that so many of these "alternative" lists ignore the homage options. I understand if someone is looking more for original designs, but it's definitely worth at least mentioning.

[@atosco87]

Why isn’t the explorer 2 not in the list?

[@husseinalmarhon]

I HAVE EXPERIENCED TAG HUER PEPSI FOR 2-3 YEARS - LATER I BOUGHT GMT 2 PEPSI ROLEX 2020 WITH A JUBLEE - TAG HUER IS A BETTER LOOKING WATCH FROM MY EXPERIENCE - I LIKE IT MORE

[@mk2svpr410]

Ball takes the cake, yes it's limited but it's insanely awesome!

[@naturalLin]

Bell & Ross GMT looks pretty good.

[@TheGlobetrottingSwede]

I think you have a solid video production team, I very much like the composition of this piece. Keep up the good work!

[@CrownandCaliber]

Thanks John!

[@Wa-wk6qk]

Nice series

[@CrescentCityCollectibles]

Love the panerai

[@achimkohlhage1328]

The Breitling as modern alternative, the Omega 90ties as the classic one... With cheers fm Singapore+

[@1R26]

Mido and Certina have the new movements with true gmt and 80 hours of power reserve, check them out. It means this kind of movements are not that expensive.

[@ams914]

They must be new ETA movements. I'm guessing because of the 80 hour power reserve.

[@5OclockSharp]

@@ams914 they are.

[@fabianbruns7343]

An alternative I would add, would be the BREITLING Avenger II GMT

[@scottscarpato6025]

The Mido Ocean Star GMT is another Traveler GMT, but at a much lower price point. The watch punches way above it weight class.

[@roryhenderson6236]

Grand seiko followed by Tudor with a sprinkle of Panerai to end

[@wozmac771]

Omega had a gmt in 2000s also same as the rolex gmt. Planet ocean is the cmpetition for sea dweller.

[@TheEtranger84]

The first alternative people should consider is Rolex Explorer II.

[@5OclockSharp]

The Swatch group has developed a new GMT movement that looks to be based off the 2824-2, unlike the 2893. It has the jumping local hour hand and can be found in some Tissots, Certinas, and Midos. Maybe one day it’ll work it’s way into some Longines watches or Sellita will clone it and make that feature more accessible to more affordable watches.

[@StuntpilootStef]

Sellita already has a GMT movement, the Sw330. They've had one for years.

[@j18ter]

@@StuntpilootStef The SW300 movements are office GMT movements, and this was mentioned in the video. The new ETA movements used by Mida are true GMT movements, which is what all except one of the watches in the video are.

[@StuntpilootStef]

@@j18ter Irrelevant. Alex M wasn't making that distinction. They just wanted an affordable GMT movement from Sellita. Which already exists. And by dismissing office GMT's, you're also dismissing the original GMT Master. Be careful with gatekeeping.