A fantastic five of value proposition GMT watches
Borna BošnjakPrompted by Seiko’s bombshell release of the SKX Sports Style GMT – 5KX GMT for short – we sought to find other watches with GMT complications that compete in a similarly accessible space. While not necessarily restricted by budget, all of the pieces on this list offer one thing — a great value proposition at their price point.
Seiko 5 SKX Sports Style GMT
The king of value is back, though with some new tech. After the controversial refresh that was the 5KX (mainly due to its reduced water resistance and no screw-down crown), this GMT may be the thing that plays to the soft side of the hard-headed SKX fans a little better. Retailing for A$875, it’s safe to assume that it’ll do well. Check out D.C.’s hands-on review of this under A$1,000 gem here.
Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT
Now I know what you may be saying: But Borna, what about the new C65 Aquitaine GMT? I hear you! It’s certainly a valid option, with an awesome lumed sapphire bezel and an admittedly much nicer CW logo (let’s see if they stick with it). For me, however, the steel-bezelled C63 Sealander GMT is the one to have. Not only does it house the exact same Sellita SW330-2 movement as the Aquitaine, it’s also more compact and, most importantly, nearly A$500 cheaper while serving some real polar vibes. On the bracelet, the Sealander GMT is priced at A$1,630, or A$1,425 on a leather strap.
Lorier Hyperion
Vintage lovers, aka me, rejoice! Housing a Soprod C125 movement, it’s impressively thin at only 8.7mm for the case, plus an extra 2mm for the domed Hesalite crystal. Specs aside, just look at it! I may be partial, as a previous owner of Lorier’s Neptune diver, but the arrow hands over a gilt dial with that thin Bakelite-like bezel makes me weak at the knees, and I haven’t even mentioned the roulette date wheel. Thankfully, it’s also well-priced and not a limited edition, coming in at US$799 (~A$1,200), though you’ll have to be quick, as re-stocks don’t last long.
Yema Superman Worldtime GMT Coke
We’ve covered black, Pepsi and steel bezel options already, so I feel it would be rude not to include a Coke one as well. With its maxi dial beneath a lovely double-domed sapphire and bezel-locking system, it could only be a Yema Superman. Much like their other models, the Worldtime GMT Coke contains an in-house design and assembled (though not necessarily manufactured) movement and is offered in 39mm or 41mm sizes. At US$1,249, it’s the most expensive entry on this list, though I still believe it offers good value with a unique look. Check it out at the link.
Mido Ocean Star GMT
It wouldn’t be a value-proposition round-up without at least one entry from the Swatch Group. In this case, it’s the Mido Ocean Star GMT. Powered by a GMT-equipped Powermatic 80-family ETA movement, the Ocean Star is sure to have plentiful presence on the wrist due to its 44mm diameter. This makes sense considering its configuration, however. The dive watch nature of the Ocean Star takes precedence, dominating the bezel, while the 24-hour indication is relegated to the rehaut. Check out the Ocean Star GMT in the Time+Tide shop, price: A$1,825.
Honourable mention — Q Timex GMT
I debated long and hard whether to include the Q GMT on the list. Just because it’s affordable, it doesn’t necessarily present good value, mostly owing to the fact that it’s quartz, with a quality that’s more in line with a watch costing half of its A$400 retail price. That said, it’s just so damn charming and well-proportioned that I can’t exclude it, so an honourable mention it is.