HANDS-ON: Add another Traveller GMT to the mix with the Bulova Wilton GMT
Ricardo SimeWhen it comes to watch releases, 2022 was undoubtedly the year of the affordable GMT. As the world continued to flex it’s legs and travel again, watch brands were all to ready to provide the perfect wristwear for the occasion. And while some felt it best to package these watches as sporty offerings, Bulova decided to go a different route. With the Wilton GMT, they had the travelling businessman in mind.
Let’s see how they did.
The case
The Bulova Wilton GMT comes in a 43mm case. It has a polished bezel and chamfer while its sides and lugs are brushed. This leads to a dressy yet casual look. Furthermore, with a short lug-to-lug of 49.5mm and a thickness of only 12.7mm, the watch manages to wear well on my 7.5 inch wrist. Having both a strong yet not overwhelming presence.
The dial
As you move towards the dial of the Wilton GMT, you realise how Bulova really went all in with the design. The face of the dial features an imprint of the world, with the continents featuring a circular pattern. The 3D indexes are polished with top flat surfaces, except for those at 12 and 6, which have a facet on the left and right. It creates an interesting effect when the light hits it just right, as shown in the picture above.
The, colours used, blue and silver, are well incorporated here. With the two pops of red (the “GMT” and the tip of the GMT Hand) stand out and let you know exactly their purpose. Overall, this leads to a dial that does a great job of being highly legible and visually appealing.
The strap
The watch comes on a simple black leather strap that has a crocodile pattern. It’s 22mm at the case and ends at a butterfly clasp. The design of which means you do not have to tuck it in below itself, allowing for a more comfortable wear. And though some may find its topside too shiny, it doesn’t have the stiffness one might think a new strap would have, and should age quite well.
The movement
The star of the show here though has to be the new movement inside. It is the Miyota 9075, which comes packed with features not often seen in an affordable GMT.
First, the 9075 has traveller GMT functionality. This means the 24-hour hand represents a home time while the hour hand can be moved in hour increments to line up with the local time once you’ve arrived at your destination. Second, the movement beats at 28,800 vph. This provides a smoother movement of the second hand and means the watch stands out in a sea of affordable GMTs beating at a lower rate.
The verdict
Here we have a watch that offers much while still remaining relatively affordable. From the traveller GMT functionality to the well designed dial, all while still staying below $1000. Yet, what is most attractive about the Wilton GMT is how it represents the beginning of a new path for Bulova. With the 9075 movement now available to the brand, the Wilton may mark the beginning of a long line of well-designed, affordable and capable GMT watches.
Here’s to the first one making a mark and grabbing our attention.
Bulova Wilton GMT pricing and availability:
The Bulova Wilton GMT is currently available on the Bulova website. Price: US$875
| Brand | Bulova |
| Model | Wilton GMT (96B385) |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 12.7mm (T) x 49.5 (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Dial | Blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal with exhibition caseback |
| Strap | 22mm Black leather strap |
| Movement | 9075 |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, second timezone, |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$875 |