Lima’s GMT Transit puts design first without sacrificing function
Andrew O'ConnorAs with any watch-obsessed individual with social media applications on their phone, many hours are wasted scrolling through photos and articles in the pursuit of that seemingly unobtainable dopamine fix that happens when you find something new and exciting. The fortunate lie I can tell myself is that, as someone who writes about watches, I can count this activity as thinly veiled research. Lima, while relatively new to me, has some successful years behind it. The Indonesian-based brand was founded by graphic and multimedia designer Herman Tantriady in 2014. Since then, Tantriady has garnered design awards for Lima’s Zenga, Time Loop, and Meca 01 models.
The GMT Transit brings Lima’s design language to the popular multi-timezone category and has clearly been a success for the brand. Since the model’s initial unveiling in July of 2025, new iterations have been added, and the models often sell out quickly on Lima’s website once restocked. The quirky and pleasing design caught my eye, but what other specs back up the Lima GMT Transit’s popularity?
The case
One of the most immediately pleasing aspects of the Lima GMT Transit is the case. In appearance, the long, straight lugs and wide brushed bezel give the watch significant visual weight, yet the numbers tell a different story. Measuring 37.5mm in diameter, 45.6mm lug-to-lug, 12mm thick including the double-domed K1 crystal, and with a 20mm lug width, the dimensions are undoubtedly compact and will be agreeable for most people. The case has an entirely brushed finish, has a solid caseback with the Lima logo engraved, and is water-resistant to 50 meters. The large crown is unique in its design, with a knurled texture for easy setting of the watch. The crown also features an engraved Lima “L” logo.
The dial
For the sake of this feature, I will focus on the GMT Transit The Palette model. The most unique dial in the model range, and up there as one of the most unique GMT dials out there currently, this dial variation was inspired by the designs of Dieter Rams, who was the lead designer for Braun from 1961 to 1997. The white dial features printed indices, with the coloured dots referencing the colour swatches used for Braun’s household appliances during Rams’ tenure.
The black hour and minute hands are skeletonised, with a black seconds hand adorned with red at the tip. The large triangular GMT hand is also skeletonised, and painted red to aid in legibility. There is a circular date window located at six o’clock, adding a practical function while maintaining dial symmetry. Judging by the font on the date wheel, bonus points for Tantriady are in order, as it appears that a custom date wheel has been used, or at least changed from the standard date wheel on an NH34. Unfortunately for the absolute utilitarian-focused sport-watch enthusiasts out there, the Lima GMT Transit does not feature any lume on the dial.
The movement
Inside the Lima GMT Transit is the venerable favourite of affordable GMTs, the Seiko NH34. This automatic calibre is a “caller” style GMT with an adjustable 24-hour hand and date functions. It features a 41-hour power reserve, hacking and hand-winding, and 24 jewels. This movement has been prolifically implemented across entry-level Seiko models and a large number of micro-brands. Accuracy is what you would expect from entry-level Seiko movements, but as it is built upon the Seiko NH architecture, it is widely regarded as being durable and reliable for many years, often without any servicing intervention.
The strap
The Lima GMT Transit The Palette comes stock with a 20mm dark grey Italian Alcantara strap, with quick-release spring bars and a pin-buckle closure. With the minimalist design and 20mm lug width, swapping straps should be easy and fun, especially with some brightly coloured straps. If metal bracelets are more your speed, Lima has a few vintage-style bracelets available as accessories.
The verdict
Watches that prioritise utility often have designs focused on the desired function, which often is at the cost of presenting a distinct personality. Watches focused on design and personality often sacrifice practicality to the point that the watch leans more towards being an accessory than a functional tool. There are, of course, exceptions to these claims, but “fun” tool watches can feel artificially injected with “personality,” and design-driven watches can feel forced to be practical. Lima manages to strike a difficult balance with its GMT Transit, especially with The Palette. The design is most certainly at the forefront, but the watch remains legible and functional. Lumed hands and indices would add a welcome dose of practicality, but with a design so charming, some faults can be easily overlooked.
Lima GMT Transit pricing and availability
The Lima GMT Transit is available through the Lima website and through Lima’s partner retailers. Price: US$350.
| Brand | Lima |
| Model | GMT Transit The Palette |
| Case Dimensions | 37.5mm (D) x 12mm (T) x 45.6mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Double Dome K1 Crystal (heat-treated mineral) |
| Dial | White, coloured 12′, 3′, and 9 o’clock index plots |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Bracelet | Grey Alcantara strap with quick-release spring bars |
| Movement | Seiko NH34 |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$350 |