Feel Like a Jetsetter With These GMT Watches Under $1,000

You don’t have to be a world traveler to enjoy the benefits of a ​GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) watch. Even if you just traverse a time zone or two for work or pleasure, GMT watches are invaluable tools for travelers and professionals who need to keep track of multiple time zones simultaneously. 

While luxury GMT watches can be quite expensive, there are numerous high-quality, highly functional, and attractive options available for less than $1,000. GMT watches can run the gamut from pilot watches to dive watches, as well as truly unique horological choices. Each of these watches proves that you don’t need to spend thousands to enjoy the functionality and appeal of a GMT timepiece. Regardless of your choice, these watches will keep you on track across multiple time zones while adding a touch of style to your wrist. Here are a few of our favorite GMT watches that combine functionality, style, and affordability.​

The Fortitude GMT WorkBench Edition is back. The Diamond Like Carbon black case and bracelet make it extra special, and it sold out quickly after its debut. The jet turbine fixed bezel gives the 41mm titanium case additional character, and the pilot hands and markers contrast perfectly against the textured matte dial. The GMT function features the Miyota 9075 “True” GMT automatic movement that allows separate time zone adjustability apart from the hour hand. Low-light visibility is made possible by Swiss Superluminova BGW9 as viewed through AR-coated sapphire glass. The screw-down crown gets a bright red stem to warn wearers when it’s unscrewed, and it also looks pretty cool. This one will sell out again in no time, so get a move on.  

Buy at RZE — $699

The first Seiko 5 Sports watch with a GMT function, this iconic SKX-inspired timepiece blends durability with everyday style. It features an automatic 24-jewel movement with a 41-hour power reserve and manual winding. The blue dial, framed by a bi-color “Batman” 24-hour GMT bezel, offers bold luminous hands, a magnified cyclops date window, and a prominent GMT hand for easy tracking. A five-row jubilee-style stainless steel bracelet ensures excellent wear comfort, while the see-through caseback showcases its mechanical movement. Its 100-meter depth rating holds it back from real diving, but its mineral crystal and solid stainless steel construction mean it will hold up in just about any other situation.

Buy at Seiko — $475

The Baltic Aquascaphe GMT combines vintage charm with modern functionality. Its 24-click bi-color and bi-directional bezel employs orange for the day and blue for the night, covered by a sapphire insert. Powered by a Swiss SOPROD C125 automatic movement, it offers a 42-hour power reserve, a GMT function, and a well-balanced date window at 6 o’clock. The engraved caseback features a time zone motif, adding to its travel-ready appeal. Choose between a durable rubber strap or a comfy and refined Beads of Rice bracelet, with drilled lugs for quick strap changes.

Buy at Baltic Watches — $994

The Promaster Air GMT is a true pilot’s watch. It boasts a large 44.5mm case and superb visibility, thanks to bold numerals, markers, and the red arrow GMT hand. There are two knurled crowns for easy gripping. The crown at the 10 o’clock operates the aeronautical slide rule on an angled rehaut that minimizes dial clutter. There’s also a knurled bi-directional bezel, AR-coated sapphire glass, and Citizen’s own 9054 true GMT automatic movement featuring a 50-hour power reserve. The tapered five-link bracelet consists of brushed and polished surfaces for a sporty and sophisticated look. The Promaster Air GMT’s 200-meter depth rating is impressive for a pilot’s watch, making it just as ready for water as it is for global travel. 

Buy at Citizen — $900

The Q Timex GMT watch might just be the best affordable GMT around. Its design draws directly from the 1970s Q Timex, but here it gets a Swiss-made GMT movement. The design stays true to its roots, featuring a black dial, a red and blue rotating bezel, an adjustable stainless-steel bracelet, and a coin-edge release battery hatch. The domed acrylic crystal gives it that signature vintage charm while maintaining a sleek, contemporary edge. The sub-$300 price point adds to the appeal, and the Q Timex GMT will look just as good in 10 years as it does today, thanks to its classic size and style. 

Buy at Timex — $229

If you want serious wrist presence and globetrotting timekeeping capability, the Dumas GMT is an excellent choice. The chunky 44mm stainless steel case has hooded lugs for a near-seamless transition to the tapering three-link bracelet. The robust Seiko NH34 GMT movement allows tracking of two time zones simultaneously, and it’s fully self-winding. The Dumas GMT is topped off with an AR-coated sapphire lens and a screw-down crown for enhanced durability. Its 300-meter water resistance makes it dive-friendly, too. The watch comes with an extra rubber dive strap for more sporty wear. Our favorite is the Navy Black colorway, with its Batman vibes and duo-tone dial and bezel.

Buy at Spinnaker — $550