The Best GMT Watches Under $500 by Extropian
Here at Extropian we just love GMT watches. Of all the different tool watches out there, the GMT is probably the most useful – after all, most of us travel for one reason or another, and even if you’re stuck at home the ability to keep track of an extra time zone can always come in handy in this increasingly globalized and interconnected world.
And the great news is that while, in the past, GMTs tended to be on the expensive side, they're becoming ever more accessible with the introduction of reliable and affordable GMT movements by the likes of Seiko and Ronda. To prove the point, here’s a list of great microbrand GMT watches, all coming in at under $500!
BOLDR – Venture GMT ($299)
Based in Singapore, BOLDR produces watches that are stylish, functional, highly durable, and built to be used and abused every day. The Venture is a classic looking field watch with a stylish cushion case made of super-light titanium. It comes in several different versions, but one of our favorites is definitely the GMT. Powered by a Swiss Ronda quartz movement and water resistant to 200m, it’s available in four different dial options, all with an orange GMT hand which allows you to track two time zones simultaneously. And all for less than $300!
❤️ What could make this classic field watch any better? A GMT complication of course!
Lüm-Tec – Combat B Series ($495)
A family-run, Lüm-Tec is devoted to producing high quality watches at reasonable prices, all of them hand-assembled in their Ohio workshop. With most of their models coming in at well under $700, the Combat B GMT is a steal at just $495. A modern take on the classic field watch, it features an additional GMT hand, titanium carbide gunmetal PVD coating, vintage-style “old radium” lume, 200m water-resistance, and is powered by a Swiss Ronda quartz movement.
❤️ Extropian loves the rugged looks of this PVD-coated stunner!
Melbourne Watch Co – Fitzroy GMT ($359)
Based in (and named after) Melbourne, Australia, Melbourne watches has been around since 2013, turning out some great vintage-inspired timepieces with a modern twist. The Fitzroy GMT features their signature multi-layered dial with its distinctive, intricate wave pattern surrounded by stainless steel indices. It has a 316L stainless steel case with both brushed and polished surfaces, a rotating 24-hour bezel, date complication, and domed sapphire crystal. What more could you want?
Melbourne Watch Co - Fitzroy GMT
❤️ A really cool dial and Swiss GMT movement make this the perfect traveling companion.
Nodus – Sector GMT ($450)
Based in Los Angeles since 2016, Nodus describes itself as a “watch research and design company” with an emphasis on producing highly durable and efficient timepieces, often with a vintage-inspired aesthetic. They‘re renowned for the quality of their finishing, and the Sector GMT is no exception, with its brushed steel bezel, notched crown, distinctive lugs, and brushed sector dial. Powered by a Seiko automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve, this is a lot of watch for the money!
❤️ The superb dial finish on this model makes it a pleasure to look at in any time zone!
Ocean X – Sharkmaster GMT ($490)
The Sharkmaster is a totally classic-looking GMT watch with a brushed stainless steel case and bracelet, sapphire crystal, 200m water-resistance, and powered by a Seiko automatic movement with a 41 hour power reserve. It comes in several versions, with a variety of different rotating bezels, but we love the iconic red and blue design, which lets you track a third time zone without getting AM and PM mixed up.
❤️ Built for adventure - this stunning GMT will bring out the ocean explorer in anyone!
Out Of Order – Swiss GMT ($290-350)
Italian company Out Of Order makes watches which definitely stand out from the crowd, inspired by the timeless appeal of slightly worn vintage clothing. With their unique “damaged in Italy” aesthetic, each of their watches has a totally unique finish. The Swiss GMT comes in a dizzying array of colors and designs, each inspired by a particular city. All, however, feature a 316L stainless steel case (treated with their patented OOO aging process!), bi-directional bezel, and Swiss Ronda quartz movement. Definitely worth checking out!
❤️ If you’re after a truly unique GMT, look no further - this one has you covered!
Vesuviate – Volare GMT ($425)
Specializing in classic tool watches, Vesuviate aims to produce timepieces which are functional, robust, accurate, and affordable. The Volare certainly fits the bill, with its iconic style, 316L stainless steel case and bracelet, rotating 24-hour bezel with sapphire insert, 200m water-resistance, and Seiko NH34A automatic movement with 41-hour power reserve. And all at well under the $500 mark. Phew!
❤️ You’ll never lose track of time with the classic AM/PM bezel on this rugged-looking marvel.
Zelos – Blacktip 200M GMT ($499)
Based in Singapore, Zelos has spent the past decade creating a unique range of watches to suit every budget ranging from the Swordfish Diver (at $399) to the Mirage Tourbillon (at around $12,000). Although it falls at the lower end of this spectrum, there’s a lot to love about the Blacktip GMT. Available in a range of dial finishes, from meteorite and forged carbon to ceramic and mother or pearl, it features very distinctive (matching) hands and indices, a rotating 24-hour bezel, and a 316L stainless steel case and bracelet. Powered by a Seiko NH34 automatic movement, it all makes for an eye-catching and highly durable package that won’t break the bank!
❤️ Check out the mother of pearl dial and bezel on this beauty. A match made in heaven!
Conclusion
Didn’t we tell you there were some great, affordable GMTs out there? At those prices you might as well collect them all! Why not explore Extropian’s database to find out more?
Created the 2023-05-02
Modified the 2024-02-23