Discussion
Recently came into some money which I'm viewing as "Bonus Money". Not much, but enough to be burning a hole in my pocket for a new toy. Currently in the collection I've got a Tudor BB Smiley, Tudor Ranger, Cartier Tank, Vintage Omega, Studio Underdog Watermelon amongst other more affordable watches.
With that, I've got Diver, Field / Tool, Dress and Chronograph watches all covered. What I don't have at all in the collection is a GMT.
Now it's only a modest sum of money I've come into (Circa £3k) and I'm not sure if I want to spend it all on a watch or keep some aside to do some work on the car (toy) in spring time.
Currently my list consists of:
Seiko 5 GMT Automatic - Looks good, but missing a little bit of special feel.
Seiko Sumo Solar GMT - Looks good and very robust, but maybe a bit big for my tiny wrist.
Both Sub £500 at the moment.
Seiko Alpinist GMT (white) - Love the looks, what it stands for, and gives me heavy Explorer ii vibes (a watch I also love)
https://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/seiko-prospex-lim...
Grand Seiko GMT Green - absolutely adore this, a little over the budget I have, but I could possibly stretch. Would mean that I've spent all it on the watch and car updates will have to either wait or be costing my own "personal money".
https://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/grand-seiko-sport...
Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT's are out of budget. I would love a Springdrive in the collection and if I could have found one new at the same price as the GS mentioned above it would tick the box of Springdrive and GMT.
Not sure exactly why I'm so focused on the Seiko's at the moment. They just seem to have the perfect "vibe" at a reasonable price point.
I could always be patient and just add to this fund and get an Explorer ii or something. But the appeal of being able to go travelling while wearing a GMT watch without a big fear of being held up for it is very high.
Any other brands which make beautiful robust non flashy GMT's I can and should be looking into? Something which doesn't stand out to potential theft is a huge bonus. Spending less than budget is also a massive bonus.
With that, I've got Diver, Field / Tool, Dress and Chronograph watches all covered. What I don't have at all in the collection is a GMT.
Now it's only a modest sum of money I've come into (Circa £3k) and I'm not sure if I want to spend it all on a watch or keep some aside to do some work on the car (toy) in spring time.
Currently my list consists of:
Seiko 5 GMT Automatic - Looks good, but missing a little bit of special feel.
Seiko Sumo Solar GMT - Looks good and very robust, but maybe a bit big for my tiny wrist.
Both Sub £500 at the moment.
Seiko Alpinist GMT (white) - Love the looks, what it stands for, and gives me heavy Explorer ii vibes (a watch I also love)
https://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/seiko-prospex-lim...
Grand Seiko GMT Green - absolutely adore this, a little over the budget I have, but I could possibly stretch. Would mean that I've spent all it on the watch and car updates will have to either wait or be costing my own "personal money".
https://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/grand-seiko-sport...
Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT's are out of budget. I would love a Springdrive in the collection and if I could have found one new at the same price as the GS mentioned above it would tick the box of Springdrive and GMT.
Not sure exactly why I'm so focused on the Seiko's at the moment. They just seem to have the perfect "vibe" at a reasonable price point.
I could always be patient and just add to this fund and get an Explorer ii or something. But the appeal of being able to go travelling while wearing a GMT watch without a big fear of being held up for it is very high.
Any other brands which make beautiful robust non flashy GMT's I can and should be looking into? Something which doesn't stand out to potential theft is a huge bonus. Spending less than budget is also a massive bonus.
Farer Lander
EB Holton
Isotope GMT
Nomadic 555
ETA
Bamford build your own
EB Holton
Isotope GMT
Nomadic 555
ETA
Bamford build your own
Edited by LordGrover on Monday 18th November 16:59
I think you might be able to get a new Longines Spirit Zulu time for a bit over £2k, which is a decent price.
Under £1k from your list though I'd grab the Alpinist GMT. I have a non GMT version and it's very nicely finished watch that wears well.
I'd write the Seiko 5 off. They are decent starter watches, and it's true they often stay a long time in people's collections. But they feel exactly what they are, entry level.
Under £1k from your list though I'd grab the Alpinist GMT. I have a non GMT version and it's very nicely finished watch that wears well.
I'd write the Seiko 5 off. They are decent starter watches, and it's true they often stay a long time in people's collections. But they feel exactly what they are, entry level.
I like the Seiko styling, but the movements in the budget models put me off a bit.
I do agree with the thought that if you're travelling then wearing a theft magnet isn't a great idea.
I went for a budget friendly small brand. Miyota 9075 is a step up from the budget movements and a "True GMT", it's not a copy/homage.
Sensible money, around £500 after you've paid Duty/VAT on a rubber strap.
https://www.nezumistudios.com/product/aviera-gmt-r...
I do agree with the thought that if you're travelling then wearing a theft magnet isn't a great idea.
I went for a budget friendly small brand. Miyota 9075 is a step up from the budget movements and a "True GMT", it's not a copy/homage.
Sensible money, around £500 after you've paid Duty/VAT on a rubber strap.
https://www.nezumistudios.com/product/aviera-gmt-r...
Pebbles167 said:
I think you might be able to get a new Longines Spirit Zulu time for a bit over £2k, which is a decent price.
Under £1k from your list though I'd grab the Alpinist GMT. I have a non GMT version and it's very nicely finished watch that wears well.
I'd write the Seiko 5 off. They are decent starter watches, and it's true they often stay a long time in people's collections. But they feel exactly what they are, entry level.
Yeah that's my worry about the Seiko 5. Would feel budget and would hit the spot for a little bit, but would probably be replaced sooner than I'd like. Under £1k from your list though I'd grab the Alpinist GMT. I have a non GMT version and it's very nicely finished watch that wears well.
I'd write the Seiko 5 off. They are decent starter watches, and it's true they often stay a long time in people's collections. But they feel exactly what they are, entry level.
The longines is a great shout. Will have a look at them too. Will probably go to the AD soon and have a try of all the considerations on. In terms of the ones I like out of my list it's tough between the Alpinist GMT and the GS. I think my local CH have them both, so might go in and try them both on. If I can get 10-20% off the alpinist then it will be leaving with me I'm sure.
LordGrover said:
Farer Lander
EB Holton
Isotope GMT
Nomadic 555
ETA
Bamford build your own
Farer crossed my mind. The others you've mentioned aren't quite hitting the spot for me. Is the farer water proof? I do tend to wear my watches when travelling to the beach, pool, sea etc. EB Holton
Isotope GMT
Nomadic 555
ETA
Bamford build your own
Edited by LordGrover on Monday 18th November 16:59
I kind of want a GMT too as I haven't got one, and this '60s Rolex homage from Steinhart intrigues me.
A decent design, not too in your face, good quality apparently and not expensive.
https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/ocean-one-vinta...
Could I live with a homage is the only thing that's stopped me,
but I like the look of the watch.
A decent design, not too in your face, good quality apparently and not expensive.
https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/ocean-one-vinta...
Could I live with a homage is the only thing that's stopped me,
but I like the look of the watch. I bought one of these. https://farer.com/products/banzare
It's a nice-looking watch that gives you an interesting dial and GMT function and leaves you plenty of change. It's limited to 150 pieces and the last time I checked there were only 8 left so if you like it, you'd better be quick.
It came with the red leather strap, but I also bought the suede on in the picture as I think it looks better and makes it more casual. Quick release straps so easy to change.
It's a nice-looking watch that gives you an interesting dial and GMT function and leaves you plenty of change. It's limited to 150 pieces and the last time I checked there were only 8 left so if you like it, you'd better be quick.
It came with the red leather strap, but I also bought the suede on in the picture as I think it looks better and makes it more casual. Quick release straps so easy to change.
vixen1700 said:
I kind of want a GMT too as I haven't got one, and this '60s Rolex homage from Steinhart intrigues me.
A decent design, not too in your face, good quality apparently and not expensive.
https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/ocean-one-vinta...
Could I live with a homage is the only thing that's stopped me, but I like the look of the watch.
Yeah they've been in and out of my radar for some time. It's a good homage to the now unobtainable "Steve McQueen" Explorer II. What stopped me most from pulling the trigger all these years is the thickness.A decent design, not too in your face, good quality apparently and not expensive.
https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/ocean-one-vinta...
Could I live with a homage is the only thing that's stopped me,
but I like the look of the watch. I'm currently down the GMT rabbit hole. I'm looking for something I can wear when travelling for work and wear on holiday.
A few I like:
Mido; https://www.midowatches.com/uk/ocean-star-gmt-m026...
Magrette; https://magrette.com/shop/moana-pacific-waterman-g...
Sinn 856; https://www.francisandgaye.co.uk/sinn-mens-856-utc...
Sinn 105; https://www.francisandgaye.co.uk/sinn-mens-105-st-...
And what I'd really like if I could sneak it in under Mrs Knee's radar and under my shirt cuff (it's a beast) Sinn U2; https://www.jurawatches.co.uk/products/sinn-diver-...
A few I like:
Mido; https://www.midowatches.com/uk/ocean-star-gmt-m026...
Magrette; https://magrette.com/shop/moana-pacific-waterman-g...
Sinn 856; https://www.francisandgaye.co.uk/sinn-mens-856-utc...
Sinn 105; https://www.francisandgaye.co.uk/sinn-mens-105-st-...
And what I'd really like if I could sneak it in under Mrs Knee's radar and under my shirt cuff (it's a beast) Sinn U2; https://www.jurawatches.co.uk/products/sinn-diver-...
Another option that you may or may not have considered is a Christhopher Ward. I've recently added a C63 Sealander GMT to my collection and I'm very pleased with it. Like you, I didn't have a GMT in my collection so started looking into different reasonably priced options.
https://www.christopherward.com/sealander/automati...
I personally think the quality and finishing on it is great.
https://www.christopherward.com/sealander/automati...
I personally think the quality and finishing on it is great.
The Sinn's have been in my radar for a while. I know it's a non issue, but an issue none the less for me for a lot of watches is that they're very similar vibes to my Tudor Ranger. Strangely enough I don't have the same issue with ones which have similar style and vibes to a diver.
A friend just suggested this:
https://www.fraserhart.co.uk/wbp2010.ba0632-tag-he...
Never had any experience with Tags and thought that the time to have one would have been when buying my first "luxury" watch. Ended up buying my Tudor Black Bay instead. Issue I have with this though is the size, 43mm seems rather large and my wrists are rather small.
A friend just suggested this:
https://www.fraserhart.co.uk/wbp2010.ba0632-tag-he...
Never had any experience with Tags and thought that the time to have one would have been when buying my first "luxury" watch. Ended up buying my Tudor Black Bay instead. Issue I have with this though is the size, 43mm seems rather large and my wrists are rather small.
The new ones are a bit smaller and can be had at 20% off on the grey market...
https://watchphilosophy.co.uk/watches/Aquaracer-Pr...
Edit: Whoops I looked up the wrong one, the GMT versions are a tad more...
https://watchphilosophy.co.uk/watches/Aquaracer-Pr...
https://watchphilosophy.co.uk/watches/Aquaracer-Pr...
Edit: Whoops I looked up the wrong one, the GMT versions are a tad more...
https://watchphilosophy.co.uk/watches/Aquaracer-Pr...
Jayho said:
Grand Seiko GMT Green - absolutely adore this, a little over the budget I have, but I could possibly stretch. Would mean that I've spent all it on the watch and car updates will have to either wait or be costing my own "personal money".
Going from personal experience if a watch “sings” to you then buying a cheaper one to “scratch the itch” won’t work, and you’ll probably end up buying your first choice further down the line anyway…With that discount that GS is a very tempting proposition…
That said there’s no substitute for trying on a few to see how they are “in the flesh”. The Longines Spirit Zulus mentioned above are a good shout - I have the non GMT version and it’s wonderful.
But if you like the GS the most I’d bite the bullet and go for it.
If you’re struggling to justify the cost, what else can you buy for that money that you can use all day every day for the rest of your life?
TLDR get the GS if it’s your favourite
funinhounslow said:
Jayho said:
Grand Seiko GMT Green - absolutely adore this, a little over the budget I have, but I could possibly stretch. Would mean that I've spent all it on the watch and car updates will have to either wait or be costing my own "personal money".
Going from personal experience if a watch “sings” to you then buying a cheaper one to “scratch the itch” won’t work, and you’ll probably end up buying your first choice further down the line anyway…With that discount that GS is a very tempting proposition…
That said there’s no substitute for trying on a few to see how they are “in the flesh”. The Longines Spirit Zulus mentioned above are a good shout - I have the non GMT version and it’s wonderful.
But if you like the GS the most I’d bite the bullet and go for it.
If you’re struggling to justify the cost, what else can you buy for that money that you can use all day every day for the rest of your life?
TLDR get the GS if it’s your favourite
The CW's were suggested earlier and it was something I also "absolutely adored" when they came out and just forgot about them until now. My biggest ever concern with microbrands on the higher end of the microbrand bracket is what to do for servicing if they seize to exist.
Getting a lot of great information on this thread though guys, much appreciated. After a bit more research I think I want a "True GMT" rather than a "Caller GMT", which kind of means that the Alpinist is out.
Jayho said:
My biggest ever concern with microbrands on the higher end of the microbrand bracket is what to do for servicing if they seize to exist.
You'd have no problem with a Christopher Ward since they generally have Sellita movements which are common and more or less the same as an ETA equivalent. The Bel Canto might cause more issues, but I think CW are very much here to stay anyway. Your concern may stand with brands like Baltic, with their use of a Micro rotor in the MR01. If they went under you may have a problem, but the movement is of Chinese origin so you should be able to source replacements.
I'd not be to worried with a well established micro. But some of them now are appearing and their debut model is several £k. That's a bit riskier in my view.
I reckon you could negotiate this Omega down to 3k inc delivery
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/seamaster-planet-...
https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/seamaster-planet-...
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