There are lots of things that make the GMT Master II a great watch. It’s aviation functionality and design alone makes it an attractive option as it not only exudes masculinity, but is also versatile as well. As not everyone will share our love for these Rolex classics, here’s a roundup of other luxury timepieces that are in the same league as the GMT Master II.
Like many other lists of best luxury watches, let’s start this one with a Rolex.
The Rolex GMT Master II is a newer version of the classic GMT Master wristwatch. As a part of the Professional Watch Collection which was created to serve as the official timepieces for the Pan American Airways’ pilots and navigators, the GMT Master II gives a modern take on the aviation classic and amped up its offering with additional features.
While the GMT Master II is almost identical to the first GMT Master, it has been updated to meet the needs of the modern jetsetter. It still has the classic look, but with the independent 24-hour quickset hand that can be adjusted to the local time without disturbing the minutes and 24 hour GMT hand. This makes setting the home time a lot easier and less complicated, making it a great accessory for those who are flying in and out of the country. Combined with the 24 hour rotatable bezel that can be used to indicate a third time zone, the Rolex GMT Master II takes the cake in being a gorgeous and highly functional aviation timepiece.
Bremont is noted not only for being based in the UK (instead of Switzerland like other timemakers are from), but also for creating some of the toughest and most beautiful everyday sports watches. With the Alt1-WT World Timer, watch nuts are offered an excellent commercial version of the military-exclusive C17-Globemaster. This alone already gives the watch a great street cred, as anything made for the military is expected to be of exceptional quality.
The Bremont Alt1-WT World Timer doesn’t disappoint. Designed to help aviators and travellers to easily note and read multiple time zones, it comes in a nice 43mm sized case with a date viewer, 24 hr UTC hand, 3 chronograph counters for seconds, 30 minutes, and 12 hours, water resistance up to 100m, and modified calibre 13 ΒΌ''' BE-54AE automatic movement. Packed to the brim with great features for globetrotters, it also doesn’t hurt that it is reasonably priced and comes in three face colors.
Possibly the most famous chronograph in the world, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch takes the classification of “aviation timepieces” to completely new heights with it being the first watch to be worn on the moon. By being the chosen timepiece of Buzz Aldrin during his lunar landing, the Omega Speedmaster Professional became known as the Moonwatch and solidified the place of the brand in the industry.
If that historical tidbit is not enough to convince you that the Omega Speedmaster Professional is a great choice for an aviation watch, its excellent features might just do the job. The Moonwatch was initially developed as a racing watch until it passed NASA’s qualification testings for the timepieces that astronauts will wear on the moon. The quality and features did not change a lot from its earlier incarnations, but its movement and column wheels were updated to keep up with the modern times.
With a 42mm steel case, Omega 1861 calibre movement, black dial with small counters, black bezel with tachymetric scale, water resistance up to 50 meters, and 48 hours power reserve, this watch is definitely a testament to the brand’s outstanding adventurous spirit. Travelling with Omega’s Moonwatch around the globe also seems like the best thing to do, as this watch is made to go to places.
Choosing the best aviation timepiece can be a great challenge with such great contenders in this category. The Rolex GMT Master II, however, remains to be a top notch choice for its great quality, beauty, and uniqueness.
Like other luxury goods, though, you can also easily find high grade copies and replicas of the GMT Master II if you’re not ready to spring for the real deal just yet. Especially if you’re only after the stunning aesthetics these timepieces offer, a quality clone could also be a good option for you.