Find the finest GMT watches of 2024 at Bezel. From the classic Rolex Pepsi to the elegant Omega Seamaster, discover your next luxury timepiece.
The air travel industry, along with many other global sectors, relies on a universal time standard to coordinate schedules and prevent mishaps. To achieve this, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) serves as the foundation for Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), providing a consistent reference point across the globe. This system ensures that even people on opposite sides of the world can synchronize their activities, maintaining harmony and safety in global operations.
In the world of horology, the term “GMT” refers to a timepiece that is capable of tracking multiple time zones simultaneously. Because many manufacturers introduced GMT wristwatches to meet the exacting needs of pilots and other adventurers and explorers, the ability to check UTC at a glance was extremely useful.
While many GMT watch lines continue to honor a strong aviation heritage, wristwatch aficionados of all kinds acknowledge the considerable appeal of the GMT design style, and GMT timepieces rank among some of the most sought-after and widely worn luxury watches today.
But what are your best options if you want to buy a GMT watch in 2024? Read on for some expert advice from Bezel about these currently trending models:
In 1955, a year after the launch of the original GMT-Master, Rolex introduced a new version featuring the distinctive "Pepsi" bezel. This two-tone design, combining red and blue, quickly became synonymous with Rolex's GMT-Master series, drawing its nickname from the iconic colors of the Pepsi Cola brand.
Ever since Rolex’s GMT-Master line gave way to its GMT-Master II line in 1983, the Pepsi bezel design has remained an exceptionally popular option. Simply put, there is no wristwatch colorway in greater demand today than the red and blue Pepsi colorway.
The best pre-owned GMT-Master II option for 2024 is the Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi”. Introduced at the international watch fair Baselworld in 2018, this exceptional timepiece features a cerachrom ceramic bezel insert in the iconic Pepsi two-tone.
Two different Rolex GMT-Master II watches have earned different but similar nicknames due to their shared black and blue bezel colorway. Shortly after the Rolex GMT-Master BLNR hit the market in 2013, watch enthusiasts started calling it the “Batman” because its bezel reflected the classic coloration of the cape, cowl, and suit of Gotham City's favorite superhero.
The Rolex GMT-Master II “Batgirl” recommended here was released six years later in 2019. Maintaining the iconic Batman bezel colorway, the Batgirl distinguishes itself with several significant updates. These include the automatic calibre 3285 movement, which offers an enhanced power reserve, marking a notable advancement in its design and functionality.
The Batgirl also trades the old Oyster bracelet of the Batman for a slimmer and more intricate Jubilee bracelet.
Another exciting colorway from Rolex, the Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” trades the red and blue of the Pepsi bezel for a green and silver combination that evokes America’s most popular lemon-lime soda pop. What's more, is it features a unique and distinctive, left-handed "destro" configuration, sure to satisfy those that favor unconventional albeit still somehow classic design. With technical and performance capabilities that are similar to the outstanding Batgirl, this watch has a strikingly vibrant aesthetic that is designed to appeal to the young and the young at heart. Experts hailed its introduction in 2022 for bringing a fresh perspective to Rolex's GMT-Master II collection.
Yet another GMT-Master II model nicknamed after a soft drink, the Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” Ref. 126711CHNR-0002 features a black and brown bezel insert with creamy golden overtones. Furthering its warm, rich, “root beer" coloration, the watch has a case and bracelet that combine stainless steel and everose gold. Rolex introduced the “Root Beer” alongside the “Pepsi” Ref. 126710BLRO-0001 at Baselworld 2018. Both models share the same cerachrom bezel insert composition.
Giovanni Panerai established Panerai in 1860 to manufacture watches and other precision instruments for the Italian Navy. Introduced in 1949, the Panerai Luminor collection remains renowned for its tritium-based luminescence and its signature crown-protecting bridge, both of which cater to the often dark and rugged conditions at sea. Panerai’s line of GMT timepieces also carry on its maritime tradition by serving as exceptional tools for navigation.
Released in 2014, the Panerai Luminor 1950 44 10 Days GMT represents the best of what the Luminor line has to offer. It is fully GMT functional thanks to its secondary luminous central hour with an arrowhead tip.
The venerable watchmaker Omega timed the debut of its highly water-resistant Seamaster line to coincide with its 100th anniversary in 1948. The signature features of the Omega Seamaster are its exceptionally durable cases and hermetic sealing mechanisms.
Water resistant up to 150 meters, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M is ideal for a range of water-based activities. It is also widely worn for its general aesthetic appeal. But this watch is particularly well known for its affiliations with a certain M16 Secret Service agent with the code number 007. In fact, it is often called the “Bond” watch because actor Daniel Craig wore it when portraying James Bond in the 2015 film Spectre.
The creator of the standard modern chronograph with a crown and two pushers (one for a 30-minute counter sub-dial and one for a 12-hour counter sub-dial), Leon Breitling, knew a thing or two about mechanical timekeeping excellence. He and his fellow watchmakers at Breitling have been applying this commitment to mechanical excellence in the field of GMT complications since the mid-1900s.
Released in 2019, the Breitling Navitimer GMT Chronograph has many of the key qualities that have made Breitling a household name in watches. In fact, it exemplifies the brand’s longstanding reputation for prominent bezels, legible dials, and large case size. This watch even includes a small slide rule feature.
A sibling brand to Rolex, Tudor has shared in its legacy of watchmaking expertise and state-of-the-art technical advancements since Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf officially declared it a separate entity in 1926.
Evolving hand-in-hand with Rolex over the years, Tudor ultimately established a distinct focus and style that was all its own. Launched in 2013, the Tudor Black Bay collection epitomizes this distinction with a design that remains true to the classic dive watches of old while incorporating striking visual elements such as its unique “snowflake” hour hand.
The most recent iteration of the Black Bay line is the Black Bay Pro. Upon its release in 2022, the Black Bay Pro became the first distinct sub-branch of the successful Black Bay collection.
Another exciting model in the Tudor Black Bay line, the Tudor Heritage Black Bay GMT, was introduced at the same Baselworld 2018 that gave us both the Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” and the Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi.” It just so happens to sport a red and blue colorway bezel that is similar to the Rolex “Pepsi” as well. However, it trades Rolex’s cerachrom bezel for one made of aluminum.
Named after their two-tone case of steel and gold, the few iterations of the Tudor Black Bay GMT S&G allow you to keep accurate local time while concurrently tracking the time in two other time zones. Adopting a “form follows function” approach, the creators of this watch managed to fuse classic design details with high-performance tech.
Released in 2022, the Tudor Black Bay GMT S&G has a GMT complication that leads the way in terms of state-of-the-art precision but gives an aesthetic nod to the rich history of the complication. Other defining elements of this watch include its satin-brushed steel winding crown tube and its screw-down crown of yellow gold with the emblematic Tudor rose in relief.
Released along with the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M in 2012, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT is another amazing addition to Omega’s line of GMT watches. Part of the Planet Ocean line dating back to 2005, this watch honors Omega’s rich dive watch heritage while innovating with unique features such as the first polished bi-ceramic black and white bezel in watchmaking history. Its other noteworthy characteristics include a date window at the 3 o’clock position and an alveol screw in its caseback. The Arabic numerals and varied scaling indices deliver high contrast for easy legibility.
If you are looking for a wristwatch with a glowing reputation and widespread acclaim, you need look no further than the iconic Rolex brand. But the company’s vast product line, widely diverse features, and often hefty price points can make sifting through catalogs of pre-owned Rolex models.
The Rolex GMT-Master II stands out as a highlight on the 2024 pre-owned watch market. This exceptional timepiece, dating back to 1999, is a blend of luxury and style, featuring a white gold case, the iconic Pepsi-style cerachrom bezel, and a striking blue dial. It masterfully incorporates some of the finest attributes from other Rolex models, making it a coveted choice for collectors and enthusiasts.
Let our qualified Bezel concierge guide you in purchasing high-quality pre-owned watches. We’ll help you find the best GMT watch tailored to your luxury timepiece desires. With Bezel, you can be assured of receiving exactly what you paid for, regardless of the model you choose. Our unparalleled commitment to in-house authentication, coupled with our comprehensive Buyer Protection Policy, provides essential assurances and guarantees, ensuring your satisfaction with every purchase.
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