Does anyone else think that the GMT complication is unsightly and spoils what would be a perfect watch without that additional hand waving around the dial?
Probably not, but there’s just something about it that doesn’t sit right with me. I know why it’s there and I appreciate the complication for the use that it was designed for but there have been a good proportion of prospective purchases that have completely put me off buying because they’re a GMT.
I think if it’s your opinion then it’s a valid point.
Lots of complications are unnecessary. “Day” for example, we should all know what day it is!!
Even the date, perhaps too.
I’ve 2 GMTs. A CW C60 and a Steinhart 500 and like them both for that complication. Sets them slightly apart from my others. Even when abroad I never use the functionality.
There’s generally only 1 thing on a dial that causes me switch off immediately and don’t consider the purchase whatever the price. Even for free I wouldn’t wear one. But I won’t labour the point here.
Most other things I can get past if I like the watch.
Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night. Be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels, Frank Sinatra
All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
Too much of anything is bad. But too much of good whiskey is barely enough, Mark Twain
I don't need a GMT but it's not unsightly, and can add a splash of colour. I wouldn't want to pay too much more for the facility. I ended up getting a GMT when Tribus had their closing down sale, and I like the watch I got on that occasion.
I fancied a moon phase and bought an inexpensive Sugess version, which I've enjoyed wearing.
However, I don't need a perpetual or annual calendar, and I haven't got one of those.
IMO, I don't think it's unsightly. Opposite for me, that I find it extremely appealing visually but really don't need (or use) the complication that often. Trips to Asia or Europe otherwise in North America most of my trips are a 1-3 hour difference and just do the math (maths for our UK members) in my head.
I own two GMT's because I love the look of the four hands and 24 hour bezel.
I didn't "need" a GMT complication then I discovered that I have a huge family of relatives living in what is essentially Mountain Time zone, seven hours behind London time. So now I "needed" a GMT watch so that I could keep and eye on their time zone. Like I can't do the mental maths, 1455hs London = 0755hrs Mountain Time. That's how it works for me when I'm wearing a non-GMT watch.
So do I "need" a GMT watch? 'course I don't but I now have an excuse to justify having a GMT complication. Ergo I don't see the GMT/other time zone hand as a problem. I think all my GMT/2nd TZ watches fit the "diver" mould.
@Trs1982 if you don't enjoy the look of a GMT watch that is entirely your prerogative. Think of all those other complications you can contemplate getting pleasure from owning and wearing.
These users thanked the author tikkathree for the post:
I owned a CW 38mm trident GMT - white dial, black bezel- a long time ago. With the yellow GMT hand. One of the most beautiful watches I’ve owned. I sold it, and it was something to do with the GMT complications. But not the fact that it had four hands. I have an Oris BCPD and I really enjoy the four-handedness. I can only say it had something to do with the GMT hand running half the speed of the hour hand that really bugged and confused me. The time difference between me and wherever I’m tracking is static, so the fact that the hour and GMT hands didn’t track each other at the same rate really bothered me...
These users thanked the author missF for the post:
I am another vote for 'not unsightly' but personal bias fully in effect here since I have owned and used a GMT since '91. Back then I used it for purpose keeping track of home time when deployed.
However, I wouldn't say they are all great. Execution can be hit or miss and depends on the watch in question.
I also agree with others that said that the GMT hand gives the opportunity for a splash of color when there otherwise wouldn't be any making a dial more visually interesting.
Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well. Jack London
missF wrote: ↑Fri Aug 18, 2023 3:09 pm
I owned a CW 38mm trident GMT - white dial, black bezel- a long time ago. With the yellow GMT hand. One of the most beautiful watches I’ve owned. I sold it, and it was something to do with the GMT complications. But not the fact that it had four hands. I have an Oris BCPD and I really enjoy the four-handedness. I can only say it had something to do with the GMT hand running half the speed of the hour hand that really bugged and confused me. The time difference between me and wherever I’m tracking is static, so the fact that the hour and GMT hands didn’t track each other at the same rate really bothered me...
You need a Glycine Airman with a 24 hour dial!
These users thanked the author rkovars for the post:
What I've come to realize about wearing a GMT watch or a world timer watch is that my brain can't process the information fast enough to be useful since I don't think in 24 hour time and because my eye is not accustomed to looking at a different hour hand. In the time it takes me to look at the watch, remember that I'm looking for the orange hour hand instead of the other hour hand, refer to the bezel instead of the dial, and convert whatever the post-12 hour is back to 12 hour time I could've just looked at the regular time and added six to see what time it is for my coworkers in London.
These users thanked the author NationOfLaws for the post:
NationOfLaws wrote: ↑Fri Aug 18, 2023 3:16 pm
What I've come to realize about wearing a GMT watch or a world timer watch is that my brain can't process the information fast enough to be useful since I don't think in 24 hour time and because my eye is not accustomed to looking at a different hour hand.
That’s a great point about not being accustomed to looking at a different hour hand and one to which I totally relate.
Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night. Be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels, Frank Sinatra
All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
Too much of anything is bad. But too much of good whiskey is barely enough, Mark Twain
^^^ I can see that. Having used 24 hour time for so many years has it ingrained in my head. In my head I never think 2pm first. I think 1400. It is one of those interesting things that if one is not used to using 24 hour time there is some mental gymnastics but when you are used to it going back and forth is easy.
Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well. Jack London
Trs1982 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 18, 2023 1:28 pm
Does anyone else think that the GMT complication is unsightly and spoils what would be a perfect watch without that additional hand waving around the dial?
Some may. I don’t.
Steve Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.(Max Ehrmann)
I have 2 GMT watches and tell myself I'll wear them when I travel. But I don't - I wear a GShock square with dual time right on the screen. However, I do like the look of the complication. I have plenty of other watches in my collection with a cleaner look for when that is my preference of the day.
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I like watches with a GMT function, probably my favourite style of watch. I own a few, both CW and another brand. Both fixed steel bezel and twisty bezel varieties.
I particularly like the classic ones that have a magnifying device over the date window.
I never used the GMT function when I worked. I also don’t bother about it if travelling outside the UK.
