GMT recommendations around $4000
Hey watch friends, I am thinking of getting a sporty gmt watch as an everyday "beater" and would love some recommendations!
I've taken a look at the Tudor Black Bay Pro, but am a bit hesitant on the thickness and the "it's an interest list, we will reach out to customers who have purchased with us first..." Really liked everything else about it!
I'm looking for something that fits these characteristics:
- black or navy/blue dial
- stainless steel bracelet
- diameter 38mm-42mm
- lug-to-lug 46mm-50mm
- >100m WR
- mechanical (own a spring drive and don't like the quartz tick)
- classic design
It would be even better if it has:
- under 14mm thickness
- >50 hours power reserve
- display case back
- micro adjustable bracelet (one could dream)
- prefer non micro brands
THANKS!!!
9 comments
Sort by
Anonymous
Recently got into collecting watches... Avid fan of Formula 1, Sim Racing, and Classical Music.
San Francisco, CA, USA
Member since
Last active: 3 months ago
I asked about the same question before and got a fantastic helpful response. My spec was a bit open but you might find something interesting for you. https://www.watchcrunch.com/WatchYourIntruder/posts/my-gmt-slot-is-empty-do-you-have-any-suggestions-8115
One of the tip a got and that I think would have been a great option for me but also for you, based on your specification, is the Longines Spirit Zulu. It is a great watch but I already have the Spirit 3 hander in my collection. Otherwise…
I asked about the same question before and got a fantastic helpful response. My spec was a bit open but you might find something interesting for you. https://www.watchcrunch.com/WatchYourIntruder/posts/my-gmt-slot-is-empty-do-you-have-any-suggestions-8115
One of the tip a got and that I think would have been a great option for me but also for you, based on your specification, is the Longines Spirit Zulu. It is a great watch but I already have the Spirit 3 hander in my collection. Otherwise…
That’s awesome, thanks for the link! Spec-wise the Longines Spirit Zulu definitely fits the bill, but not the biggest fan of the dial. The five stars seems a bit out of place for my personal taste and not the biggest fan of the pilot‘s watch design language.
If you like the Tudor BB Pro but are worried about the whole waiting list thing, try the Black Bay GMT. It has some red to go with the navy on the bezel, it's within your size parameters, and you can walk into most ADs and try one on to see if the thickness bothers you.
I was worried about the thickness too but in a lark, tried one on at my AD and the thickness wasn't an issue for ME. I loved it. It is not hard to get anymore and you should be able to find one pretty easily to try on and judge the thickness for yourself (esp. in LA)
If you like the Tudor BB Pro but are worried about the whole waiting list thing, try the Black Bay GMT. It has some red to go with the navy on the bezel, it's within your size parameters, and you can walk into most ADs and try one on to see if the thickness bothers you.
I was worried about the thickness too but in a lark, tried one on at my AD and the thickness wasn't an issue for ME. I loved it. It is not hard to get anymore and you should be able to find one pretty easily to try on and judge the thickness for yourself (esp. in LA)
I actually was able to try the Black Bay Pro in person. The Tudor boutique in Westfield century city carried a showing piece. When I tried it, the thickness definitely bothered me, but I’ve not tried the Black Bay GMT yet. Maybe with the bigger case, the proportions are better?
I have tried both Tudor‘s on (own the GMT). If the thickness of the pro bothered you, the GMT most likely will as well. A bit off topic, but what do you mean about the spring drive tick? I own two spring drive watches, and I can’t hear a thing.
I have tried both Tudor‘s on (own the GMT). If the thickness of the pro bothered you, the GMT most likely will as well. A bit off topic, but what do you mean about the spring drive tick? I own two spring drive watches, and I can’t hear a thing.
Ah, I guess I wasn’t super clear. I didn’t mean the spring drive ticking. I meant I am just interested in a pure mechanical watch since I already own a spring drive and am not interested in quartz due to the way the seconds hand tick.
I love the Sinn 856 UTC. I think it hits most of your required and nice-to-have characteristics, with a few extras (anti-magnetic, hardened steel). However, power reserve is 42 hrs and it doesn't have a see-through caseback. But it's a great watch overall - it's my go-to travel watch.
If you like the Tudor BB Pro but are worried about the whole waiting list thing, try the Black Bay GMT. It has some red to go with the navy on the bezel, it's within your size parameters, and you can walk into most ADs and try one on to see if the thickness bothers you.
I was worried about the thickness too but in a lark, tried one on at my AD and the thickness wasn't an issue for ME. I loved it. It is not hard to get anymore and you should be able to find one pretty easily to try on and judge the thickness for yourself (esp. in LA)
+1 👍🏼
I'll throw the Bremont S302 in the mix, it doesn't check all the boxes, no display case back, I don't have the bracelet so no opinion there, personal favorite of mine!