First GMT

I’ve been wanting to add a GMT to my collection and have narrowed it down to these 2 watches, the Longines Zulu Timer and Grand Seiko SBGN003 (Quartz)
 

Which one would you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance. Cheers 

Reply
·

The zulu time looks more refined (can't believe I'm saying that compared to  a GS!!) - The GS is lovely, but the 'Explorer II' type bezel is a bit to much of an 'homage' design cue for me. GS has better GMTs tbh. Have you looked at Farer Landers? They have SW200 Sellita, rather than the ETA A38 in the Longines,,,also half the cost :D

But, the Longines is a superb watch, and you won;t be unhappy!

·
Archangel

The zulu time looks more refined (can't believe I'm saying that compared to  a GS!!) - The GS is lovely, but the 'Explorer II' type bezel is a bit to much of an 'homage' design cue for me. GS has better GMTs tbh. Have you looked at Farer Landers? They have SW200 Sellita, rather than the ETA A38 in the Longines,,,also half the cost :D

But, the Longines is a superb watch, and you won;t be unhappy!

Thank you. The only thing holding me back on getting the Longines is the 49mm lug to lug. I have a 6.75 inch wrist and I fear it might be too big for me

·

That Zulu time is a win for me 😲😲

·

I really like the individual design of the Zulu time.
Don't know why but the GS just gives me to much of an explorer 2 vibe

·

GS seems to fit better on your wrist, but that Longines Zulu is gorgeous.

·

I would pick the GS.

The lug-to-lug with the bracelet on the Zulu time makes the watch hang off your wrist.  I recall trying one on in the past and running into this same issue.  It could fit better on a non-bracelet.

·
Razrwire

Thank you. The only thing holding me back on getting the Longines is the 49mm lug to lug. I have a 6.75 inch wrist and I fear it might be too big for me

I'd definitely try it on - lug-to-lug is a factor, but so is how the endlinks hang the bracelet onto your wrist - it may work, it may not.....hard to tell unless you try it. If it hangs nicely from the endlinks, it might be fine on your wrist...

·

How the heck is a 37mm Longines Spirit Zulu GMT looks larger than a...I want to say a 39, 40mm maybe GS? Sighs 

I say go with the GS. The Longines somehow manages to look humongous on wrist still can't believe I'm saying this.

·

Get the one that you like..  That being said, I have wanted that GS for a while, just not bad enough to actually buy it. 

·

I've got a GS SGBN023 and honestly love it.  The accuracy and precision the 9F86 shows is awesome to me.

·

GS would be my choice here. 
Prices are similar and Quartz not a real downside.

Finishing on the GS is on a much higher level than the zulutime. It looks a lot like a Rolex, yes, and people will ask if it is and you’ll go “no it’s a Grand Seiko” and people will be like “huh?” If that‘s no issue for you, defi go with the GS. (Except you like the Zulutime better.)

·

Based on your pics, GS is a better fit for your wrist. 

·

My preference would be the Zulu. Anywhere you could go try them on? That would probably tell you more than anyone here could. 

·

The Longines is way better looking, for me I still choose the Seiko.

·

Personally, I would go with the Grand Seiko, primarily because I would expect to use a GMT while travelling, and having that high accuracy quartz movement while travelling would actually be a plus for me.

I agree with the others regarding the design similar to the explorer 2, but that doesn't bother me too much.

·

Hmm, not a bad proposition. I should also checkout the SBGN005. 👍🏻

·
TAKL52

@Razrwire these two are on my list of GMT / Worldtimers that I am looking into also. I share the view that the Zulu Time appears too big.

I tried the GS on at my local AD, and it was stunning in everyway. The only downside IMHO is the 19mm lug width...I would have preferred 20mm, which is why the SBGN009 is a consideration, although I prefer the look of the SBGN005 (blue version).

Which other watches did you consider and dismiss? As these are both traveller v caller/office I assume you are just looking at the former.

Based on the pictures, the GS looks better on your wrist to me.

I also considered the BB Pro but it isn’t readily available here in my country. My AD only received one unit since it launched. Besides, I already have a Tudor in my collection and would like to explore other brands. 

·
Razrwire

Wife would throw me out 🤣

Same!

·

gs frw

·

I'm a new owner of the SBGN005 (Blue and Red identical version), and I'll say it looks far less like the Explorer 2 than everyone carries on about.  It has a much more refined dressy look to it rather than the more robust Rolex sporty vibe.  Somehow pictures don't show that dressy side as much.  But the brushed bezel and sides still give it some sport appeal.

One other option if you are willing to go the pre-owned route to get near the same price point is the Nomos Zurich Weltzeit.  Very conservative dial, but stunning.  This is one watch I wish I hadn't parted with (but only did so in upgrading to a GS SBGA413).

Talking Hands video on the Weltzeit

·

Zulu Time. If you wait it out I bet they will release a smaller version of the Zulu Time next year. 

·

There are going to be pros and cons. I have the Zulu Time. I have oft said that if I had to have a one watch collection, it would be the Zulu Time (yes it won out over Rolex). I travel a lot and being that is traveler GMT it’s beneficial to me. It is a refined piece but is a GADA. It’s also a fairly accurate movement being COSC certified and 1st hand experience. 
  I don’t know too much about GS, however, I do know they make a quality watch with a highly accurate quartz movement. You wouldn’t have to wind it either if you ever set it down. 
  Honestly though, if you haven’t already, try both on. Which one looks better. Yes size and lug width may matter, but you’ll never truly know, until it’s in your wrist. Good luck in finding the GMT that speaks to you. I think you’d do well with either.

Image
·
Zachrowe

There are going to be pros and cons. I have the Zulu Time. I have oft said that if I had to have a one watch collection, it would be the Zulu Time (yes it won out over Rolex). I travel a lot and being that is traveler GMT it’s beneficial to me. It is a refined piece but is a GADA. It’s also a fairly accurate movement being COSC certified and 1st hand experience. 
  I don’t know too much about GS, however, I do know they make a quality watch with a highly accurate quartz movement. You wouldn’t have to wind it either if you ever set it down. 
  Honestly though, if you haven’t already, try both on. Which one looks better. Yes size and lug width may matter, but you’ll never truly know, until it’s in your wrist. Good luck in finding the GMT that speaks to you. I think you’d do well with either.

Image

Thanks for your insights. The pictures I posted are actual wrist shots of me trying them both. May I know your wrist size as the Zulu fits nicely on you. 

·
Razrwire

Thanks for your insights. The pictures I posted are actual wrist shots of me trying them both. May I know your wrist size as the Zulu fits nicely on you. 

I honestly couldn’t tell you🤷🏻‍♂️. I have never taken the time to measure. 🤣. I try on the watch, if it looks good and right, I get it. I’m not sure why haven’t measured though. I will say my watch sizes live between 36-44(that I’m able to pull off). I probably should go get a tape measure though😃

·

I went through this exact same dilemma. For me it was an easy decision once I tried both on. The SBGN003 was the stand out winner for me. Sits better on my 16.5cm wrist and the quality of the finishing and insane accuracy just appealed to my engineer brain. I'm now a certified GS fan-boy!

To be fair though, you cannot go wrong with either. Both amazing pieces and a lot of watch for the money!

A nice dilemma to have...

·

I own that GS and it is a perfect little jewel of a watch.  It’s timekeeping is extraordinary, as is the fit and finish.  That Longines is a great watch, too.  Key is the difference between auto and quartz.  What do you prefer?  I use my GS as a travel watch for when I want a change.  I keep it in my bag and pull it out and it’s perfect.  It’s a perfect grab and go, imho.  

·

I got to try the GS SBGN005 (blue sunburst dial) and the Zulu timer green anthracite dial. Now I’m more torn between these 2 equally beautiful pieces. 

Image
Image
·

UPDATE: 

After countless sleepless nights and constant back and forth, I finally decided on the GS SBGN005 for my first GMT watch. Thank you again for your invaluable comments and suggestions Cheers 🍻 

Image
·

The Longines in a heartbeat.

·

I'm the proud owner of the GS SGBN003, which is a stunning watch, and a long time fan of Longines too.

I would say these two watches do not compete : the GS is a compact and slim case, with many shiny bits of dial furniture giving a dressy touch, when the Zulu time is a much bulkier watch with a military vibe. They don't serve the same purpose