Unique GMT Bezel Color Combinations
When we think of a GMT watch, we always associate it with a two tone colored bezel to distinguish AM/PM and a 2-24 calibrated marker. These design cues have since been codified into the canon of GMT watches made popular with Rolex, starting in 1954 with their ref. 6542 Pepsi.
Eventually more color combinations have been added over time, black and red (Coke), black and blue (Batman), and now black and green (Sprite). But I recently stumbled upon a Seiko modded page that makes gorgeous new color combinations that are commonly not seen in the realm of GMT watches.
Let’s start with the cover photo; a deep ocean blue combined with an aquamarine teal. Absolutely subverts all traditional pairings of color to provide a high contrast, summery vibe when coupled with a textured silver dial and 0-11 numerals.
In my opinion, the 0-11 bezel is much more readable compared to the usual 2-24, and I’m saying this as a 24 hour time person in the US. But the medical pill sized dial markers offer more legibility too with their black outlines and bouncy aesthetics.
This is my personal favorite out of the ones listed here; a stunningly deep British Racing/Forest green contrasted with a smooth pearl white which is brighter than the dial marker whites. All the watches on this list all have the same set of hands, of which I am not a fan of, but since these are modded watches you could easily swap them out for any other offerings on their website.
This dusty maroon red is complemented by the same pearly off white, making this a stunner when paired with other warm colors that evoke the autumn leaves and nature. This one appears more muted than the green, but with that muted red the hour and minute hands appear more sharper than the previous examples.
The earthy artichoke green seamlessly blends in with the faded mohagany yellow-brown, giving this bezel so much depth and complexion versus the rest. Because there’s so many layers of warm color, the dial in this picture seems to also be giving off more warmth than the other black dials in comparison. Overall this one is the most balanced of the four.
What do you guys think about GMT bezel colors? Are there any specific combinations that you have seen and liked? Let me know which one of these 4 are your favorites too!
Collecting and writing from a Gen Z perspective. Speedmaster nerd and all things Omega 🚀.
But if the bezel is 0-11, how do you differentiate AM from PM. Then the bi color bezel becomes useless.
But if the bezel is 0-11, how do you differentiate AM from PM. Then the bi color bezel becomes useless.
I’m used to the 0-11 timing since my Omega Spectre has it but only in all black. Its only really meant to track a 2nd time zone since the Seikos in the post (and my Spectre) don’t have a GMT hand. In a Rolex GMT for example the bezel is used to track a 3rd time zone since your GMT hand is already a 2nd time zone.
I’m used to the 0-11 timing since my Omega Spectre has it but only in all black. Its only really meant to track a 2nd time zone since the Seikos in the post (and my Spectre) don’t have a GMT hand. In a Rolex GMT for example the bezel is used to track a 3rd time zone since your GMT hand is already a 2nd time zone.
🤔
But if the bezel is 0-11, how do you differentiate AM from PM. Then the bi color bezel becomes useless.
You don’t for the reference time, you’ll just have to know direction east or west for second TZ. As for the color, it’s useless, since color separation is only useful for 24 hour bezels, not 12.
The two tone GMT bezel is almost ubiquitous, partly the reason I don't have any. I have a GMT with no bezel and a GMT with a single colour bezel, then a world timer and a complication watch where GMT is just one of many functions.
Side note: blue and red is "Pepsi", black and red is "Coke"
But if the bezel is 0-11, how do you differentiate AM from PM. Then the bi color bezel becomes useless.
Exactly this.
But if the bezel is 0-11, how do you differentiate AM from PM. Then the bi color bezel becomes useless.
You don't differentiate am/pm and it is only dual colored for decorative effect.