GMT for Travelling
I’m deciding between the Glycine Combat Sub 42 GMT and Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT for my travel watch. It’s meant to be a do it all watch that’s good for the pool, the beach and even a night out to town. In addition, both watches are not too expensive so it’s less of a concern if it gets a few dinks or gets stolen.
I would like to hear which will you choose and maybe why too? Thanks!
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Jason
Watch enthusiast who collects more watches than he should.
Member since
Last active: 7 months ago
I’m a fan of CW.
I like the C63 better than the Combat Sub because I like the Explorer II better than the GMT Master II. 😉
The Sealander's dimensions are more to my liking, 42mm to me is a big watch, 39mm seems more versatile.
C63 is my favourite of these 2 and that’s where I’d put my money. I like Glycine though and prefer the Airman over the Combat Sub as it’s more of an iconic watch for them.
I like the C63 better than the Combat Sub because I like the Explorer II better than the GMT Master II. 😉
The Sealander's dimensions are more to my liking, 42mm to me is a big watch, 39mm seems more versatile.
The CW does a good job paying homage to the Explorer II. 😊
C63 is my favourite of these 2 and that’s where I’d put my money. I like Glycine though and prefer the Airman over the Combat Sub as it’s more of an iconic watch for them.
I agree that the Airman is the iconic watch for Glycine but the design unfortunately just does not sit well only wrist.
Of the two I'd take the Glycine, as its the company with more history, and I already own two Glycines (a Combat Sub (GL0076) and an Airman DC-4), both of which I love dearly and have been outstanding pieces, especially for the money. Glycine's pieces also wear really nicely for me, and are extremely thin.
That said, I'd suspect that you're looking in the $1K price range. At that price, and because you're looking for a GADA piece specifically for travel, I'd actually suggest writing these caller GMTs off and grabbing a piece with the Miyota 9075 Traveller's GMT in the same price range. There are four I can think of that would suit your purposes:
Jack Mason Stratotimer:
https://jackmasonbrand.com/pages/stratotimer-gmt
Boldr Odyssey:
https://www.fratellowatches.com/boldr-odyssey-freediver-gmt/#gref
Gavox Longitude:
https://www.gavox.com/product/gavox-longitude/
LIP Nautic Ski GMT:
https://conteenium.com/product/lip-nautic-ski-auto-gmt-41mm-671530/
This really depends on how often you change time zones vs how often you let your watch wind down. I know that in my experience, I let the watch wind down way more often than I change time zones. The time I spend setting it when travelling is dwarfed by the time I save with the quick date when I pick it up to wear it.
However, if you are the kind of person who takes a trip who might spend time in multiple time zones in a trip and/or travel very frequently, your experience may differ.
Of the two I'd take the Glycine, as its the company with more history, and I already own two Glycines (a Combat Sub (GL0076) and an Airman DC-4), both of which I love dearly and have been outstanding pieces, especially for the money. Glycine's pieces also wear really nicely for me, and are extremely thin.
That said, I'd suspect that you're looking in the $1K price range. At that price, and because you're looking for a GADA piece specifically for travel, I'd actually suggest writing these caller GMTs off and grabbing a piece with the Miyota 9075 Traveller's GMT in the same price range. There are four I can think of that would suit your purposes:
Jack Mason Stratotimer:
https://jackmasonbrand.com/pages/stratotimer-gmt
Boldr Odyssey:
https://www.fratellowatches.com/boldr-odyssey-freediver-gmt/#gref
Gavox Longitude:
https://www.gavox.com/product/gavox-longitude/
LIP Nautic Ski GMT:
https://conteenium.com/product/lip-nautic-ski-auto-gmt-41mm-671530/
Thanks for the recommendation. I think it’ll still be down to my 2 options. Fair point on Glycine’s history and the Combat Sub GMT is very thin for its kind. That was also what caught my eye in the first place.
Office GMT suits me well enough and I’m also realistic about what I can get at this price point.
May I know where have you seen or read about those upcoming traveller GMT watches? I’m interest to find out more.
Thank you!
Clearly CW bias on my end, but I would pick the C63 sealander. I have experience with CW, so I'm confident in Christopher Ward's quality and finishing.
Of those two, I'd go with C63. I think the orange accents give better visibility, as well as the white date, and I prefer the 6 o'clock position of the date too.