GMT
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) watches are a special type of timepiece developed to enable travelers, pilots, and international businesspeople to see multiple time zones at a glance. They are a product of the jet age and have become an indispensable tool for the modern, globally connected individual.
What is a GMT watch?
The core of a GMT watch is its ability to display at least two time zones simultaneously. Unlike a simple three-hand watch (hour, minute, second), a GMT watch features an additional fourth hand, known as the GMT hand.
- The GMT Hand: This hand completes one full rotation of the dial in 24 hours, displaying the time in a second time zone. It is often distinguished from the regular hour hand by a different shape or color.
- The 24-Hour Bezel: Many GMT watches feature a rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale. By turning this bezel, a third time zone can be set, making the watch a practical tool for frequent travelers.
- The Time Zone Display: The 24-hour scale also helps to differentiate between AM and PM hours in the second or third time zone.
The development of the GMT watch is closely tied to aviation, beginning in the mid-20th century as transatlantic flights became commonplace.
- Pioneering Work (1950s):
- Glycine Airman (1953): The Glycine brand was one of the first to develop a watch with a 24-hour dial and a rotating 24-hour bezel for pilots.
- Rolex GMT-Master (1954): The most famous name in GMT watches is Rolex, which designed the GMT-Master in collaboration with Pan Am airlines. It featured the additional 24-hour hand and the iconic two-tone bezel. The blue-and-red version, often called the "Pepsi" bezel, quickly became synonymous with the jet-set lifestyle.
- Further Development (1980s): The Rolex GMT-Master II introduced a significant innovation: an independently adjustable hour hand. This allowed the wearer to quickly adjust the local time without affecting the GMT time or the minutes.
- Greenwich Mean Time: The term GMT refers to the mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.
- From Standard to Complication: Although GMT was the international standard until 1972, when it was replaced by Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the term has been retained in the watchmaking industry for the function of displaying a second time zone.
It is important to distinguish GMT watches from World Time watches.
- GMT Watches: Typically display two or three time zones and are intended for personal use while traveling.
- World Time Watches: Display the time in all 24 time zones simultaneously on a single dial and are designed for a global perspective.
Today, GMT watches are available in all price ranges from many reputable manufacturers:
- Rolex GMT-Master II: The classic icon that defined the genre.
- Longines Spirit Zulu Time: A tribute to the pioneering work in aviation with a modern, robust design.
- Tudor Black Bay GMT: Offers a more affordable alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II.
- Grand Seiko GMT: Features highly precise Spring Drive technology and exquisite craftsmanship.
GMT watches are more than just a practical tool for travelers. They embody a fascinating history of innovation, adventure, and global connectivity. Their unique complication makes them a coveted collector's item and a stylish companion for anyone who needs to stay connected across time zones
Greenwich Mean Time, also known as Greenwich Mean Solar Time. Starting from the 0 - meridian which runs through Greenwich GMT is also the world time or universal time.
The Greenwich Observatory near London was built in 1675. For navigation and international radio communication today the Greenwich Mean Time, i.e. the Greenwich Mean Time, is valid. It is therefore obvious for many watch manufacturers to produce a watch that displays an adjustable GMT as an additional function. Usually by a rotating bezel or an additional hand, each in 24h format.
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