Traveler’s choice: Six of the best Dual Time Zone Watches for globe trotting

Finally, the moment that many have been waiting for. After almost two seemingly long years, it appears that there has been some progress for the travel enthusiasts, in the form of Vaccinated Travel Lanes (“VTLs”). That means, it is also time for us to bring out our dual time zone watches.

It is always good to have a dual time zone watch whilst travelling, considering the convenience that it brings especially if one would like to track different time zones at a single glance. However, it is also important to consider other qualities as well – such as comfort, and in some instances, the value and flashiness. The latter is important – you would not want to wear something too flashy in places where theft or robbery is rife.

In this week’s article, with anticipation from the announcement of VTLs, we will be rounding up some of our favourite GMT and dual time zone watches. What have we selected? Let us find out!

Six of the best Dual Time Zone Watches for globe trotting

Sinn 105 UTC

We begin the article with a proven workhorse: Sinn 105 UTC.

Launched in late 2020, the 105 UTC is one of the few 2020 novelties from the Frankfurt-based manufacturer. As per its namesake, the 41mm stainless steel timepiece features a dual time zone indicator and an additional date display. Other notable touches include a bead-blasted case, as well as a bezel that is treated with the brand’s TEGIMENT technology that makes it highly-resistant to scratches.

Price for the Sinn 105 St Sa W UTC begins at S$2,920 for the strap variant, with the bracelet version coming in at a relatively affordable premium of S$370. It is definitely a great travelling companion, considering its complication and how Sinn is known to produce solid and robust watches.

Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 GMT

Next, we have the Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 GMT.

Tissot is known for producing modestly-priced pieces with a decent value proposition, and this particular 42mm Powermatic is no exception either. Featuring the brand’s signature Powermatic movement, the watch boasts a dual time zone display, date indicator, as well as a power reserve of around 80 hours. This makes it a rather compelling timepiece, with features that are highly practical for even daily usage.

The watch is priced at S$1,290, which is rather reasonable considering what it offers. For travelling, however, we will be opting for the stainless steel model – it is definitely more low-key, and we reckon that having a neutral tone (in the form of a stainless steel case, as compared to the rose gold PVD-coated model) will enhance the watch’s versatility.

Tudor Black Bay GMT

The Tudor Black Bay GMT is a timepiece that was launched with some level of anticipation, considering the popularity of the blue and red 24-hour bezel that was first debuted with its sister brand Rolex.

Known as the “Tudor Pepsi”, the 41mm Black Bay GMT is an appealing timepiece with a rather nice vintage-touch. In our opinion, it is a great extension to the Black Bay line – with a useful complication to boot. This particular piece is also fitted with Tudor’s self-winding Calibre MT5652, which boasts an additional date function and a power reserve of around 70 hours.

Retailing at S$5,590, the Black Bay GMT is a great timepiece that is charming in its own right. This is also perhaps the piece for someone who wants something more traditional, unlike the more contemporary GMT-Master II counterpart.

NOMOS Glashütte Zürich Weltzeit

When it comes to either world time or dual time zone watches, the NOMOS Glashütte Zürich Weltzeit is definitely a watch that we would like to put forth for consideration.

The Zürich Weltzeit offers an interesting interpretation to the world time complication. Featuring a minimalist design, the timepiece is equally as simple to operate as well. Notably, the time zone can be adjusted simply by the push of an actuator at the 2 o’clock position on the case.

For NOMOS watches, another key highlight would be the movement. In this case, it would be the in-house DUW 5201 movement. This movement has an autonomy of 42 hours, and it features some nice touches such as the Glashütte ribbing, NOMOS perlage, Glashütte sunburst, and flame-blued screws.

The 40mm timepiece is priced at S$7,820, which is rather reasonable for an in-house developed world timer. This is definitely very underrated, and for what it is worth, we do reckon that it deserves much more attention than this.

Chopard L.U.C GMT One Black

For someone who wants something stylish and yet a little under-the-radar, perhaps this Chopard L.U.C GMT One Black is a timepiece that is worth some consideration.

Launched in 2016, the GMT One offers collectors a more contemporary timepiece – something that is slightly different from the more usual dressier watches that the L.U.C collection is normally associated with. The 42mm timepiece, notably, features an inner rotating bezel to display its second time-zone. It also has an additional GMT hand that can be adjusted with the crown at the 4 o’clock position.

The piece de resistance for the timepiece perhaps lies in its movement. The watch is fitted with the Calibre L.U.C 01.10-L, a self-winding COSC-certified movement that boasts a decent power reserve of 60 hours. The finishing is pretty good too, with some of the highlights including Côtes de Genève and chamfered edges for the bridges. 

It is priced at CHF 11,500 (approximately S$17,080). Although it is noticeably pricier than most watches that we have on the list today, the GMT One is definitely a handsome piece that is certainly worth its salt.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Duoface Small Seconds

Rounding up, we have the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Duoface Small Seconds.

The Duoface is a deviation from the original intention of the Reverso, where the reverse side of the case was actually fitted with a solid caseback to prevent polo players from damaging their watches with the mallet. In this iteration, the other side of the case is instead fitted with a secondary dial, to tell the time of a second time zone. This is not only ingenious, but it also allows JLC to retain its classic looks on the primary dial.

This particular Reverso is priced at S$13,100, and we think it is rather fair for such a great piece with an interesting history – but with a practical twist.

Concluding Thoughts

In today’s article, we have seen a myriad of dual time zone watches that we reckon are suitable for travellers. It covers a wide range of price points, with something different for everyone.

Our favourite on the list is perhaps the NOMOS. It is intuitive, simple, and clean. While its four-figure price tag might be a bit expensive for some, we do reckon that it offers quite a bit for what it costs. It also looks great, and we believe that this piece pairs well with either casual or more formal attires. Again, while its price point may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is still relatively more palatable as compared to both JLC or the Chopard. In that respect, the Tudor comes in a close second as well.

So, what are your thoughts on our selection today? Do you agree with what we have selected, and what are some of the watches that you would wear when you are travelling? Let us know in the comments section below!