It is time to revisit our list of watches for the jet setter, which we have been doing annually since 2021. Travel is a convenience and luxury we have come to expect these days, especially after the lockdowns of the COVID era has been released. So we feel our annual update to the best watches for jet setters is appropriate. Here we go!
Personal favourites: 6 of the best watches for the jet setter
The last few times we explored watches for the jet setter, we received very good responses from you. So if you would like to revisit our earlier lists, here they are:
- Travel Watches 2015 by Robin Lim
- Jet Setter Watches 2019 by Peter Chong
- Traveller’s choice 2021 by Robin Lim
- Time travellers 2022 by Robin Lim
- Travelling companion 2023 by Robin Lim
Note the annual updates since the restrictions from the pandemic lifted. And with today’s free travel available to all, we refresh the list once again, in an attempt to sieve through the releases since, and bring you our recommendations for the top 6. But this list is tempered by my tastes, of course. So here we go, without any particular order.
Moritz Grossmann Universalzeit
This is a very attractive watch in many levels. This is a high end, manufacture watch, with all the peculiarities of an independent manufacturer, chief being exclusivity. Both of the movement as well as this particular way in which the world timer feature is interpreted. This is the first presentation of a universal time watch which uses city windows on a map that I have ever seen. The graphic is a very clear, very legible display of all the information to correctly tell the time across the 6 cities, as well as local time at a single glance. Each of the six cities are well chosen, though if one wants to complain about flexibility, the watch is not able to display the time in cities that are not selected. Apparently, Moritz Grossmann tells us that this list of cities is somewhat customisable. To know which can or can not be included, one will have to contact one’s authorised dealer.
With that said, setting up the watch for travel is intuitive, and easy. The watch is well proportioned, and looks beautiful, and the finishing is exceptionally well executed. And, needless to say, as a Moritz Grossmann, the movement finishing as well as that of the dial and hands is exceptionally high.
Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Offline Full Black Special Edition
Nicknamed by Frederique Constant CEO Neils Edderding as “The Globetrotter”, the Classics Worldtimer series is a collection with an in-house manufactured movement, with all functions for the world timer adjustable by the crown.
This FC Classics Worldtimer is a beautiful looking watch. This is a very classical world timer, reminiscent of the Girard-Perregaux wwTC from about two decades ago. The black PVD finish is a nice touch for a jet setter’s watch – not only is the finish resistant to finger prints, it is also presents itself in a low key, discreet way. Great for a traveller to stay under the radar of would be thieves and shady characters while traversing the globe. Especially alone, or in one of the large cities of the world, where danger lurks. And of course, the world timer feature lends itself well to this usage.
Jacob & Co The World is Yours Dual Timezone
The origin story of this watch is almost as touching and as attractive as the watch itself. The tale of how Jacob Arabo and the dual timezone watch gifted to him by his father as he journeyed into the Americas to seek his fortune. And when he became immensely successful, as a jeweller and watch maison owner, he returned to his roots to create a dual timezone watch, inspired by the gift that accompanied him in his first journeys.
The watch is attractive, with bold design elements. The two time sub-dials show time of two different locations, and is placed between the continents of the Americas and Europe/Africa. This design concept is taken directly from the watch which it is inspired by. The dial and the sapphire glass protecting it is domed, mimicking the curvature of the earth. The upper local time dial is marked in Roman numerals with an outer chapter ring showing the minutes, but the home time dial carries Arabic markers for a more international look. The Atlantic Ocean is rendered in a deep blue while the land mass of the Americas, Africa and parts of Asia in the East is rendered in a 3D relief in gold. A compass rose unites both sub-dials visually, and acts as a seconds hand. A beautiful watch, with an equally beautiful story.
Hermès Arceau Le Temps Voyageur
Perhaps a watch less chosen. The Hermès Le Temps Voyageur is an extremely attractive watch, and I was totally besotted with on first encounter. Not only does it have a pretty face, with the beautiful blue, but it also packs some brains. The sub-dial which displays the local time wanders around the dial, always remaining in the correct orientation. The travel features are easy to use and very intuituve.
With two versions available, the 38mm watch wears beautifully, the asymmetrical lugs, longer at the top than the bottom, hugs the smaller wrist very well indeed. And larger wrists too may find the 41mm version to be as comfortable. On my wrist, either version is excellent, though, my heart is persuaded the 38mm is a better choice, as the blue dial is really endearing.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Everest
One of the most desirable VC Overseas model of all time, my next pick is the Dual Time Everest. The story of the genesis of this watch is an interesting one. American explorer and photographer, Cory Richards wanted a watch for his third ascent of Mount Everest, a route via the the North East Ridge, which is considered the most difficult and perilous. VC responded to the challenge to create a watch to accompany him on the adventure, and Cory used an Overseas Dual Time prototype in the successful 2019 campaign to the summit.
The Overseas Dual Time “Everest” is the commercially available interpretation of that historic watch. It certainly packs a big impression. Perhaps more tool like than most Vacherons tend to be. And with good intent. It is a superbly handsome, and tested with the strenuous climb up the World’s highest peak is testament that VC can make a good tool watch. One which is antimagnetic, has a two timezone indication, as well as rugged enough to survive the hazardous journey. And certainly one which can withstand the daily rigours of the man trotting the globe. It goes well when worn with a suit, ready for the boardroom. Or out in the great outdoors while doing intense physical activity. Or equally at home jetting around the world. The only small sticking point, finding one is almost impossible. All 150 pieces, as well as a further 150 Overrseas Chronograph Everest, have been snapped up. If you were one of the lucky few, we hope you wear your VC in good health, and not let it become a safe queen. If you are seeking one, then the best of luck in your search a pre-loved example.
Citizen Series 8 GMT
And a brand which is increasingly become more and more a personal favourite: Citizen. This is an amazing company, with incredible watches, but still awaiting the world to discover. And the Series 8 GMT 880 is no exception. Taken from the re-launch of their mechanical watches, the GMT has all the elements which make it the perfect GMT, or dual timezone watch, eminently suitable for world tavel. The watch is good looking, with the black and blue bezel design a bit reminiscent of the Rolex GMT Master-II. A bit of the vibes of the “Batman” going on here, but feels completely different as the stainless steel case and bracelet has angular features which stand out. Plus, the Tokyo skyline inspired dial pattern is unique, and breathtakingly beautiful.
The 880 is a remarkable watch. Well conceived and superbly built. The attention to detail to the case, dial, bracelet is excellent. The best part is that the pricing is very fair. The asking price of SGD 2.3k is a particularly sweet entry level positioning.
Concluding thoughts
So here is my list. This is curated based on my particular tastes, and yours may vary and be different. In this list, I outline why I have chosen each particular watch. I will be proud to wear one with each travel I make. What would your choices be?
