News

News

Home / News

BLOG

What is a GMT watch? Functions and features

What is a GMT watch? Functions and features

During the twentieth century, the possibility of travelling between different time zones raised the need to know the time in two places without depending on constant calculations. This need intensified with the development of commercial aviation and the expansion of international flights, when journeys between different time zones became routine for pilots, crews and travellers. Watchmaking responded to this context in the 1950s with the creation of watches capable of indicating a second time zone simultaneously. In this article you will discover exactly what a GMT watch is, what this complication means in watchmaking and how it differs from a conventional watch. What is a GMT watch and what does GMT mean? A GMT watch is one that allows a second time zone to be consulted in addition to the usual time. The essential difference with respect to a conventional watch lies in the way that second time is displayed; in its most widespread configuration, it does so by means of an additional hand linked to a 24-hour scale, which makes it possible to follow both the time of the place where we are and that of another city or country at the same time. The name of this function comes from the initials GMT, short for Greenwich Mean Time, a time reference developed from the Greenwich meridian and used historically to organise the different time zones. In watchmaking, however, speaking of a GMT function does not imply that the additional hand must necessarily indicate the time in Greenwich, since the owner can set it to follow whichever time zone proves useful, such as that of their place of residence while travelling, or that of a country they work with regularly. How does a GMT watch work and what are its characteristics? To show two times simultaneously, a GMT watch combines the conventional hands with an additional 24-hour indication. Although the design can vary considerably from one watch house to another, there are several elements that make this function recognisable and easy to understand. The GMT hand The GMT hand is one of its most distinctive components and, in traditional designs, it completes one full turn of the dial every 24 hours. Its movement is therefore slower than that of the conventional hour hand, which completes a turn every 12 hours. To make reading immediate, it is usually distinguished by a contrasting colour, a specific shape or a particularly visible tip. This choice answers a functional need, so that the owner can quickly tell which hand corresponds to the conventional time and which provides the information for the second time zone. The 24-hour scale The GMT hand needs a specific graduation that makes it possible to interpret its positions throughout the day. This scale covers the full 24 hours and may appear integrated into the dial, on the rehaut surrounding the hour markers or directly on the bezel. Its main advantage is that it removes any doubt between two moments of the day that would share the same position on a 12-hour dial: that is, a reading of 8 corresponds to 08:00, while an indication of 20 identifies 20:00 directly. The GMT bezel In many models, the 24-hour scale is found on the bezel. This may be fixed, simply providing the reference needed to read the GMT hand, or rotating, allowing the scale to be altered in relation to the position of that hand. Also common are bezels divided into two colours; this solution helps to distinguish daytime and night-time hours visually and, over time, it has become one of the aesthetic features most associated with certain GMT watches. How to use a GMT watch when you travel On a trip, a common configuration is to use the conventional hands to show the time at the destination and keep the GMT hand linked to the time of the place of origin. Both times can thus be read at a glance, making it possible to know, for example, whether it is a suitable moment to make a call. GMT watches available at Ideal Joyeros The GMT function appears in watches with very different approaches, from designs inspired by sports watchmaking to propositions conceived for frequent travel. At Ideal Joyeros you will find different interpretations of this complication from the leading Swiss watchmaking houses. Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT Tudor brings the GMT function to the compact proportions of the Black Bay 58 GMT collection, with a 39 mm steel case that retains the sporting character typical of this family. Reference M7939G1A0NRU-0003 combines a black dial, a domed sapphire crystal and a self-winding mechanical movement, as well as offering water resistance to 200 metres, characteristics that reinforce its orientation towards everyday and travelling use. Longines Spirit Zulu Time The tradition of Longines linked to timekeeping and aviation finds a contemporary interpretation in the Spirit Zulu Time collection. Its various references combine a self-winding movement with steel cases and ceramic bezels, as well as a sapphire crystal and water resistance of up to 100 metres across much of the range. Longines Spirit Zulu Time L3.812.4.53.6 Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 With the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40, Breitling brings this complication to a 40 mm watch. Its stainless steel case and bracelet are matched with an arched sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides and water resistance to 200 metres. Within the Chronomat collection, this version makes it possible to add the reading of another time zone while retaining dimensions suited to frequent wear. Discover more watches at Ideal Joyeros We invite you to go on discovering all that fine watchmaking has to offer; in the Ideal Joyeros watch collection you will find models with different complications, designs and features conceived to suit a variety of lifestyles.
Ideal Joyeros Reopens in Puerto Banús with a New Luxury Image

Ideal Joyeros Reopens in Puerto Banús with a New Luxury Image

Puerto Banús welcomes Ideal Joyeros once again with a renewed boutique designed to offer a more intimate, elegant and refined luxury experience. Located in Muelle Ribera, one of Marbella’s most emblematic destinations, the boutique begins a new chapter with a contemporary, warm and sophisticated image. The reopening of Ideal Joyeros Puerto Banús represents much more than an aesthetic renovation. It reflects the natural evolution of a family business with more than five decades of history, dedicated to luxury watchmaking and fine jewellery since 1973. The new space has been conceived to guide each client through a carefully curated journey, where every detail contributes to a more personal and exclusive shopping experience. The interior design, lighting, materials and boutique layout create a serene atmosphere in which each piece can be appreciated with calm, attention and expert guidance. One of the most significant elements of this reopening is the creation of personalised spaces for some of the leading international watch and jewellery Maisons. OMEGA, IWC Schaffhausen, Chopard, Breitling and TUDOR each have dedicated areas within the boutique, designed according to the image, aesthetic codes and identity of each brand. These spaces allow clients to enter the distinctive universe of every Maison and enjoy a more immersive experience aligned with the highest standards of international luxury. Alongside these brands, the boutique also presents a refined selection of names such as Longines and Rado, as well as fine jewellery creations from Baraka, Recarlo and Leo Pizzo, among other international firms. This carefully selected portfolio positions Ideal Joyeros Puerto Banús as a reference destination for those seeking luxury watches, exceptional jewellery, design, precision and timeless beauty. Puerto Banús, with its natural connection to yachting, fashion, gastronomy and the Mediterranean lifestyle, offers the ideal setting for this new stage. Its national and international clientele finds in this destination a meeting point for luxury on the Costa del Sol, where fine watchmaking and jewellery take centre stage. As Official Retailers of leading international brands, Ideal Joyeros offers close, professional and specialised guidance. Our team accompanies both clients looking for a special piece and collectors or watch enthusiasts seeking trust, knowledge and an experience worthy of the world’s finest Maisons. Founded in 1973 by Shyam Aswani, Ideal Joyeros has built its history on excellence, personalised service and a carefully curated selection of prestigious brands. Since 2024, the company has been led by Anup Aswani, who now heads a new stage defined by the evolution of the firm and the consolidation of its presence in key luxury destinations in Spain. We invite you to visit the renewed Ideal Joyeros Puerto Banús boutique, located in Muelle Ribera, Local M-28, Marbella. A space designed for those who wish to experience luxury watchmaking and fine jewellery with elegance, discretion and expert advice. We also welcome you to our boutiques in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, where Ideal Joyeros continues to offer personalised attention and an exceptional selection of international luxury watches and fine jewellery.
1 2 3 … 15

LEARN MORE

Dismantled watch, watch parts WATCHES
Diamonds in the foreground JEWELLERY
Boutique lounge BOUTIQUES
Shop window HISTORY

For further information about this collection, allow us to assist you personally. Our team will be delighted to assist with your enquiry.

Contact
cerrar

IDEAL JOYEROS

VIRTUAL LUXURY BOUTIQUE

Welcome to our Virtual Luxury Boutique.

  • Immediate expert advice in real time.
  • Knowledge and experience in luxury watch brands.
  • Advice and guidance with the purchase of jewellery.
  • Opening hours from 10:00am to 9:00pm (GMT), 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday.

Contact us throught the following channels:

BoutiquesBoutiques

To contact our Boutiques. BOUTIQUES

ContactoContact

To send us a question/ query by mail. CONTACT

WhastappWHATSAPP

To send us a question/ query by whatsapp. EUROPE
CANARY ISLANDS

Welcome to our virtual luxury boutique, we offer expert advice and guidance in real time. Our experts from the most recognized and prestigious brands in the world will guide you to provide you with the best advice and make your shopping experience with Ideal Joyeros comfortable, safe and reliable.

*I agree that Ideal Joyeros/ Asha Ideal SLU/ Idelux Banús SLU and third parties who provide this live chat may process my personal data including email in order to provide and improve their live engagement services, help provide personalised adverts and content and gain client insight. I understand that data is processed in accordance with their privacy notice and their partner's privacy notice and that you can unsubscribe at any time by sending an email to the following address: protecciondatos@shantiprem.com

whatsapp