The latest addition to the GMT family is the SBGJ227, which comes with a visually enticing dark green dial laden with guilloche in a circular manner, radiating outwards from the dial's very center. What makes this watch even more charming is the second time zone hand. That pop of orange (which is also populated to the "GS" and "GMT" markings) contrasts beautifully against the calmness of the dial and that's how you create a looker, which the new GMT totally is.
Coming in a 40mm (kudos to GS for not making it any larger) stainless steel case and the exceptional cal. 9S86 automatic movement offering up to 55 hours of power reserve, this is a dependable, stylish beater of a watch which is more than enough to withstand the sometimes arduous nature of international travel. What's better? At USD6,500 you're really getting a whole lot of watch in this one.
Now, while the SBGJ227 clearly looks and feels like an outstanding travel watch, I couldn't stop wondering: why. Just exactly what makes a travel watch, awesome? Is there a concrete, logical framework under which we could credibly measure how good a travel watch is, or is it more of a "I know it when I see it" kind of matter?
After some serious pondering, my conclusion is that - as lame as it sounds - it's a bit of both. While there are certain guiding principles out there to adhere to when making purchase decisions, nothing matters if a travel watch doesn't feel special, or if it fails to ignite that wanderlust in you and makes you want to just pack it up and go somewhere new. Nonetheless, I'll proceed to share my thoughts on some fundamental criteria that makes a travel watch irresistible and discuss the one watch I genuinely feel is the very best travel watch out there. Sit tight, and read on.
Functionality
1. Water resistance;
2. Dual time indication;
3. World time indication; and
4. Alarm.
Versatility
Aesthetics
So, What Do I Think is the Best Travel Watch?
To start things off, it combines two of the more practical travel functionalities: 120m water resistance and dual time capability. Moreover, it is fitted with the proprietary "tropical" rubber strap made of composite materials highly resistant to salt water, UV radiation and abrasion. From an industrial design point of view, this is a beast of a travel watch that's meant to be taken out in the wild. Its profile (essentially a derivative of the famous Nautilus design), while understated in a way unlikely to attract unnecessary attention, is not entirely unnoticeable. The black rubber strap surprisingly works really well in the more formal settings, as from a distance it can, and will, pass as a black leather strap, which means that the watch is as suitable for a business traveller as it is to beach-goers. And of course, it's a Patek.
Do you have a different favourite travel watch? Please leave a comment below.
Until next time.