No one could blame you for wanting a Rolex GMT-Master II: It’s the watch that defined a horological genre (the GMT), its look is utterly distinctive and, of course, it’s got the unassailable cachet of the the Rolex name. But even if you can get it at its base price in steel (which is not likely for the average consumer, with secondary market prices going for nearly double the SRP), it’ll cost you $10,700.
If it’s the very specific look in a travel watch you want, however, with its sporty but handsome feel and bicolor bezel, Rolex isn’t your only choice. The GMT market has exploded in recent years, and there are many brands offering GMT watches with a bezel in “Pepsi” (red and blue), “Batman” (black and blue), “Coke” (red and black), “Sprite” (green and black), “Root Beer” (black and brown) and even the new black-and-gray, along with similar GMT functionality and designs that take inspiration from the Crown’s classic.
The Alternatives
Timex Q GMT
Timex Q Timex GMT
The dual-time version of Timex’s popular retro quartz watch, this Pepsi-bezeled piece is beyond affordable at under $250 and is loads of fun on the wrist.
Specs
| Case Size: | 38mm |
| Movement: | Swiss-made quartz GMT |
| Water Resistance: | 50m |
Pros
- Very attractive vintage-inspired design
- Quartz movement is accurate (and quiet)
- Tough to find a better GMT watch for less
Cons
- Bracelet feels and looks cheap
- Quartz is not for everyone
- It would be nice if the bezel ratcheted
The proudly quartz and playfully conceived Timex Q more or less started with a bi-color bezel GMT look on a non-GMT three-hander, but it later went on to add an actual GMT function to the beloved budget watch. It’s a retro-sized 38mm wide, and it only costs $229!
Of course, it’s got that bicolor “Pepsi” bezel that just pops (a stealthy all-black version is also available), and it differentiates itself from Rolex to be its own thing by also leaning into the ’70s-inspired integrated bracelet trend.
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