Best GMT Watch Under $500 – Top 10 Models Reviewed!

Suppose you’re preparing for your trip to another country. Now, the second thing you’ll face challenging is the local time. In today’s day and age of technology, your phone can tell the time. 

However, there’re certain situations where this isn’t possible, such as when your phone battery is dead. So, what’s the solution?

It’s GMT watches, after all. For travelers who need to know the local time in their destination city before arriving, GMT watches are popular. But getting one of them might break your bank. 

That’s why, we’ve narrowed down the best GMT watches under 500 that will offer both quality and performance within 500 bucks. 

A person wearing a GMT watch will never have to worry about which country’s clocks it reads correctly for! Let’s get started with the reviews.

Best GMT Watch Under $500 – Comparisons

10 Top GMT Watch Under 500 Reviews Of 2021

Finding the right watches is no cakewalk; we made it look easier through scorching research, and handpicked top 5 picks considering their durability, longevity, and performance. Hop in.

1. JBW Luxury Men’s Diamond Wrist Watch

Be the talk of the town with this one-of-a-kind JBW watch, one of the best GMT watches under $500! This luxury timepiece features 100 genuine round white diamonds that beautifully accentuate all 46mm of its sleek, stainless steel casing.

Made with stainless steel, the JBW Diamond Wrist Watch is perfect for anyone who loves the rugged feeling of wearing a watch, and the watch that offers supreme durability. Either beat it or throw it; this watch will give it a tough fight to have a scratch.

Not only does it have 24mm genuine diamond accents, but it also comes with a stainless steel metal link bracelet! You can flaunt your appearance with this gorgeous beauty.

And not to mention, wherever you travel from Dubai to New York, this watch is apt to assist you in 12 cities. What’s your next travel destination?

This timepiece has a sleek, water-resistant body that can survive up to 50 meters underwater without any issue, meaning it can withstand harsh elements, like water, rain, and storm. 

And with swiss quartz movement delivers ultimate precision and sophistication. You get complete, accurate timings matched with GMT and time zone features – can’t go wrong with this exquisite beauty!

2. Alpina Men’s Seastrong Diver Swiss Quartz Diving Watch

Not sure what to wear on your next dive? Don’t worry. Check out this Alpina Men’s Seastrong Diver Swiss Quartz Diving Watch!

The Alpina watch helps you go deep––way deep. It’s a professional diver design with a black unidirectional turning bezel. For those who are looking to get closer to the sea, It’s an excellent choice. 

And this thing can seriously take you down to depths of 300 meters or 1000 feet, so yeah, it’s got that going for it too.

Alpina is made by people who think that life is to be lived intensely and choose their timepieces accordingly. And that reflects on its dial, made of blue and white luminous indexes which let you read the time quickly and clearly.

This model features a screw-in crown with a date and an engraved case back on a stainless steel/titanium bracelet. So you’ll be able to get the perfect look for yourself and your monthly date too!

Lastly, the sturdy steel timepiece is 44mm in diameter, and made with a sleek finish that will match any outfit. And the dimensions are 6 x 5.7 x 3.8 inches.

3. Tissot Tradition GMT Leather Men’s Watch

Forget the steel and embrace your own choice. If you’re searching for a leather embedded watch for your hand, then this Tissot Tradition GMT is for you. You deserve to have this beautiful automatic GMT watch around your wrist – a timeless classic indeed. 

The authentic leather strap in brown shade will make you feel classy and elegant! A perfect modern timepiece. It’ll blend with any attire you choose to go with – suitable for party, classic, office dress-ups. 

This helps you keep track of Eastern and Western times. With its 24-hour subdial on the face, you stay accurate no matter what time zone you’re in.

Complete with a sleek, stainless-steel band and 11 mm-thick cases, it’ll keep you updated on time all day long with dual time zones that can be adjusted for your home or international destinations.

The 42mm stainless steel case offers an elegant style, while its accurate Swiss quartz movement powered by solar energy ensures that it’s always super accurate.

4. Citizen AT8020-03L Eco-Drive Movement Men’s Watch

Citizen’s is the most popular watch brand all over the world. For over 40 years, Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology is dedicated to the world and make the environment a better place. It is simple but a revolutionary concept. Eco-Drive converts the power of light from any natural or artificial light source into energy and prevents the need for battery replacement.

To keep Citizen Eco-Drive watches running forever they use renewable energy. This Citizen Eco-Drive Movement Men’s Watch made from Stainless steel with a slide-rule bezel. It also features chronograph functions with blue dial. The date window located at three o’clock.

It also equipped with the antireflective-sapphire dial window with 43 millimeters stainless steel case and Japanese quartz movement with analog display. You can reset all the settings when you need to reset it. Charge the watch immediately when the power reserve is insufficient.

These GMT watches are well decorated with the Leather-synthetic band and buckle closure. Another useful feature is that it is water-resistant and one of the best men’s GMT watches under 500 that we highly recommended to you. With those excellent features, you will be happy to own this Citizen Eco-Drive Movement Men’s Watch.

5.Orient Men’s ‘Mako II’ Japanese Automatic Watch

• Mineral Crystal
• 120-Click Unidirectional Bezel
• Japanese-automatic Movement
• Case Diameter: 41.5mm. convenient date aperture, and Arabic numerals placed at the 12, 6, and 9 o’clock positions
• Water resistant 200m (660ft): in general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not diving

Sometimes, you just need a crystal clear watch that will never let you down, even on darker nights. And that’s where This Orient Men’s ‘Mako II’ Japanese Automatic Watch steps in. It emphasizes the perfect balance between accuracy, precision, and elegance.

Its process-controlled engraved plates are made by hand to provide you with the best in high accuracy, thanks to the Japanese Automatic Movement System as well.

The water-resistant is 200m (660ft), making it perfect for an adventure on watery surfaces and marine activities. It keeps running no matter what you get up to with its tough, waterproof casing. However, you shouldn’t do diving with this one

Offering stainless steel casing gives you a sleek, brushed finish and modern look. Again, the casing protects the inner infrastructure as well.

And it comes complete with over 120 clicks on the unidirectional bezel for timing anything from sports competitions to board meetings!

With a convenient date aperture, Arabic numerals are placed at the 12, 6 & 9 o’clock positions that also glow in the dark. What more could you want?

6. Tissot T0636391603700 Tradition GMT Leather Men’s Watch – Brown

Tissot Tradition GMT Leather Men’s Watch is the right choice who needs a GMT watch for wear in office or party. Outlooking is very cool and stylish that performs well. Without any doubt, it will give you prestigious movements. If you need a perfect gift for your boyfriend then we will suggest you give this Tissot Tradition GMT watch.

He must be happy to get this wonderful gift. Because it has the ability to make your happiness. This GMT watches are durable enough because the case made with stainless steel, and the wrist is 100% leather in brown color. It also prepared with a fixed stainless steel bezel.

White dial with silver-tone hands and stick hour markers gives you a clear view and smart inner decoration. The analog dial type and minute markers around the outer rim are perfectly designed and the date display position is at the 3 o’clock. The sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant.

It is water-resistant up to 100 feet. The case diameter, thickness, round case shape, and other beneficial features make this watch perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Tissot Tradition GMT Leather Men’s Watch is another best men’s GMT watch under 500 that we also recommended to you.

7. Torgoen T25 Cream GMT Pilot Watch, Sapphire Crystal

Torgoen T25 Cream GMT Pilot Watch is the signature of all Torgoen watches. This dual-zone timepiece straight forward ergonomically designed watch made from Inspired by the Sextant and other 17th Century navigational instruments used by John Harrison in solving the longitudinal problem.

This timepiece incorporates two independent time zones with a vintage design and bold look. It will show you two timezone with at once, one represents the normal 12 hours’ time and the other is represent the 24 hours (military) format. It is well decorated in the inner and outer sides. This timepiece is great for aviation use.

It will allow easy communication between pilots and ATC (Air Traffic Control) when planes arrive from different time zones and ATC. You can easily calculate the time timezone to inform the ATC for alert of the landing time. The function of this watch allows you to the choice of any time zone of your convenience.

This affordable GMT watch is perfect for those people who need to contact the family members, colleagues or acquaintances in different time zone. Torgoen T25 Cream GMT combine with many useful features includes a high grade solid stainless steel case, Italian genuine leather vintage, easy-to-read dial, worn look strap, and classic styling.

8. LIV Rebel-GMT Swiss Dual Time with 24 Hour Function – Analog Display Casual Rectangular Watch for Men

You are unique and your style also will be unique. To complete your style requirement you need a unique watch. We will make you complete with the GMT watches that will increase your personality. LIV Rebel-GMT Swiss Dual Time Casual Rectangular Watch for all Men who like to be good looking anywhere.

The Rebel-GMT Ronda 515.24H GMT Time Quartz Movement is made in Switzerland that will infuse it with a sense of tradition and history. Those GMT watches are equipped with many useful features that will make it perfect for long time use.

Its affordable GMT watch comes with a screw-down case. The scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal will keep your watch safe from any bad condition.

It is also 100 m water resistance. The three-dimensional multilayered dial of the Rebel-GMT is designed uniquely. It can catch people’s attraction and maybe feel jealous of you.

9. Vostok Komandirskie Automatic Russian Military Wristwatch

If you want some vibe of military or armed forces, Vostok Komandirskie Military Wristwatch is the name to speak of – a military timepiece that has been prized for its durability and reliability.

The watch was made by the official supplier of the Defense Department of Russian Army and Soviet Union. You can count on it that you’ll get a precision timepiece for use in active service. The Russians don’t mess around with their watches, and that shows with this one.

It has 200 meters of water resistance and a case that’s just over 1½ inches in diameter. You can just run through the heavy wind, or rain – won’t affect the watch at all.

The extra-readable index hour marker combined with luminous hands lets minute markers be less intrusive on its display. That being said, you can read the time even in darker environments.

It’s perfect for when you’re keeping up with world events round-the-clock. All sides of this watch feature easy-grip surfaces, so you won’t drop it in scorching desert sands or snow.

With its clean, classic lines and sleek silver dial, the Russian military watch is an iconic design with a pedigree our world has come to depend on and used extensively by Soviet Union forces during World War II in harsh conditions across borders.

It’s a favorite product among athletes, pilots, divers, and drivers alike. This timepiece is designed with modern convenience in mind, and it’s sure to make your day a little easier.

You don’t need to hand-wind it either. The automatic VOSTOK features a self-winding movement. A fully wound watch will run for 31 days! Yes, you read that right. And it’s also anti-shock on top of all this. 

10. Tissot Men’s TIST0694394403100 Titanium GMT Watch

Tissot Men’s TIST0694394403100 Titanium GMT Watch is a nice enough watch that I have seen. It is extremely light and durable. It comes with an affordable price. It will increase your personality more than your bike. It has many reasons to fall in love with it.

It comes with a titanium case and a durable titanium bracelet also fixed titanium bezel. The white dial with skeleton hands and index hour markers gives an excellent view. This Tissot Men’s Titanium GMT Watch will be your best friend and It will make you shine when you are at the party. You will get a prestigious look with this best men’s GMT watch under 500.

The minute marker running around the outer rim and the swiss quartz movement with analog display decorated with silver-tone stick hour markers. The date viewing position is at 3 o’clock. The hands come with luminous tips. The dial window made with anti-reflective sapphire crystal and the case diameter is 43 mm.

It is Water resistant up to 330 ft (100 M). I hope, after knowing all of the features you can’t wait to own this affordable GMT watch. If you like to make the decision to buy this watch then I ensure you that you have taken the right decision.

Things to Consider Before Buying GMT Watch Under 500

If you’re looking for the Best GMT watch under $500, there are a few things that should be considered. Or else, you might end up picking the wrong one. 

Comfort First

The perfect watch for you is a matter of preference. Do you want to wear your GMT on the tightest, loosest, or just snugly fit will do? It’s essential to buy a watch that fits your wrist and feels comfortable, right?

You need to decide what kind it should be so that you can just do anything while wearing your GMT watch.

If you have small or medium-sized wrists, don’t pick an oversized GMT piece. It’ll look insanely juvenile and create a painful moment in front of everyone when they notice the size difference on their hands! 

So comfort should be your first priority.

Durability

Durability is essential when picking out a good watch with a GMT function. It’s important to know the features and durability of any product. 

In this case, -a stainless steel 24-hour bezel, GMT formatted quartz wristwatch that has multiple time zones displayed on its 12 hour/24 hr format dial face, will last longer than other watches made from cheaper materials. 

Such as plastic or metal like aluminum alloys can chip more easily during contact sports activities where sweat accumulates. Because they don’t provide much protection against blows.

So we’d recommend getting something sturdy at least according to our experience here.

Some luxury brands like Rolex have high-grade, nickel-free stainless steel material on bracelets and casing, but that doesn’t mean you can trust us with your choice for durability!

The dial window should also be protected by sapphire crystal, which has many benefits, such as being very expensive and durable while maintaining its beauty with scratches over years of use.

GMT Functionality

A lot of people make the mistake of choosing a watch without knowing which time zone they live in. Before choosing a GMT watch, make sure to check that it serves the GMT location functionality you’re looking for. Or else, you can say goodbye to your money. 

Water Resistance 

When buying a GMT wactch (or rather any watch), you don’t want to miss out on water-resistant features. It just makes using the watch much safer and gives you peace of mind. 

You won’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain with it or taking a dive in a pool. Basically, a water-resistant watch allows you live your life without constantly taking it off. 

Multiple Time Zones

This is a feature that is nice to have. It’s one of those features that you don’t know you need till you actually experience it. The ability to have the versatility of knowing what’s the time in different time zones.

Maybe you have a loved one living far away or work with clients from different time zones. This feature really is something that is super useful. 

FAQs

1.GMT watch useful?

Yes, GMT watches are very useful for certain groups of people.

A GMT is useful for travIs a elers or military personnel who need to keep track of both time zones and may be subject to daylight savings time. A GMT watch also displays seconds, date and day display, an alarm function, and often includes a rotating bezel.

It is also useful for people who live in the northern hemisphere, which means that they experience daylight saving time shifts twice per year.

2. What is a true GMT watch?

GMT stands for “Greenwich Mean Time.” It’s the watch system that is used all over the world. For example, someone in New York would be on Eastern Standard time or EST – same as New Jersey, Delaware, and other states close to the north.

For those people across the globe who don’t speak English as their native language but want to buy a timepiece that they can rely on, GMT is the way to go.

3. Why do people like GMT watches?

GMT watches in this sense mean a watch with two time zones. Obviously, they’re not just popular in America, they have been wildly popular around the world for decades.

In my opinion, it’s because they offer you more choice and freedom when you “show up” at an event or meeting. It also reduces stress associated with getting lost or late to an appointment when traveling internationally.

And you can make juggling things like making appointments for your kids easier when the school is on the other side of town from where you work.

Some people feel that a GMT watch looks more prestigious due to its ability to display two different time zones at once. Others prefer wearing a GMT watch simply for convenience’s sake!

4. What was the first GMT watch?

The first GMT-Master model was the ref. 6542 (gold version).

Which was essentially a regular Rolex Turn O’Graph with an additional 24 hour hand and bezel in order to show time zones around the world more easily than before!

It came out between 1950 -1959 but could withstand up to 50 meters of water pressure so even if your watch gets wet or drops into saltwater, no worries there.

5. Who invented the GMT watch?

The first modern wristwatch with a 24-hour dial was the French Army “Pilot” watch created by Cartier in 1928.

Of course, there were other watches before this one but ones that had a 24-hour dial and could only tell time at 12 p.m., 12 a.m.

Or both hours together on the same dial face are all called GMTs, even if they were made long after 1928!

Final Words

After a hectic discussion, are you ready for your next flight? Have you picked the best GMT watch under 500? Well, if you haven’t, get one right away before missing your flight. 

A GMT Watch under 500 is worth considering as they make a perfect addition to any wardrobe, and save you from the dilution of time. 

However, we hope that our review has helped make up your mind about what type of watch would best suit you and your lifestyle.

Cheers to the Time!

Related Resources:

• 10 Best GMT Watch Under 1000 Reviews