Another Friday, another list! This week, we continue our series looking for alternatives to some of the world’s most popular watches with five alternatives to the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II. The Crown’s iconic GMT watch set the standard for travel watches. While its legacy is undeniably grand, the modern GMT-Master II is not always the preferred choice among watch fans. Whether that’s due to their budgets or the watch’s flashy presence, there are reasons to choose something different. For all those people, we have selected five possible alternatives that we think are worth your attention.
Before we jump into our list of options, let’s quickly talk about GMT watches. Obviously, there is a ton to choose from when looking for alternatives to the Rolex GMT-Master II. Most importantly, should we limit ourselves to the famous style that the GMT-Master introduced in 1954? For this list of only five options, we have. The reason is simple: we will create a list of other GMTs like the Rolex Explorer II, which represents a different style of travel watch. For this list, we’ll stick with five GMT watches that feature a rotatable bezel, often split into two parts to indicate daytime and nighttime. So, with that specified, let’s find out what our five alternatives to the current Rolex GMT-Master II are.
Grand Seiko SBGJ277 “Sekkei”
Grand Seiko currently offers four GMT models that would qualify. All four belong to the brand’s Sport collection, with two powered by Hi-Beat calibers and the other two housing Spring Drive movements. We have seen this model in multiple iterations before. Our coverage included the SBGJ239, which RJ reviewed, and the SBGJ237, which was part of our Sunday Morning Showdown series. Grand Seiko released an additional Spring Drive model, the SBGE277, and the special anniversary SBGJ275 that Thomas wrote about.
The Grand Seiko SBGJ277 “Sekkei” came out in 2024 as part of the brand’s Watches and Wonders novelties. This special model was a color variation of previous Hi-Beat models, featuring a green-and-white sapphire bezel insert and a matching green GMT hand. Additionally, the watch features a snowy-white dial that is even more stunning in real life than in pictures. As always, Grand Seiko got inspiration for the colors from Japanese nature. For this color combo, the designers were inspired by sekkei (雪渓), Japanese for “snowy valley(s).” During the early summer, the last snow and the green trees create a colorful contrast that is reflected in the colors of the watch.
A GMT that wears smaller than the numbers might indicate
The watch has a 44.2mm case with a 14.8mm thickness (including the crystal) and a 50.6mm lug-to-lug. As you can see, the sapphire bezel insert features an odd day/night division at 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM. It is slightly different from the usual 6:00 AM/PM division, but I like this quirk, and it doesn’t hurt the practicality. The bezel insert is treated with Lumibrite, so the white numerals on the upper portion and the white background of the lower one light up brightly in the dark.
Inside the case, you will find Grand Seiko’s Hi-Beat caliber 9S86. It’s a flyer-style GMT movement running at 36,000 vibrations per hour and offering 55 hours of power reserve. Additionally, the movement has an accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day. As you can see, the date is located at 4 o’clock and aligns with the crown that controls the caliber.
While I generally prefer crowns at 3 o’clock, I do like that the designers aligned this one with the date window. Additionally, the date serves as the hour marker and blends in rather nicely. From experience, I can say that these Grand Seiko GMTs wear a lot better than the numbers might suggest. Thanks to the relatively short lugs, the SBGJ277 sits comfortably on the wrist, making it a great first pick. This watch retails for €8,000.
Longines Spirit Zulu Time
Our next pick is the popular Longines Spirit Zulu Time series. The watch debuted in a 42mm size in 2022, and the smaller 39mm version joined the collection a year later. While both are great options, we prefer the smaller 39mm form as it is a bit more versatile and better proportioned. Over time, Longines released a string of 39mm models, including two-tone, titanium, and various color combinations. The fun thing is that if you ask different Fratello team members for their favorite from the lineup, you will get different answers. Mine are the regular green-and-black model and the full-titanium version created in collaboration with Hodinkee.
All of them have a 39mm case with a 13.5mm thickness and a 47mm lug-to-lug. The stainless steel models have a black or blue dial matched with a ceramic bezel insert in black, blue, or green. Across many of the variants, the Longines designers played with vintage cues by adding gilt details. However, for those who prefer just one color of metal, there are also black- and blue-dial options with a more contemporary look.
The perfectly charming and relatively affordable travel watch
Inside the Spirit Zulu Time, you will find the Longines L844.4 caliber. The automatic movement is based on the ETA A31.L01, operates at 25,200 vibrations per hour, and offers a 72-hour power reserve. Additionally, it is a COSC-certified chronometer that runs with an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day. It is the perfect caliber for this fairly affordable second pick of our list. On the bracelet, the stainless steel versions cost €3,500. If you prefer the lightweight titanium variant or the steel model with a rose-gold-capped bezel insert, you will have to pay €4,500. The 42mm versions are similarly priced if you have a big wrist and prefer the larger size.
Having worn the Spirit Zulu Time in both sizes, I have to say the 39mm case is the one for my 18.5cm wrist. In any colorway, the Spirit Zulu Time is a great daily wearer that looks handsome, has plenty of charm, and offers the practicality of a reliable and accurate flyer-style caliber. It does so for a relatively affordable price, and that’s why it is the second pick for this list of five Rolex GMT-Master II alternatives.
Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT
Our next pick is one of two possible Tudor alternatives to the GMT-Master II. The first is the regular 41mm Tudor Black Bay GMT. But we opted for the smaller, better-proportioned Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT, which came out in 2024. When Tudor introduced the Black Bay 58 GMT, it answered many questions in all the right ways.
First, the watch is much more wearable thanks to its 39mm case size. More importantly, though, it combines the smaller diameter with a much slimmer 12.8mm profile and a lovely 47.8mm length. In comparison, the regular Black Bay GMT has a 41mm diameter, a beefy 14.6mm thickness, and a 50mm lug-to-lug.
While numbers do not always tell the full story, for the Black Bay 58 GMT, the reductions make it a significantly better-proportioned and more comfortable timepiece than its 41mm brother. Additionally, the Black Bay 58 keeps hope alive that we might see a slimmer Black Bay Pro in the future.
Tudor introduced the Black Bay 58 GMT in one colorway, featuring a matte black dial with gold-tone accents and a black-and-red bezel with gilt-style numerals and markings. It results in a GMT that takes after the early Rolex GMT-Master, and its charm is undeniable.
The perfect modern-day caliber
That charm is combined with the modern Tudor MT5450-U movement. This automatic flyer-style caliber operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 65-hour power reserve. Additionally, it is a METAS-certified Master Chronometer that runs with an accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day. It’s the perfect modern-day caliber for this retro-styled GMT.
Finishing the watch’s vintage look is the Oyster-style rivet bracelet. Tudor also offers the watch on a rubber strap, but we would always pick the bracelet, both for practicality and style. On the bracelet, the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT sells for €4,990, making it another comparatively affordable alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II.
Laventure Transatlantique II GMT
In my opinion, the watch that best captures vintage GMT-Master vibes is the Laventure Transatlantique II GMT. I have made no secret of the fact that this watch is one of my favorites. I sadly missed out on buying the previous iteration of the Transatlantique GMT, making it one of my very few watch regrets. While that seems like ancient history, as it was back in 2020, Laventure graced us with the follow-up to the inaugural Transatlantique GMT in 2024. Daan called it an utterly charming GMT in his hands-on review, and I can only agree with him.
This new model, aptly called the Transatlantique II GMT, features a smaller, completely redesigned case. It now has a svelte 38.9 × 46.2 × 12mm form, making it extremely wearable. While smaller, this case still has the same flair as the inaugural 41mm version. I love the design, especially the “wings” at 3 and 9 o’clock. These add character, which this watch has in abundance. As Daan explained, the profile is nicely detailed, with a slightly wider bezel, and the classic domed Plexiglas crystal almost looks like a UFO.
The true successor to the classic Rolex GMT-Master
But what I find most charming is the choice of colors, combined with the dial and bezel styling. The matte black dial features a sandwich construction with beige luminous indexes and a date window at 3 o’clock. Additionally, the 24-click bezel features a forest- and sage-green Plexiglas insert with vintage-style numerals that I adore. It creates a unique look characterized by its incredibly detailed design and great vintage charm. Add the super comfortable stainless steel bracelet that we prefer over the optional rubber strap, and this is a fantastic vintage-styled GMT.
Inside the Transatlantique II GMT, you will find the Sellita SW330-2-based Laventure Caliber 3. This automatic caller-style movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 56-hour power reserve. On top of that, it is a COSC-certified chronometer with beautiful finishing, even though it is hidden behind the all-steel case back.
If you ask me, the watch perfectly captures the charm of the classic Rolex GMT-Masters from the 1950s and ’60s. That makes it easy to see why I love this Laventure so much, because I also prefer the early GMT-Master references over the GMT-Master II. The Transatlantique II GMT is a limited-production model and is currently sold out. That doesn’t keep us from putting it on this list, though, as we know that Laventure founder Clement Gaud is most likely already working on a follow-up to this great GMT.
Nodus Contrail GMT
Just like our final pick for last week’s list of Datejust alternatives, the final watch on this week’s list is truly affordable. Not only that, but if you ask us, it is also by far the best GMT under €1,000, punching well above its weight. After reviewing this modern GMT, it was hard to believe that Nodus could sell such a great watch for only US$825. The watch ticks all the boxes for a perfect modern-day GMT. It starts with the beautifully proportioned 40.5 × 46.6 × 11.8mm stainless steel case. On top of its great wearability, it is finished really nicely, adding to its impressive presence.
The case is matched with a grainy-textured or sunburst dial (depending on the color). The Terra Lux model shown in the pictures features a textured black one, a bidirectional 48-click bezel with a black-and-white luminous sapphire insert, and a black leather strap. The four other models in the lineup all use different colors, meaning the series undoubtedly has something for everyone. In terms of looks and luminous features, the Nodus Contrail does remind us somewhat of Grand Seiko Sport GMTs, like the SBGJ277.
The best affordable option available today
Inside the case of the Contrail GMT, you will find the Miyota 9075 caliber. It is still one of the very few flyer-style GMT calibers available to brands that use third-party movements. The Miyota 9075 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 42-hour power reserve. It is an ideal budget-friendly option for microbrands, and we see it all the time in more affordable GMT watches.
The Contrail GMT comes on a three-row flat-link stainless steel bracelet that tapers nicely from 20mm at the case to 16mm at the micro-adjustable NodeX push-button clasp. Once again, the bracelet’s finishing far surpasses the quality we typically see at this price point. On top of that, it makes the watch super comfortable on the wrist.
There are simply not enough superlatives to express how good the Nodus Contrail GMT is. From the quality of construction to the great wearability and the incredible finishing, it is impossible not to praise Nodus for what it has achieved with this watch, especially considering its affordable price point. There could be no better final pick for this list.
Final thoughts on our five Rolex GMT-Master II alternatives
There you have it — our list of five favorite Rolex GMT-Master alternatives. As always, it’s a list of just a handful of options in a far longer list of possibilities. That’s why I want to turn the question over to you. What are some of your favorite alternatives to the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II? Let us know in the comments section, and we will see you next week for another list.
Jorg Weppelink
2026-02-20 10:00:00