The Resurgence of Travel Watches

Whether a GMT watch or a global timer, travel watches are experiencing a resurgence in appeal with the revival of leisure travel.

Although dual-time watches became somewhat irrelevant due to recent circumstances, their utility has regained prominence as travel reemerges on people's agendas. A dual-time complication concurrently displays two independently adjustable time zones (home and local). Indeed, horology consistently eschews simplicity, resulting in divergent perspectives. Berner’s Illustrated Dictionary of Horology provides an exemplary illustration of this, with two definitions for the dual-time complication:

• A device that displays the time of day across multiple specified time zones.

• A gadget enables the hour hand to advance in increments of one hour without disrupting the display of minutes and seconds.

The differences between travel watches are nuanced, yet they are indeed significant. Nonetheless, the multi-time zone watch is exceptionally functional and beneficial for globetrotters and frequent travelers alike. It would be imprudent to regard the dual-time complexity exclusively as a utility for them. There are numerous reasons one may wish to ascertain the time in a different time zone at a glance.

Business is inherently global, and we have all observed the effects of our interconnectedness on the supply chain. This is particularly accurate in Singapore, a country engaged in international trade. Regardless of your location, you must be capable of communicating effectively with your international counterparts. Asian sports enthusiasts likely want accurate broadcast times for events such as the NBA Championships or UEFA Champions League in their respective time zones.

This introduces an additional element that complicates dual-time watches: the distinction between home time and local time. To elucidate, home time refers to your personal time zone, but local time denotes the time in your present location. The two time zones can be determined as you choose.

It can be contended, and we concede, that the smartphone has simplified this process significantly. Regrettably, a gentleman named Sandford Fleming lacked access to such equipment throughout his travels and did not reside in an era characterized by standardized time zones.

In 1876, Sir Fleming endured a difficult night in Ireland after missing the train. His aggravation was exacerbated by the necessity of adjusting his watch when traveling to villages that were merely several miles apart. This motivated him to compose a dissertation advocating for a standardized worldwide time, culminating in the 1884 International Meridian Conference held in Washington, D.C., attended by 26 nations.

Sir Fleming's suggestion was rejected; but, it provided the foundation for standardized time zones, which were established in the mid-1920s. Twenty-four time zones, each 15° broad and separated by one-hour intervals, are established with Greenwich, London, designated as the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) serving as the global time standard. The rationale behind the selection of these 24 zones and Greenwich's significance is not the focus of this narrative; however, the presence of a GMT indication serves as a reminder of the transient nature of global powers.

Utilizing a GMT indicator facilitates the monitoring of a second time zone by providing readily available information regarding hour discrepancies. This holds true unless one is in a nation with time differences of 30 or 45 minutes, such as Afghanistan and Nepal. In conclusion, here is a curated selection of travel-ready watches for your next journey on the runway.

Hermès Arceau Le temps Voyageur

Hermès redefines the essence of travel with the Hermès Arceau Le temps voyageur and its unique “travelling time” mechanism. Featuring a dial conceived by Jérôme Colliard, as depicted on the Hermès Planisphère d’un monde équestre silk scarf, Earth's map transitions into a fantastical equestrian realm suitable for Hermès' most haute creation. A mixture of dial treatments, including laser engraving and lacquering, is employed to enhance the depth and texture of the continents, oceans, meridians, and parallels.

A moveable "travelling time" satellite disc is situated above the dial, positioned against a flange that illustrates various cities corresponding to the 24 time zones globally. Engaging a concealed pusher at nine o’clock advances the satellite disc to the subsequent city and increments the time by one hour, facilitating effortless adjustments for travelers. A 24-hour disc display at 12 o’clock functions as the home time and the reference point for the “travelling time” mechanism. Upon synchronization, the 122-component module of the automated Manufacture Hermès H1837 movement computes the hour discrepancies among various cities.

Two versions of the Hermès Arceau Le temps voyageur are produced: one features a 41mm platinum case with a matte black DLC Grade 5 titanium bezel and a black dial, while the other has a 38mm stainless steel case with a blue dial.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic

It is difficult to avoid the term ultra-thin when discussing Bvlgari, as the watchmaker has achieved numerous world records in the specialized field of Haute horology. Over the past decade, eight world records were established as Bvlgari transformed significant watchmaking complexity into ultra-thin proportions.

The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic merges two of the most sought-after complexities into a unified representation of modern horology. The Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic, with a thickness of 8.75 mm, contains the 3.3 mm thick automatic caliber BVL 318 within. The GMT and chronograph pushers are seamlessly incorporated into the case design, complementing the distinctive multi-faceted appearance and integrated bracelet of the Octo Finissimo series.

The arrangement of the complexities on the dial side is designed for maximum readability. The GMT subdial on the right displays a 24-hour format, complemented with a grey semi-circular ring that serves as a day/night indicator. Adjusting the GMT hand is effortless, as the pusher at nine o’clock regulates the complication in one-hour intervals.

Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition PAM01241

Discover the pleasures of travel in the domain of luxury boating as Panerai collaborates with the esteemed luxury mobility brand Brabus for the second installment of their dynamic cooperation. Introduced at the 2022 Palma International Boat Show, the Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition PAM01241 draws inspiration from Brabus' Shadow 900 Deep Blue luxury dayboat.

The 200-piece limited edition advances the story of its predecessor – a diving watch that encapsulates the finest elements of Panerai and Brabus, showcasing Swiss horological craftsmanship, audacious design, and practicality. A 47mm Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) titanium case with a Carbotech bezel and lever emphasizes Panerai's proficiency in material innovation. Design elements characteristic of Brabus, such as the skeletal dial, emblem, and blue accents, enhance the dial. Panerai's P.4001/S calibre guarantees exceptional chronometric accuracy with a 72-hour power reserve, featuring a stop balance wheel and seconds reset mechanisms that facilitate precise synchronization. Travelers will appreciate the addition of a GMT hand and a day/night indicator for efficient monitoring of two distinct time zones.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante

In its pursuit of purity and innovation, Parmigiani Fleurier redefines the GMT watch by introducing a beautiful timepiece designed for the discerning traveler. The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante showcases an innovative interpretation of the GMT complication, characterized by its simple yet intricately complex design. Employing the concept of a traditional rattrapante (split chronograph), Parmigiani Fleurier integrates this idea into the hour hands, thereby developing a distinctive GMT complication within its collection of trip timepieces.

Two hour hands are layered: a rhodium-plated gold hand positioned atop an 18k rose gold hand, including a pusher at eight o’clock that triggers the “split”. Upon traversing time zones, the owner merely activates the pusher to incrementally advance the rhodium-plated hour hand by one hour. The Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante simultaneously monitors both home and local time zones.

Engaging the "back-home" 18k rose gold pusher on the crown at the conclusion of travel resets the hour hands, as the rhodium-plated hand returns to align with the present position of the 18k rose gold hour hand. A stainless steel case with a knurled platinum bezel encases the Parmigiani Fleurier automatic calibre PF051, which facilitates the intricate complication, exemplifying the Swiss watchmaker's heritage in Haute horology.

Norqain Neverest GMT 41mm Steel and Gold Limited Edition

Autonomous horological production Norqain's two-tone interpretation of the GMT watch aligns with the launch of the Norqain Neverest line and the Neverest GMT 41mm Steel & Gold Limited Edition. The Neverest, a subcollection of the Norqain Adventure family, signifies the brand's philanthropic collaboration with the Butterfly Help Project. Ten percent of revenues from Neverest watches will support the families of Sherpas who perished in the Himalayan highlands and provide educational opportunities for their children.

The 100-piece Neverest GMT 41mm Steel & Gold Limited Edition incorporates 18k 5N red gold accents on the bezel, flange, watch indices, and hands. A substantial quantity of black components, seen in Norqain’s signature woven dial and ceramic bezel, imparts a contemporary elegance to the sports watch when juxtaposed with the warmth of red gold. The red-tipped GMT hand can be utilized alongside the 24-hour flange to monitor a secondary time zone.

Disruptions to precision are eliminated by the autonomous leaping hour hand, which permits the adjustment of both local time and date in any direction. The COSC-certified calibre NN20/1, produced by movement manufacturer Kenissi, boasts robust construction designed to safeguard the movement from high-impact sports.