Six Affordable GMT Watches Similar to the Rolex GMT-Master II

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

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.

The domed acrylic crystal adds to the Q Timex GMT’s vintage charm.Photo by Zen Love

Seiko 5 Sports GMT

Seiko

Prior to this watch’s release in 2022, it was pretty slim pickings in the affordable GMT segment. These days, the market is overflowing, and many watches on this list owe Seiko a debt of gratitude. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style GMT (catchy name) draws stylistic inspiration from the brands’ legendary SKX007 dive watch, but adds GMT functionality and styling. In terms of the functionality, it’s an “office” GMT, meaning the GMT hand is adjustable rather than the local hand like on a Rolex. It’s a bit less desirable for travel, but at this price is hardly a dealbreaker.

The watch is available in myriad color options, including the pictured “Batman” style and a very Seiko orange version. There’s even a demure black-and-gray bezel that Rolex may have even drawn inspiration from for its latest GMT.

If you’re a fan of the new black-and-gray Rolex GMT, well, Seiko did it first.Photo by Joe Tornatzky

Jack Mason Strat-O-Timer GMT

Jack Mason

Microbrand Jack Mason’s Strat-O-Timer GMT has that bicolor bezel that defines the Rolex look, but enough differences to make it feel like its own thing. If that’s the kind of thing you’re after, you won’t be disappointed with its details and quality for the price — in fact, it currently ranks as our favorite affordable GMT watch thanks to its impressive mix of style and specs like a fully-lumed sapphire bezel and quick-adjust bracelet clasp. The watch was one of the first to be powered by the Miyota 9075 automatic movement, which offers the same independently adjustable local hour hand as the GMT-Master II — a feature that was lacking in affordable watches until recently.

The Strat-o-timer is available in the pictured “Espresso,” which is similar to Rolex’s “Root Beer,” along with “Americana” (“Pepsi”), “Dark Knight” (“Batman”) and the all-green “Magnolia.”

The Jack Mason Strat-o-timer offers an unrivaled spec sheet at its price point.Photo by Johnny Brayson

Certina DS Action GMT Powermatic 80

Certina

Just about the only viable alternative out there if you’re looking for a “Sprite” colorway, though Certina’s watch has the crown on the right side instead of Rolex’s quirky lefthanded offering. This watch is new for 2024 and is pretty hard to track down in the States, but if you can nab one, consider yourself lucky. Since Certina is part of the Swatch Group, the watch gets an ETA movement with 80 hours of power reserve and a jumping local hour hand, along with other specs and materials that offer a true luxury feel.

And if you’re not in the mood to obey your thirst with the “Sprite,” the brand also offers a “Pepsi” variant and a two-tone “Root Beer” version on a leather strap.

Monta Skyquest

Monta

Monta has always been inspired by Rolex and has long had the Skyquest GMT in its collection. The latest generation of the Skyquest, however, veers even closer to the Rolex archetype with its bezel colors (“Coke,” “Pepsi” and all-black are available), but also in some of its details. The brand’s Rolex inspiration manifests not only in design but also in finishing and construction.

It’s the most solid alternative to the GMT-Master II at its price point, not only in terms of looks but also thanks to its bulletproof build quality.

Tudor Black Bay GMT

Tudor

For well under half the price of the GMT-Master II, Rolex’s own sister brand offers its interpretation with an absolutely killer value. It’s fitted with a COSC-certified, in-house automatic movement that offers the same type of “flyer” functionality you get with the Rolex, and its absolutely top-notch fit and finish are worthy of the Rolex family. It comes on an excellent steel bracelet at a bit over $4K but is even more affordable and still very handsome on a strap.

The watch is quite large, however, so smaller-wristed folks may choose to opt for Tudor’s new Black Bay 58 GMT. It’s far smaller and thinner, but it also leans more into vintage styling with its gilded black-and-red color scheme, so you’ll want to take that into consideration.

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