Alternatives to the Rolex GMT-Master II for all budgets

Around 1965, a second edition of the 752-925 was produced. The dial featured more elongated lume inserts and the 24 hour hand was red with a luminescent tip. The 6, 9 and 12 hour markers were fluted. Some models have a patinated bezel instead of a polished one. The 20ATM models have the Aerospace script beneath the Zodiac logo, and the caseback is marked with 20ATM. The Aerospace GMT model 752-925 was available with a bicolor bezel.

A third edition of the 752-925 model was produced later, featuring a distinctive rectangular lollipop hand. The hour markers on this third version are wider. One of the models of this edition was even available with a 10k solid gold bezel. It was once again available with a black or white dial. From 1968, new models with a bakelite 24 hour bezel were used, the reference for those models is different (finally!): 752-934 and -934B.

Christopher Ward is a relatively new brand that offers great value for the price. Their divers are very slick and have great features: ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal. The watch sports the automatic movement ETA 2893-2 which is very reliable.

A great thing about Chistopher Ward is that they provide watches in different sizes, ranging from 42mm to 38mm. My favourite is the Christopher Ward C60 Trident GMT 600 in 38mm on a steel bracelet with a black bezel.

The bezel insert is bi-directional with 60 clicks and mounted on ball bearings, and is made of sapphire crystal. The proportions of the case are ideal for most wrists: 40mm diameter and 45mm lug to lug. The 20mm lug width offers a lot of choice for alternative straps. Through the sapphire glass case back, you will find the automatic movement ETA 2893 Elaboré at work. This caliber is equipped with a beautifully customized rotor. The signed screw-down crown is another great demonstration of Zelos' attention to detail. The water resistance is 200m so it's a true diver.

We definitely have fallen in love with this watch, which provides quite a bit of value for its $890 retail price. It could be considered as a great affordable Rolex GMT-Master II alternative. Kudos to Zelos for this beautiful creation, if you want to scratch that GMT itch without ruining yourself and avoid models that are too similar to the Rolex GMT-Master II, this watch is worth considering for sure.

Davosa is a Swiss brand that is not very famous but nevertheless offers timepieces with an excellent value for money. This watch is very much inspired by the GMT-Master II with the black and blue 24-Hour ceramic bezel nicknamed "Batman". A model with an entirely black bezel is also available. This watch has the obvious GMt functionality, as well as a reinsuring 200m (20 ATM) water resistance.

The stainless steel bracelet is very well finished and features a diver extension. The 42mm case houses a classic yet reliable ETA 2893-2 automatic GMT movement. The watch is 15.5mm thick and it has a 22mm lug width. Moreover, the glass is made of scratch resistant sapphire crystal with AR coating. This watch is a very logical choice if you are looking for an affordable alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II.

The black and gray model (ZO9400) refers to the watch’s historical predecessor that was released in 1966 as an extension to the Super Sea-Wolf collection. According to Zodiac, the black and gray option also functions as a physical distinction between night and day. The second Aerospace GMT model (ZO9401) is a real eye candy and will for sure draw attention with a light blue and orange bezel. This playful design has been very well received by the watch community, making the release of the Aerospace GMT one of the highlights at Baselworld in 2019. This luxurious looking watch is equipped with a reliable automatic GMT movement ETA 2893-2, offering 38 hours of power reserve.

The dial is highly legible with lumed hour markers and hands. A well executed date window is present at 3 o'clock. The stainless steel case has reasonable proportions with a diameter of 40mm and a thickness of 13mm, although they are larger than the original Aerospace GMT models which had a diameter of 35mm. The lug width of 20mm will definitely accommodate a lot of straps, although some might consider this superfluous, since a well-built stainless steel bracelet accompanies this GMT watch.

The dimensions of this watch make it a perfect Rolex GMT alternative. The design of the Aerospace GMT limited edition is timeless and colorful. The watch is resistant at 200m (20 ATM). Priced at $1,695, it is currently sold out on the Zodiac website, but you can find some for sale on eBay.

The crown also received some criticism: it is considered too small. 

However, the Omega 1128 is a true GMT movement that is very accurate and COSC certified. It is a true traveler's GMT with a quick set hour hand. It’s a great looking watch overshadowed by the Rolex GMTs!  

This Seamaster GMT has a 41.5mm diameter with a thickness of 13.6mm. The lug to lug distance is 51mm so this watch has a generous wrist presence. If you compare the case with the classic Omega Seamaster of that era: the GMT complication adds about 2mm to the case depth which means it is more different from the 2531/2254 than you would think, the crown is more shrouded and the bezel is deeper. However, the Seamaster GMT also provides you with a reliable 300m water resistance rating! 

The numbers on the bezel are bold, maybe too bold for some, but it still works well with the black dial. We feel, however, that the bold numbers of the bezel take away some of the refined aspects of the white dial version (the great white). 

We love the butterfly clasp on the Bond-style bracelet that originally came with this watch. We also love the black date wheel and the fact that Omega deleted the helium escape valve. It's touches like this that make this watch such a winner. 

The pop of red on the GMT hand and the red lettered GMT text of the dial is a thing of beauty. It's worth knowing that the dial is not interchangeable between the black and white dial GMTs as the white dial takes more space in the case. 

In our opinion, the Seamaster 300 GMT 50th anniversary is one of Omega's finest GMTs. It is surprising how undervalued and unloved they seem to be. It’s a fine watch which stacks up well vs the similar Rolex Explorer II or even the Rolex GMT Master II, at a much affordable price range.

If you want something different from the crowd that is a true travelers' GMT, then the distinctive Omega Seamaster GMT 253X.XX is certainly worth a look. You can find some below the $2000 mark.

The black dial displays a regular pattern of linear grooves that can remind you of the Patek Philippe Nautilus or the latest Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, it plays with the light very nicely! The Aquaracer can definitely follow you in the water, with its 300m water resistance. The movement can either be a calibre 7, an ETA 2895-2 or a Sellira SW300 depending on the supply. A model with the Batman bezel (black and blue) is also available. The stainless steel bracelet is extremely well finished. Available on ebay.

As usual with other Black Bay models, the snowflake hour hand is present. The 41mm diameter case protects the in-house and COSC certified calibre MT5652 which is based on the movement already present in the Heritage Black Bay Bronze. Thickness is 14.8mm. This watch can be purchased with a NATO, a leather strap or a steel bracelet.