GMT watches were originally crafted for pilots and travelers back in the 1950s. These Greenwich Mean Time integrated watches were built to keep track of multiple time zones simultaneously. The star feature of these watches is the fourth hand, which completes a full rotation every 24 hours, making it easy to read a second time zone from a 24-hour bezel or dial marker.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or need to coordinate across time zones, the GMT function offers practical, reliable tracking. Today, GMT automatic watches are favorites among enthusiasts for their durability, functionality, and versatile designs—from classic to sportier options.
Ratio & Zeppelin: Introducing Two GMT Watches
Here’s the perfect face-off—Ratio and Zeppelin. For those on the hunt for a versatile travel watch, let’s see how these GMT watches stack up.
Ratio FreeDiver GMT Series
Ratio Watches, known for reliable, affordable dive watches, emphasizes rugged, adventure-ready builds across its lineup. Their latest release in the Ratio FreeDiver GMT series has gained popularity for its dual-time functionality paired with the essential water resistance expected from a GMT dive watch. True to Ratio’s mission of providing value, this series embodies practicality at a price point that’s hard to beat.
The Design
Ratio’s FreeDiver GMT lineup (including the Ratio RTF50 series, like RTF051 and RTF053, and the Pepsi-bezeled RTF061) features a contemporary, robust design with 316L stainless steel cases, vibrant dials, and aluminum-inlaid rotating bezels. These travel watches have luminous markers for easy reading in low light, and the RTF061’s Pepsi bezel provides a splash of color that stands amidst the crowd.
Movement and Performance
Powered by the Japanese NH34 automatic movement, Ratio’s GMT models offer a 40-hour power reserve, making them reliable for daily wear and adventures. With practical dive-watch specifications, such as a screw-down crown, a unidirectional bezel, and 200-meter water resistance, the Ratio GMT models are significantly more robust and ready for more intense action.
GMT Function
Ratio’s GMT dive watch models incorporate the 24-hour markers on a unidirectional rotating bezel, allowing easy visibility of a second time zone at a glance. This setup is especially helpful for frequent travelers who prioritize readability without sacrificing functionality.
Price
Ratio GMT models are more budget-friendly, priced between $120 and $200. At this price, Ratio FreeDiver GMT watches offer advanced features like sapphire crystal and superior water resistance of 200m, delivering high value without a hefty price tag.
Zeppelin GMT Series
The Zeppelin brand, inspired by early German aviation, produces watches that capture the spirit of classic airship design. Known for its elegant, historical influence, a Zeppelin watch appeals to those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia in their accessories. The GMT series continues this legacy with practical, dual-time functionality and a distinctly vintage style, ideal for enthusiasts of aviation-inspired designs.
The Design
Zeppelin’s GMT models, such as the Zeppelin LZ127 Graf series, embody a refined, traditional style and understated dials. With 50-meter water resistance, these Zeppelin GMT watches are perfect as dress watches, offering a vintage-inspired flair and an ideal fit for formal and business settings.
Movement and Performance
Zeppelin’s GMT models use a combination of Swiss quartz and Japanese automatic movements. While they are efficient for everyday wear, they lack the rugged features of dive watches. The 50-meter water resistance is suited for minimal water exposure, prioritizing style over dive functionality.
GMT Function
In Zeppelin’s models, the 24-hour markers are integrated within the dial, providing a clean, classic look for the GMT automatic watch. This setup is great for users seeking a subtler dual-time function without sacrificing the classic style.
Price
Zeppelin GMT watches range from $250 to $450, balancing refined styling and dependable Swiss or Japanese movements, catering to those who appreciate a touch of history and style.
Evaluating the Two
Now that we know what each watch has in store for you let’s do a real comparison to see which is the best men’s GMT watch among these two.
Looks and Design
Zeppelin’s stainless steel cases and mineral crystals lend them a classic appeal, making them perfect for formal settings. Ratio’s 316L stainless steel and sapphire crystal provide a durable, versatile option for both casual and professional looks.
The Pepsi bezel on the RTF061 is a standout, adding a sporty flair well-suited for outdoor and daily wear. Zeppelin’s minimalist style is ideal for those favoring traditional elegance, while Ratio’s colorful, lume-enhanced dials are versatile across casual outings and active adventures.
Movement and Performance
Zeppelin’s Swiss and Japanese movements are dependable, but Ratio’s NH34 automatic caliber is tuned for performance. With 200-meter water resistance, screw-down crowns, and dive-friendly bezels, the Ratio GMT series excels in durability, while the Zeppelin LZ127 GMT with 50-meter resistance aligns more with a classic dress watch’s functionality.
GMT Function
Zeppelin’s 24-hour markers, integrated within the dial, deliver a subtle aesthetic, but Ratio’s bezel-mounted markers enhance visibility, offering quicker access to the second time zone. Frequent travelers may find Ratio’s bezel setup more practical, while Zeppelin’s design appeals to fans of classic styling.
Price
Ratio delivers a more robust feature set at a lower price, appealing to those focused on value and functionality. Zeppelin’s higher price reflects its historical charm and appeal to collectors, but Ratio’s practical price-to-feature ratio may attract more casual GMT buyers.
Conclusion
Both Zeppelin and Ratio GMT watches bring distinct strengths to the GMT market. Zeppelin caters to those with a taste for classic design and historical homage, making it an ideal choice for traditionalists and collectors. However, the Ratio FreeDiver GMT series is much better out of the two for its additional diver features, superior build, and budget-friendly price, making it the smarter choice for those seeking a reliable, versatile GMT automatic watch packed with functionality for everyday use.
FAQs
Ratio GMT offers a better price range for more premium features and functionalities. As both a GMT watch and a dive watch, it’s an ideal tool watch with advanced water resistance, sapphire crystal, and robust construction. For those seeking practicality and durability, Ratio GMT is the better choice.
Zeppelin watches capture the timeless charm of early aviation with classic, refined designs inspired by the iconic German airships. Known for their vintage aesthetic, they blend functionality with nostalgia, making them appealing to those who appreciate historical-inspired style in a reliable timepiece.
Yes, Zeppelin watches are made in Germany. Produced by the watchmaker POINTtec, these timepieces carry the “Made in Germany” label, reflecting the high standards of German craftsmanship and attention to detail expected in every Zeppelin model.
GMT watches are popular for their practicality, allowing users to track multiple time zones with a simple fourth hand. Originally made for pilots and travelers, they’re now appreciated by anyone who values functional style, from frequent travelers to watch enthusiasts alike.
