A topic that sparks debate among frequent travellers who are also watch lovers is the choice between a GMT and a world timer. Travelling with a timepiece offering either complication is handy for keeping track of multiple time zones. While a GMT watch typically displays just one or two additional time zones, a world timer watch displays the time in multiple cities simultaneously.
Both types of travel watches have their fans, and for watch-loving frequent flyers Hazell Ng and Wilbur Lim, this debate is as lively as ever. Hazell enjoys a sophisticated world timer, while Wilbur prefers the simplicity of the GMT. Delving into the merits and drawbacks of each complication, the couple provides a comprehensive guide for any traveller facing this timeless dilemma.
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Wilbur Lim and Hazell Ng in Grindelwald, Switzerland
When did your passion for watches begin and what does your collection look like?Wilbur (W): I started collecting watches when I was doing my training contract after graduation more than 12 years ago. My first watch was a Hublot Classic Fusion. I like dress watches and most of my watches are smaller than 37mm. I don’t usually get sports watches for aesthetics, but more for the functions.
Hazell (H): I started collecting watches under the influence of Wilbur. He bought me an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore about five years ago when we were in Prague and that sparked my interest in watches. I love timepieces from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. Currently, I am attracted to jewellery watches, especially if the collection is inspired by nature.
Tell us about your travel habits.W: I travel almost every month for both leisure and business. My business travel usually takes me to Indonesia where my clients are located. In terms of leisure, I enjoy bringing our kids to new places. Recently, we took them to Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Austria. They love the snow-capped mountains. Next, we’ll be bringing them to explore the deserts.
Wilbur Lim and Hazell Ng in Shanghai, China
H: I mostly travel for leisure with the family. As parents of two young girls, we go for longer trips during the school holidays and shorter weekend trips during school term.
Do you prefer a GMT or a world timer watch for travelling?W: I prefer a GMT for its simplicity. As a dress watch collector, I prefer a “cleaner” dial and bezel. A GMT does its job well while still retaining relatively simple aesthetics. As far as possible, I avoid complicated bezels.
H: I prefer the world timer, for its sophisticated design and simply because it’s more functional.
Which offers more convenience when frequently travelling across different time zones?W: If you have to travel across time zones often, a world timer would offer more convenience. Otherwise, I find setting up a GMT every time I enter a new time zone to be simple and straightforward. I also appreciate that I can easily tell the local and home time (and potentially a third time zone on some GMT watches) at one glance.
H: I don’t like to set up my watches— Wilbur usually does that for me. So, a world timer offers me much more convenience during travels.
Can you share a memorable travel experience where your GMT or world timer watch was particularly useful?W: I was in London when I had to host a video conference between parties located in Jakarta and New York. As I was using my phone for the conference, I had to rely solely on my watch to tell the time. It was one of the rare occasions that I had to use the GMT to track three time zones at once and it worked perfectly.
H: I was at the top of Muottas Muragl in Switzerland. It was about 9pm but the sky was still bright. My children asked me to show them the time in Singapore so they could know if their puppy was already asleep back home. I did that with a few clicks and it made all the difference in the world to my children.
How do the aesthetics compare?W: It is easier to find GMT watches in smaller case diameters than world timer watches. Due to the nature of the complications, you may also expect a much thinner case that can slide easily under the cuffs.
H: Unlike Wilbur, I prefer watches with more unique design elements. It is easier for me to find world timers that resonate with my style. I also believe that the bezels of world timers go better with diamonds, which is why the Patek Philippe Ref. 7130 World Time ladies’ watch is next on my wishlist.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone 41.9mm in 950 platinum with a rhodium-coloured dial
Which watch is more versatile beyond tracking time zones?W: I find it easier to wear a GMT with formal attire. The simple aesthetics make it a good choice for both the gym and dinners.
H: I have to admit that in terms of versatility, the GMT might offer a more well-rounded package and easily fly under the radar at work.
How does your GMT or world timer fit into your daily life?W: I use my GMT as a day-night indicator when I am not travelling. As it is much more durable than my dress watches, I also wear it when I am out with my kids.
H: I wear my world timer to events and formal dinners. It is a beautiful watch that goes well with casual-chic outfits or even evening gowns.
Which of your personal GMT and world timer watches would you recommend for travellers?W: I usually wear my Rolex GMT during travels. It’s a great tool watch. I used to bring along the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone but I’ve downsized to the Little Lange 1 as it wears much more comfortably.
H: I recently acquired the Hermès Arceau Le Temps Voyageur, which has followed me on my travels to China and Europe.
Hermès Arceau Le Temps Voyageur 38 mm in steel with a white mother-of-pearl dial and diamonds set on the bezel
Any final words of advice for watch enthusiasts choosing a GMT or world timer watch for their travels?W: Both function as very good travel companions. If you travel off- grid often, consider one with good water resistance and substantial power reserve. I would also choose stainless steel travel timepieces rather than gold or titanium due to their resistance to scratches, which would be essential when you travel with young children.
H: Get one which resonates with your style. Watches are very personal possessions and beauty is subjective. A watch could have the most practical complications, but if it does not wear well, it would be a chore to wear it on your travels.
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