Traveling with the GMT-II

[Jeff B]

There was a thread a couple of weeks ago about whether and how we actually use some of the features of our Rolexes. With that question in mind, I thought I’d offer some observations on a recent travel experience with my new GMT.

We all know the GMT-Master IIc (116710 LN) is a good looker—as is the rest of the GMT family. But a recent trip to Hawaii showed the watch to be surprisingly practical as well. The quick-set hour hand made it easy to set local time at the layover airport, avoiding complacency or panic when comparing watch time to the scheduled departure time. At the destination I set the hour hand to local time, leaving the 24 hour hand on east coast “home” time with the bezel at neutral (triangle at 12 o’clock). Playing with it, I saw how turning the bezel 3 clicks clockwise could reference California time on the 24-hr hand, or turning it 5 clicks counter-clockwise could reference Greenwich time, if for some reason it was important to keep track of those times. That’s the “third time zone” feature.

At first, this seemed a curiosity, a “nice to have”, information available if I wanted it. But during the trip I suddenly had to transact some east coast business, and when I actually *used* the watch I found that the ability to see both local Hawaii time and east coast time at a glance was a terrific benefit. Having the 24-hr hand giving an analog display of east coast time instead of needing to do a little mental calculation to get it each time (disrupting my train of thought and opening the door to carelessly adjusting in the wrong direction—I’ll admit I’ve done it) allowed me to concentrate on my business. A glance at the 24-hr hand also warned me how much time was left in the east coast business day. Overall, the reduction in “workload” was noticeable, and valuable in avoiding distracting me from more important matters. (I think it gets to a right-brain/left-brain thing.) Now I understand why this watch is such a favorite of long-distance travelers.

During the long flights, I used it as a convenient time-to-go indicator. Setting the bezel triangle to the 24-hr hand at takeoff then turning it clockwise a number of clicks (hours) closest to what the pilot said the duration of the flight would be, let me see at a glance for the rest of the flight approximately how much time was left until landing, as the 24-hr hand closed in on the triangle. Close enough, and again, no mental calculations required.

I’ve read that Rene-Paul Jeanneret of Rolex and his Pan Am partners spent a year perfecting the design of the GMT-Master (6542). I’d love to see some of the ideas they discarded, but the one they kept sure is a winner. The watch is functional, easy to use, and definitely contributes value-added in the thick of things. The later addition of the quick-set hour hand feature (in the 16710) has made it even more versatile and easy to use. That the original inspiration of a 24-hr hand and rotating 24-hr bezel added to the familiar watch face has not been altered in more than 50 years is testimony to the genius of its creation. This is one useful watch that I’m really glad to have.

[two tone]

Sounds a little confusing not having a GMT in hand. I ordered one and should be in shortly. Maybe once a I get the watch in hand, I can play with it. I'm going crazy reading all the posts about this watch. I can't wait.
Bob

[JBHII]

Jeff - your experiences mirror my own when I recently traveled to Japan - for the first time, I got to use a GMT (my Pepsi 16710-3186). I'm pretty sure I'll be going to Switzerland in the next few months, and just booked our trip to Hawaii for June, so I'm sure I'll use it again!

[Sea-Dweller]

I'm not the long distance traveler that I wish I could afford to be, but I did make practical use of my GMT function on a cruise I took in December of 2007, shortly after I purchased the watch. As was said in the original post, it may be the difference between a right brain or left brain thing, but for some reason, it's quite easy for me to lose track of things when I cross a time zone, even though I'm just one hour behind. I know that sounds silly to some, but I'm sure that there are others here that appreciate being able to see at a glance their local time, as well as home time, even if it's just a very small difference between the two!

[WatchFan1]

Having the 24-hr hand giving an analog display of east coast time instead
of needing to do a little mental calculation to get it each time (disrupting my train of thought and
opening the door to carelessly adjusting in the wrong direction—I’ll admit I’ve done it) allowed me
to concentrate on my business. A glance at the 24-hr hand also warned me how much time was
left in the east coast business day. ..... (I think it gets to a right-brain/left-brain thing.).....

You summed it up well.... I think that having the 24 hour scale is an absolute must on any GMTand that's why
I was somewhat baffled by this recent offering by Panerai with their latest GMT introduced this month at SIHH:



I am not bashing Panerai here......other than that, I love the watch (it has a very nice in-house movement
and surprisingly it is priced very good (like some of their ETA based models). I am just making a comparison
that some GMT watches are created better than others. Just as you Jeff, I want to know the time
in the other zone at a quick glance....not by studying the watch and doing mental calculations...
I can do those without looking at the watch ;)

[Trainer]

I travel to a different time zone about 3-4 times per year and find the quick-set hour hand very helpful.
But, the reality of my life is that I am always timing events such as time remaining on a parking meter, 'til a 'phone call, or meeting, etc.
Mundane, for sure, but helpfull none the less.
I have a two-tone blusey which I love, but find myself wearing the 116710 most often, due to its utility.

Tempus Fugit,
Trainer

[James13]

Yoo da man Jonny

[MikeS]

I am heading to South africa this summer so i will gewt to use my GMTII!

[Harry_III_UK]

GREAT post Jeff!

Milos - your thoughts mirror my own when I saw the new Panerai offering. I suppose that some GMT watches are created better than others.

For true practicality I don't think you can beat the GMT II as Jeff highlights in his post.

I have a 16750 GMT - which means that the red 24 hour hand is not separately adjustable - it is linked to the regular hour hand so all offsets must be done on the bezel if you want to keep "local" time on the watch - so notice the error on the picture from the book on the left!



The GMT II is certainly a step ahead in terms of functionality.

The only think I dislike about the GMT II Ceramic from a purist point of view is that the bezel is not as adjustable (does not have as many clicks) as the older non ceramic GMT II's - and there are some places in the world where GMT offset is not a full hour.



Granted, a minor gripe - but that is what makes the GMT II Ceramic fall short of a perfect 100% score as a multiple time zone watch in my opinion.

Still, even the 16750 is an absolute joy to travel with, or just to keep track of time in another place where you need to make a call - like NYC to book a room for the impending 16th May 2009 GTG organised by Milos ;-)

More details here: http://www.mkmotorsport.com/watches_GTG8.htm





All the best,

Harry

[Triplock]

Let's say you travel to Germany and have the 24hr hand set to US Central Time (triangle at 12 o'clock) and set the hour hand to local time in Germany. When referring to the 24hr hand for the U.S. time all is normal until you get to noon (12 on the bezel). After that don't you have to make a calculation? Because 14 on the bezel represents 2pm home time. I guess there's no way around this, is there? Not that it's a big deal, but I'm just curious as there has been a lot of discussion on the best or most practical ways to use the GMT Master.