The Rolex GMT-Master II is a watch that is actually quite difficult to find alternatives for, first and foremost, because of its design. It is such a distinctive format for a GMT that it is hard for brands to replicate it without appearing to be “copying Rolex.” Nevertheless, I compiled some of the top Rolex GMT alternatives that you should check out. In my opinion, these are the 8 best Rolex GMT-Master II alternatives.
Learn more: What is a GMT Watch?
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duoface Reverso Q3988482
Reference | Q3988482 |
Movement | Caliber 854A/2 (Manual-wind, 6 beats per second) |
Power Reserve | Approximately 42 hours |
Case | 47 x 28.3 mm, Stainless Steel |
Dial | Front: Sunburst blue Back: Silver with Velvety Clous de Paris guilloché pattern |
Water Resistance | 30 meters |
Bracelet/Strap | Leather strap with Stainless Steel dual-folding clasp |
Functions | Front: Hours, Minutes, Seconds Back: Hours, Minutes, 24-hour indicator |
2023 MSRP | $13,300 |
Coming in at number one is a watch that you might not expect, and that is the JLC Reverso. Specifically, the Duoface Reverso is my top Rolex GMT-Master II alternative. When it comes to the Reverso, it is a super iconic watch that was originally released in 1931 for Indian polo players. The whole concept behind it was that you can flip the watch case in order to protect the glass from shattering during a polo match.
Although JLC originally released the Reverso in 1931, it wasn’t until 1994 that they would release the Duoface Reverso. It had the same functionality as the original Reverso, in that you can flip the case over, but it now featured a second dial. Thus, it could keep track of a second time zone, set via a pusher on the side of the case that advanced the hours forwards or backwards.
Instead of a pusher, now JLC uses a much more practical slide tool at the top of the case. This allows the user to very quickly and easily change the hour hand on the second side of the Reverso, both forward and backward. So, the Duoface Reverso has the ability not only to change its time zone on the fly, but also its entire appearance.
This could be the GMT watch for you if, say, you’re a traveling consultant and need something a little bit dressier. Obviously, the Reverso is one of the most iconic and recognizable watches ever made because of its rectangular case shape. Given the fact that JLC has released so many different variations of the Reverso over the years, you can likely find a Reverso that is perfect for your collection and style. Personally, I think the Duoface Reverso is not only one of the greatest and most iconic and recognizable watches, but also a fantastic overall alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II.
Grand Seiko Peacock SBGJ227
Reference | SBGJ227 |
Movement | Caliber 9S86 (10 beats per second) |
Power Reserve | Approximately 55 hours |
Case | 39.5mm, Stainless Steel |
Dial | Green with concentric guilloche pattern |
Water Resistance | 100 meters (330 feet) |
Bracelet/Strap | Stainless Steel bracelet with folding clasp |
Functions | Time, Date, GMT, Dual Time Zone |
Moving on to a brand that maybe doesn’t get as much love as it should, let’s look at Grand Seiko. Now, Grand Seiko has acquired a cult following of sorts. Many collectors in the watch industry view their watches as some of the best values on the market considering the overall level of finish in the case, dial, and movement that you get for the price–especially on the secondary market.
Frankly, I really can’t disagree. Grand Seiko tried somewhat to distance themselves from mere entry-level Seiko watches in 2017, when they began proudly putting “Grand Seiko” at the top of the dial. Historically, “Seiko” had reigned at the top of the dial, with “Grand Seiko” added underneath. Although that has changed, the presence of the word Seiko still has “entry-level” connotations for many watch collectors. However, that doesn’t take away anything from Grand Seiko’s products, which are unquestionably legitimate luxury watches.
My favorite Rolex GMT alternative from Grand Seiko is the Grand Seiko Peacock, the SBGJ227. It features an interesting turquoise dial with a GMT complication. It has the same movement functionality as the GMT-Master II–you can jump the hour hand forward or backward depending on the local time zone.
I always thought that if Grand Seiko released these dials in greater quantities, they would have a knockout product. And indeed, they have been releasing an impressive number of watches with exotic-looking dials lately, but they are often also limited editions, as was the newer “blue Peacock” ref. SBGJ261.
Grand Seiko Whirlpool SBGM235
Reference | SBGM235 |
Movement | Caliber 9S66 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
Power Reserve | Approximately 72 hours |
Case | 39.5 mm, Stainless Steel |
Dial | Silver with Whirlpool pattern |
Water Resistance | 100 meters |
Bracelet/Strap | Crocodile strap with tang buckle |
Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, GMT |
2023 Market Price | ~$9,000 |
Another great Rolex GMT-Master II alternative with a distinctive dial is the SBGM235, which has a captivating “Whirlpool Dial” that has become collectible among Grand Seiko enthusiasts.
This reference, like many of the hottest Grand Seikos, became rather difficult to attain. Overall, I do feel that Grand Seiko is definitely underrated. But again, although they have been releasing an increasing number of textured dials and GMT models, I wish they wouldn’t limit their best watches so much.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time 26120ST
Reference Number | 26120ST |
Movement | 2329/2846 (Base: JLC 889, automatic, 8 beats per second) |
Power Reserve | Approximately 38 hours |
Case | 39mm, Stainless Steel |
Dial | Silver, white, black or blue with Grande Tapisserie pattern |
Water Resistance | 50 meters |
Bracelet/Strap | Stainless Steel bracelet with folding clasp |
Functions | Hours, Minutes, Power Reserve, Date, Second Time Zone, 24-hour indicator |
2023 Market Price | ~$42,500 |
Now we’ll move up the horological scale to a watch that is a lot more expensive. I wanted to give you an upscale luxury alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II, and one that I feel does it really well is actually from Audemars Piguet. It’s the AP Royal Oak reference 26120ST.
This isn’t technically a GMT; it’s a dual-time watch that allows you to track two time zones. Although Rolex boasts that its GMT-Master II can track three time zones, I feel like a small fraction of owners actually do. The date subdial and power reserve indicator give the Royal Oak Dual Time a great, balanced aesthetic.
Not only does the dial have great balance, but the complication is also super easy to function and view. Its 39-millimeter diameter is the original “jumbo” case size for the Royal Oak, which I think is really the best size. In addition to the watch’s great proportions, it is powered by a JLC movement, as was the original reference 5402 designed by Gerald Genta. So altogether you get a really balanced aesthetic, a great complication that is very functional, and one of the most collectible forms of the Royal Oak case.
See Also:
How Much Does An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Cost?
The History of Audemars Piguet
Panerai Luminor GMT PAM1535
Reference Number | PAM1535 |
Movement | P.9011 calibre (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
Power Reserve | 72 hours |
Case | 42mm, Stainless Steel |
Dial | Black hobnail |
Water Resistance | 100 meters |
Bracelet/Strap | Leather strap with tang buckle |
Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, 12-hour GMT |
2023 MSRP | $10,000 |
This next Rolex GMT-Master alternative is a fantastic watch from a brand that has been regaining some momentum lately, which I absolutely love. That brand is Panerai and in particular, I’m talking about the Panerai PAM1535.
The PAM1535 sports an in-house Panerai movement with the ability to track a second time zone. It has similar functionality to the Rolex GMT-Master II, with its hour hand able to jump forwards and backwards in one-hour increments. However, the Panerai’s GMT hand is simply on a 12-hour scale, so there is no need for 24-hour markings on the bezel or dial. It’s a really nice design.
Its 42-millimeter case format is a lot more practical and easy to wear than some larger Panerais. It has the iconic crown guard distinct to the Luminor series, and the dial has a Paris hobnail texture. This is not one of Panerai’s famous sandwich dials, though; Panerai collectors call dials with applied lume like this “sausage dials.”
An interesting quirk of this watch is its movement’s zero-reset function. This flicks the second hand back to zero whenever you pull out the crown to set the time. This is a super useful complication, because it allows you to easily set the watch and sync it with a reference time. You don’t have to wait for the seconds hand to reach the top of the dial and then do your best to pull out the crown at exactly zero.
Another nice touch is the second hand, which is a pleasant baby blue color that adds a nice contrast to the dial. I think, overall, Panerai achieved a knockout design with this Luminor GMT, and it is a fantastic alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II.
Tudor Black Bay GMT
Reference Number | 79830 |
Movement | MT5652 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
Power Reserve | 70 hours |
Case | 41mm, Stainless Steel |
Dial | Black or opaline (white) |
Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Bracelet/Strap | Stainless Steel three-link bracelet, leather or fabric strap with tang buckle |
Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, GMT |
2023 MSRP | $4,375 on bracelet, $4,050 on strap |
Now is a somewhat obvious choices from Tudor: The Tudor Black Bay GMT, released in 2018 concurrently with the Rolex Pepsi GMT ref. 126710. The Black Bay GMT is a fantastic Rolex GMT alternatives. Its aluminum bezel insert, faux bracelet rivets, and lack of crown guard all evoke a bit of a vintage Rolex aesthetic. Just like its Rolex big brother, it has an independent 24-hour hand, a highly water-resistant case, a reliable automatic movements, and a date window at 3 o’clock.
Tudor Black Bay Pro
Reference Number | 79470 |
Movement | MT5652 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
Power Reserve | 70 hours |
Case | 39mm, Stainless Steel |
Dial | Black |
Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Bracelet/Strap | Stainless Steel three-link bracelet, hybrid leather/rubber or fabric strap with tang buckle |
Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, GMT |
2023 MSRP | $4,225 on bracelet, $3,900 on strap |
Although this could be considered more of a Rolex Explorer II alternative, the Tudor Black Bay Pro still deserves a mention in this list. Aside from its fixed steel bezel and slightly smaller 39mm diameter, its specs are almost identical to the Black Bay GMT. The brushed finish gives it an understated tool watch vibe.
Longines Zulu Time
Reference | L3.812.4.93.6 |
Movement | L844.4 (Automatic, 7 beats per second) |
Power Reserve | 72 hours |
Case | 42mm, Stainless Steel |
Dial | Black or blue |
Water Resistance | 100 meters |
Bracelet/Strap | Stainless Steel three-link bracelet or leather strap |
Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, GMT |
2023 MSRP | $3,150 on bracelet, $3,050 on strap |
Longines unveiled the Longines Zulu Time in 2022, which was a fantastic release and represents a great alternative to the GMT-Master II. Longines has been trying to move slightly upmarket in recent years, and this is a worthwhile step in that direction. With its dark blue tones, ceramic bezel insert and understated leather strap, it could easily be an everyday-wear watch.
See Also: Top Affordable Alternatives to Rolex
Now, again, this list isn’t the end-all-be-all. There are a number of other great Rolex GMT-Master II alternatives. Breitling makes a number of great GMT options in their Avenger series, for example, and I think you can’t go wrong with anything from that brand.
It’s just about finding that watch that speaks to you. I’d love to hear your comments and suggestions–what are some of your favorite alternatives for the Rolex GMT-Master II?
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