Finding the Best Travel Watch

Travel opens the door to the unfamiliar. It challenges us, delights us, and teaches us more about the world and ourselves than any classroom or screen ever could. Whether you’re navigating the streets of Tokyo, catching a sunrise in the Andes, or sipping espresso in a quiet Roman alleyway, each journey leaves you with stories, perspectives, and memories that shape who you are. The thrill of stepping off a plane into a new place starts a new chapter about discovery, connection, and living life a little more fully.

And yet, with all the romance and spontaneity of travel, there’s an undeniable need for structure. Keeping track of time zones, coordinating with home, and managing schedules across borders requires more than just intuition. 

In this article, we’ll explore what makes a great travel watch, the features you should prioritize, and a curated list of the best options suited for frequent flyers. 

What Makes a Great Travel Watch?

When you’re frequently on the move—crossing time zones, dealing with changing climates, and sometimes rough travel conditions—a travel watch becomes a functional tool. The best travel watches are built for reliability, clarity, and versatility. Look for these important features:

1. Dual Time or GMT Function

This is arguably the most critical feature. A true travel watch allows you to track at least two time zones simultaneously:

• GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) watches have a 24-hour hand that points to a second time zone on a rotating or fixed bezel.

• Dual-time watches often have a sub-dial or digital display for a second time zone.

These features make it easy to keep track of your home time while adjusting to a local time zone, a must for international travelers.

2. Ease of Time Zone Adjustment

Frequent flyers benefit from watches that allow for quick and independent adjustment of the hour hand without stopping the movement or affecting the minute and second hands. This is common in higher-end GMT watches and is extremely convenient when jumping time zones.

3. Legibility

Whether you’re reading your watch in a dimly lit airplane cabin or in bright sunlight, it should be easy to see the time at a glance. Look for:

• High-contrast dials

• Luminous hands and markers

• Clear, uncluttered layouts

4. Durability and Build Quality

Travel watches must withstand varied environments—from airport security trays to mountain trails. Prioritize:

• Scratch-resistant crystals (e.g., sapphire)

• Robust cases (e.g., stainless steel or titanium)

• Water resistance (ideally 100 meters or more)

5. Power Source

Travelers often don’t have the time or tools to maintain a finicky watch. Consider:

• Automatic watches for self-winding reliability

• Solar-powered quartz for low-maintenance and eco-friendliness

• Quartz GMTs for affordable precision with fewer complications

6. Size and Comfort

A travel watch should be comfortable for long wear, especially during flights or extended treks. Look for:

• A balanced case size that suits your wrist

• Lightweight materials (titanium is great for this)

• An adjustable strap or bracelet that fits snugly without pinching

7. Alarm, World Time, or Other Travel Features

Some watches include extras like:

• Alarms (great for reminders or waking up on the go)

• World Time functions (displaying 24+ time zones at once)

• Digital UTC displays (for aviation or business travelers)

Best Watches for Travel

Below are 10 of the best luxury watches for travel. These models offer sophisticated features like GMT complications, world time functions, and durable construction.

1. Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” (Ref. 126710BLRO)

Originally developed for Pan Am pilots in the 1950s, the GMT-Master II is an icon in travel watches. The independent hour hand, robust build, and instantly recognizable rotating bezel allow travelers to track two time zones effortlessly.

• Movement: Caliber 3285 automatic GMT

• Case: 40mm stainless steel

• Power Reserve: 70 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

• Bezel: Bidirectional Cerachrom bezel (blue/red)

Key Features:

• Independent hour hand for quick time zone changes

• Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal

• Jubilee bracelet for all-day comfort

• Superlative Chronometer certified for high accuracy

Price (New): ~$11,500
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$17,000–$20,000 (due to demand)

2. Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time (Ref. 5164A)

The Aquanaut Travel Time seamlessly blends sportiness with horological finesse. With dual time display and a highly legible dial, it offers functionality for jet-setters in a luxury steel sports watch format.

• Movement: Caliber 324 S C FUS automatic

• Case: 40.8mm stainless steel

• Power Reserve: 45 hours

• Water Resistance: 120 meters

• Strap: Tropical rubber strap

Key Features:

• Dual time zone with local/home indicators

• Day/night indicators for both time zones

• Sleek tropical strap for humid climates

• Transparent case back showcasing fine finishing

Price (New): ~$44,000
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$80,000–$95,000

3. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT (Ref. 215.30.44.22.01.001)

This Omega offers robust GMT functionality with diving capability. It's perfect for traveling scuba divers. It combines Omega’s METAS-certified accuracy with sporty looks and durability.

• Movement: Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8906

• Case: 43.5mm stainless steel

• Power Reserve: 60 hours

• Water Resistance: 600 meters

• Bezel: Black ceramic, 24-hour GMT scale

Key Features:

• Anti-magnetic movement

• Screw-down crown and helium escape valve

• Transparent case back

• High water resistance for diving or swimming

Price (New): ~$8,900
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$6,000–$7,500

4. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic WT (Ref. Q904847J)

The Polaris Geographic WT is a refined and functional world-time watch that displays 24 time zones, a power reserve, and day/night indicators—all while maintaining a sleek, vintage-inspired look.

• Movement: JLC Caliber 936A/1 automatic

• Case: 42mm stainless steel

• Power Reserve: 43 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

• Crystal: Sapphire front and back

Key Features:

• Internal rotating city disk for world time

• Subdials for second time zone and power reserve

• Elegant case design with brushed/polished surfaces

• Excellent balance of form and function

Price (New): ~$16,000
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$10,000–$13,000

5. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time (Ref. 7900V/110A-B546)

The Overseas Dual Time offers both refinement and practicality, with a dual time complication and elegant design wrapped in a rugged sports case. The quick-change strap system also gives flexibility for travel styles.

• Movement: Caliber 5110 DT automatic

• Case: 41mm stainless steel

• Power Reserve: 60 hours

• Water Resistance: 150 meters

• Comes with steel, leather, and rubber straps

Key Features:

• Dual time complication with AM/PM indicator

• Interchangeable strap system for travel adaptability

• Display case back with Geneva Seal finishing

• Comfortable integrated bracelet

Price (New): ~$25,000
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$18,000–$23,000

6. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver GMT (Ref. 15710ST.OO.A027CA.01)

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore Diver GMT combines bold design with practical travel features, including a second time zone and serious water resistance. This divers watch is perfect for luxury travelers who want rugged functionality in a standout design.

• Movement: Caliber 4308 automatic

• Case: 42mm stainless steel

• Power Reserve: 60 hours

• Water Resistance: 300 meters

• Strap: Rubber strap with AP folding clasp

Key Features:

• Bold, sporty design

• Internal rotating bezel for diving

• Dual time zone display with AM/PM indication

• Exceptional finishing on the iconic octagonal bezel

Price (New): ~$30,000
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$20,000–$26,000

7. IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph (Ref. IW395001)

IWC’s Timezoner is built specifically for globe-trotters. It allows you to change time zones simply by rotating the bezel—no crown adjustments or lost accuracy. It’s a practical tool for pilots and frequent travelers.

• Movement: Caliber 89760 automatic chronograph

• Case: 45mm stainless steel

• Power Reserve: 68 hours

• Water Resistance: 60 meters

• Bezel: World time rotating bezel

Key Features:

• Patented bezel-set world time function

• Flyback chronograph

• Day/night indicator

• Large, highly legible pilot-style dial

Price (New): ~$14,000
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$9,000–$11,000

8. Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5557

The Hora Mundi is one of the most sophisticated world-time watches available, offering a jumping time zone function—instantly switching between preset cities with synchronized date and time. It's refined, rare, and incredibly functional for international travelers.

Technical Specifications:

• Movement: Caliber 77F1 automatic

• Case: 43.9mm white or rose gold

• Power Reserve: 55 hours

• Water Resistance: 100 meters

• Display: Time, date, day/night, city

Key Features:

• Instantaneous jumping local time

• City selector for world time zones

• Date and day/night indications adjust automatically

• Opulent finishing and guilloché dial

Price (New): ~$75,000
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$55,000–$65,000

9. Glashütte Original Senator Cosmopolite

Designed with international business travelers in mind, the Senator Cosmopolite tracks 35 time zones, including half-hour and quarter-hour offsets. This timepiece for travel is a technical marvel with a clean, classical aesthetic.

• Movement: Caliber 89-02 automatic

• Case: 44mm stainless steel or gold

• Power Reserve: 72 hours

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Display: Dual time, 35 time zones, day/night, power reserve

Key Features:

• Tracks rare time zones with unconventional offsets

• Panorama date, power reserve indicator

• Home and local time with day/night display

• Immaculate German finishing and display case back

Price (New): ~$22,000 (steel), ~$45,000 (gold)
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$15,000–$35,000

10. Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante

A minimalist’s dream, the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante features a hidden second time zone hand that appears only when needed. This design innovation makes it ideal for the elegant traveler who wants functionality without clutter.

• Movement: PF051 automatic with rattrapante GMT

• Case: 40mm stainless steel with platinum bezel

• Power Reserve: 48 hours

• Water Resistance: 60 meters

• Display: Primary time + hidden GMT hand

Key Features:

• Push-button activated split GMT hand

• Minimalist dial with grain d’orge guilloché pattern

• Integrated bracelet

• Platinum micro-rotor for slim profile

Price (New): ~$28,000
Price (Pre-Owned): ~$22,000–$26,000

How to Travel with Watches: Care Tips

Taking care of your watch while you travel is essential to ensure it remains accurate, protected, and functional, especially if you're changing climates, crossing time zones, or engaging in physical activities. 

1. Be familiar with your watch's features, capabilities, and limitations.

Before you depart, understand your watch’s specs and limitations:

• Water resistance: Can it handle swimming or rain?

• Shock resistance: Is it suitable for physical activity or outdoor adventure?

• Movement type: Quartz watches are generally more robust for travel; mechanical ones need more care.

• Magnetism sensitivity: Avoid strong magnetic fields (e.g., airport scanners) if you're wearing a mechanical watch.

2. Use a travel watch case.

A dedicated watch travel roll or pouch will protect your timepiece from:

• Scratches from other items in your luggage

• Pressure or impact damage

• Dust and moisture

Tip: For longer trips, use a padded multi-watch case if you're bringing more than one watch.

3. Set time zones beforehand.

If your watch features a GMT, dual-time, or world time function, practice adjusting it before you travel so you’re familiar with:

• Setting the local and home time zones

• Using the 24-hour hand correctly

• Switching between city references if your watch has a world-time bezel or complication

4. Avoid water unless your watch is built for it.

Even if a watch is rated for water resistance, it’s safer to:

• Avoid hot tubs and saunas, which can cause seals to expand or weaken

• Check gaskets and seals before water use—get a pressure test done if unsure

• Always screw down the crown if your watch has one

5. Beware of magnetism and X-rays.

• Airport scanners are generally safe for watches, but prolonged exposure to strong magnets (in speakers, magnetic clasps, etc.) can affect mechanical movement.

• Keep mechanical watches away from electronics or magnets in hotels, luggage tags, or magnetic passport cases.

6. Check the power reserve or battery.

• Quartz watches: Make sure the battery is fresh. If unsure, replace it before travel.

• Mechanical watches: Fully wind the movement before travel. Watches with long power reserves (e.g., 70+ hours) are ideal for time zone hopping.

7. Clean regularly.

After exposure to sweat, sand, saltwater, or dust, gently clean the case and strap:

• Use a soft cloth or microfiber to wipe it down

• For rubber or metal straps, a light soap and water rinse (if water-resistant) works

• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives

8. Use a secondary travel watch.

If you're heading to a high-risk destination or engaging in active travel (trekking, diving, urban transit), consider:

• Leaving expensive pieces at home

• Bringing a reliable, durable backup watch

• Using a Casio, G-Shock, or solar-powered GMT as a dependable alternative

9. Insure valuable timepieces

If you're traveling with a luxury or high-value watch:

• Get it insured—check your homeowner’s or travel insurance policies

• Document it with photos, receipts, and serial numbers

• Carry it in your carry-on, never in checked luggage

10. Wind and wear regularly.

If you’re not wearing your automatic watch daily, remember to:

• Wind it manually.

• Store it in a watch winder or wind before putting it on again

Conclusion

The best travelers watch enhances the way you experience the world. Whether you need to track multiple time zones, rely on rugged functionality, or simply appreciate the craftsmanship on your wrist as you move from place to place, the right watch becomes part of your journey.