Second Time Zone Watch Classics: The Loved Rolex, Patek Philippe, and More
- By Cathrin Wißmann
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Most Sought-After Watches from Rolex and Patek Philippe: Discussing the Most Acclaimed Models - Most Acclaimed GMT Watches: Top Choices from Rolex and Patek Philippe Companies
In the 1950s, Hans Wilsdorf had a vision: he wanted to simplify the complexities of travel for airline employees and globetrotters with a watch that showed the time in multiple time zones at a glance. Using GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time, Rolex's founder created the GMT-Master, complete with a second hour hand and a 24-hour bezel.
The original design, simple yet game-changing, convinced Pan Am, and the GMT-Master hit the market in 1955. This innovative timepiece wasn't just for pilots; it caught the eye of the burgeoning jet-set crowd, instantly becoming one of the most desirable watches in the world. The GMT-Master II continues to live up to this reputation today, boasting a hefty price tag of around 11,000 euros.
Bezel Beacons: A Colorful Legacy
The GMT-Master's bezel variations have earned distinctive nicknames over the years, with colors contributing to their unique identities. The black-blue bezel model is lovingly referred to as "Batman," black-green is known as "Sprite," and the classic red-blue isn't called "Pan Am" but rather "Pepsi."
Rolex didn't invent the travel watch, but they revolutionized it. The first wristwatch with two time zones, the Spirit Zulu Time from Longines, dates back to 1925. In 2021, Longines honored its century of heritage by introducing a model with a glass back and rose gold bezel, costing a more budget-friendly 4,500 euros.
Nomos' "Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer," priced at 3,940 euros, brings both affordability and vibrancy to the table. Released in 2019, this sophomoric world-time watch from the Glashütte-based brand is available in six lively color combinations and offers an adventurous spirit for everyday timekeeping.
Swatch Watching: A Brief History
Pan American Airways aren't the only trendsetters in the watch world. Rolex may have popularized the GMT-Master, but its roots can be traced back to 1937 when Patek Philippe introduced the first Worldtimer, the 515 HU. A whopping 24 time zones adorned the dial, accompanied by various city names, making it an unwieldy salad of numbers and letters.
However, it wasn't the ideal solution for pilots and jet-setters looking to keep track of time zones during their travels. A commercial model was needed, and in the 1950s, Rolex stepped up to the challenge, developing a watch that brought simplicity and style to dual-time display.
In 2021, nearly 90 years after its inception, the Patek Philippe Worldtimer offers refined elegance with its intricate dial and sophisticated design. With a price tag of around 85,000 euros, it's a worthy investment for the serious watch collector.
Globetrotting Through Time
From pioneers like Rolex to storied brands like Patek Philippe, travel watches have come a long way since the 1950s. The Rolex GMT-Master and the Patek Philippe Worldtimer stand as timepieces of choice for frequent travelers seeking functionality, luxury, and status. The allure of the world on their wrist remains a powerful draw, promising adventure, comfort, and connection across the globe.
Enrichment
- Travel watches, such as the Rolex GMT-Master and Patek Philippe Worldtimer, have become more than just tools for tracking different time zones: they have evolved into symbols of luxury, status, and adventure.
- The Rolex GMT-Master's significant role in travel watches began in the 1950s when it was developed in collaboration with Pan American Airways, catering to the need for a simple way to track multiple time zones.
- Rolex's revolutionary design combined a 24-hour hand and a rotating bezel with 24-hour indices, allowing wearers to easily read two time zones. This innovation remains a key feature in many travel and dual-time watches today.
- While the Rolex GMT-Master is known for its long history and widespread popularity, the first wristwatch with two time zones can be traced back to 1925, with the creation of Longines' Spirit Zulu Time.
- The Patek Philippe Worldtimer, which features a stylish intricate dial and 24 time zones, is a testament to the brand's craftsmanship and tradition, boasting a hefty price tag of around 85,000 euros.
- The Rolex GMT-Master has undergone several developments since its launch, including the release of the GMT-Master II in 1989, the introduction of ceramic bezels starting in 2005, and the creation of bi-colored ceramic bezel inserts in 2013.
I'm not sure if every gadget enthusiast would have a Patek Philippe Worldtimer or a Rolex GMT-Master in their collection, given their hefty price tags. However, the appeal of technology in the form of these luxury timepieces, especially for frequent travelers, cannot be underestimated as they offer both functionality and status.
