No one could blame you for wanting a Rolex GMT Master II: It's the watch that defined a horological genre (the GMT), its look is utterly distinctive and, of course, it's got the unassailable caché of the the Rolex name. But even if you can get it at its base price in steel (which would be lucky), it'll cost you $9,700. If it's the very specific look you want, however, with its sporty but handsome feel and and bicolor bezel, Rolex isn't your only choice.
If you're looking to spend less, or simply can't bear languishing on a waiting list, what are the options? The GMT market has exploded in recent years, and there are many brands offering GMT watches with a bezel in "Pepsi" (red and blue), "Batman" (black and blue), "Coke" (red and black) as well as more color combinations and interpretations of this winning concept.
The Alternatives
Timex Q GMT
- Movement: Quartz
- Diameter: 38mm
- Water Resistance: 50m
The proudly quartz and playfully conceived Timex Q more or less started with a bicolor bezel GMT look, but it later went on to add an actual GMT. It's a retro-sized 38mm wide, and it only costs $229! Of course, it's got that bicolor bezel that just pops and a throwback bracelet style that's nifty as hell.
Jack Mason Strat-O-Timer GMT
- Movement: Miyota 9075 automatic
- Diameter: 40mm
- Water Resistance: 50m
Microbrand Jack Mason's Strat-O-Timer GMT has that bicolor bezel that defines the Rolex look, but enough differences to make it feel like its own thing. If that's the kind of thing you're after, you won't be disappointed with its details and quality for the price. It also comes in Batman (blue and black), Rootbeer (black and brown) and even a "Joker" (black and purple) colorway options.
Baltic Aquascaphe GMT
- Movement: Soprod C125 GMT automatic
- Diameter: 39mm
- Water Resistance: 100m
In blue and orange, it's not perfectly "Pepsi," but the familiar sporty charm of a classic GMT in the tradition of Rolex's classic is clearly present in Baltic's Aquascaphe. If you want the style with a solid Swiss automatic movement and all the luxury specs at around a grand, this is it. (Note: It also comes in two other colors, one of which is pretty close to the 2022 left-handed 126720VTNR.)
Monta Skyquest
- Movement: Sellita SW330 automatic
- Diameter: 40.7mm
- Water Resistance: 300m
Monta has always been inspired by Rolex and has long had the Skyquest GMT in its collection. The latest generation of the Skyquest, however, veers even closer to the Rolex archetype with its bezel colors, of course, but also in some of its details. The brand's Rolex inspiration, however, manifests not only in design but also in finishing and construction. It's about the most solid alternative to the GMT Master II at its price point.
Tudor Black Bay GMT
- Movement: Tudor MT5652 automatic
- Diameter: 41mm
- Water Resistance: 200m
For well under half the price of the GMT Master II, Rolex's own sister brand offers its interpretation with an absolutely killer value. It's fitted with a COSC-certified, in-house automatic movement, and its absolutely top-notch fit and finish are worthy of the Rolex family. It comes on an excellent steel bracelet at around $4K but is even more affordable and still very handsome on a strap.
