Watches for frequent travel and half time zones

[Matt_01]

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions on a good watch for travel. I am looking for a traditional style watche i.e. not an iWatch, or some thing else that I need to charge regularly. All my current watches are automatics and as I travel on a weekly basis between full and half times zones I am getting feed up with always adjusting the time. The half time zone is the issue as most GMTs that I am aware of only work in full time zones. There are a couple of manufactures who produce automatic watches in dual 30 minute time zones, Blancpain and Glashutte, however at this stage not quite that feed up with manually adjusting times when compared to their cost.

Ideally I would be after a watch that looks traditional and maybe a hybrid smart watch. I am considering the Seiko Astron GPS or the Kronaby which I have only seen these online. Does anyone on this site use either of these or something similar and if so what are they like. I know my phone will always show the correct time however I still like watches any other suggestions are welcome.

 

[Ric]

Breguet Marine (Dual Time) GMT 5857 and this > IWC IW326201 Pilot Worldtimer Black Arabic Dial Stainless Steel
Quite a gap in prices between them
Breguet might work once the time is adjusted?

 

[Matt_01]

@Ric thanks for the suggestions, I liked the idea of the Breguet as this is a brand I would like to own. It is a nice looking watch however after some quick research it would seem to be similar to most GMTs or dual time zones that being the hour hands can moved independent of each other however the minute hand cannot. Jaeger-Lecoultre also make a nice dual time reverso however it to can only move the hour hand that can be moved independently.

On the Blancpain Demi-Fuseau Horaire or Glashutte Senator Cosmopolite the x2 minute hands can be moved independently and can accomodate half time zones. As much as I like the idea of owning an automatic dual time zone I think I may have to settle for some type of hybrid or quartz version.

 

[Ric]

@Ric thanks for the suggestions, I liked the idea of the Breguet as this is a brand I would like to own. It is a nice looking watch however after some quick research it would seem to be similar to most GMTs or dual time zones that being the hour hands can moved independent of each other however the minute hand cannot. Jaeger-Lecoultre also make a nice dual time reverso however it to can only move the hour hand that can be moved independently.

On the Blancpain Demi-Fuseau Horaire or Glashutte Senator Cosmopolite the x2 minute hands can be moved independently and can accomodate half time zones. As much as I like the idea of owning an automatic dual time zone I think I may have to settle for some type of hybrid or quartz version.

The Glashutte Senator Cosmopolite is a nice clean looking watch but at about the same price as the Breguet, I would go for the Breguet.
I have given up on Blancpain!

 

[Dismounted]

I have an Astron - works really well to change timezones and does what it says on the box without fuss. I don't have the dual timezone version though, mine is the chronograph version.

Happy to answer any questions on the watch!

 

[MathNerd]

I faced your exact dilemna many years ago, and decided to take a punt on the Citizen Satellite Wave watches.

Fast forward to the present, best money I've ever spent.
They may not be automatic (I presume one of your must have features), however the fact they're solar (any light actually) powered and that the outer ring has time codes (most of them are airport codes too, bonus for the hardcore AFF'ers amongst us) mean that these watches are a perfect accessory. I've worn all of them on trips, both domestically and internationally, and they trot on just fine.
Whilst my collection of watches are all Citizens, the ones that I have that are of interest to you are:

• CC9075-52F
• CC9025-51E
• CC3060-10E
• CC1090-61E

With all these timepieces, literally all I have to do is pull the crown out (one click or 2, depending on the model), then rotate the seconds hand to the desired timezone, and then watch as the hour and minute hands graciously slide to their respective positions). It's effortless and lets me get on with my day without any further fumbling fussing around.

All of these were purchased from Starbuy, and as anyone who's purchased from there can attest, they have the best prices and more importantly, the best service. My 14 Citizens from there are a testament to that.

Let me know if you have any questions, but it is my firm belief that these are the best watches for the frequent time-zone-jumper.

 

[daft009]

With all these timepieces, literally all I have to do is pull the crown out (one click or 2, depending on the model), then rotate the seconds hand to the desired timezone, and then watch as the hour and minute hands graciously slide to their respective positions). It's effortless and lets me get on with my day without any further fumbling fussing around.

I thought being GPS they would autosync?
At worst, a single button to activate the GPS and then it would autosync to the time zone?

What's the point of the GPS then?

I've always wanted one but could never justify it as I don't do that much travel

 

[Matt_01]

I have an Astron - works really well to change timezones and does what it says on the box without fuss.

Do you actually have to do anything to the watch to make it change time zones. @MathNerd seems to indicate that with the Citizen you need to move the second hand to the time zone for it to adjust. That being the case it would not be that much different what I have to do in adjusting my current watches.

They may not be automatic (I presume one of your must have features)

Sure I would prefer an automatic but it is "not a must have". I like watches but at the moment I am just looking for a practical watch with a clean look. At the moment I am finding I like the look of this one as it is just a little less cluttered. When comparing the price of the seiko to a true dual time automatic it seems like it is becoming a no brainer. I can get a new travel/ daily watch and have enough left over for a couple of other watches I would like but do not need.

Thanks for the input, some great suggestions.

 

[craven morehead]

Following with interest as I'm also considering the Seiko Astron GPS . The G Shock : Casio Gravity Master Hybrid GPS GMT 1000 I'm running at present is excellent, but too chunky for dressy occasions.

 

[craven morehead]

I faced your exact dilemna many years ago, and decided to take a punt on the Citizen Satellite Wave watches.

Fast forward to the present, best money I've ever spent.
They may not be automatic (I presume one of your must have features), however the fact they're solar (any light actually) powered and that the outer ring has time codes (most of them are airport codes too, bonus for the hardcore AFF'ers amongst us) mean that these watches are a perfect accessory. I've worn all of them on trips, both domestically and internationally, and they trot on just fine.
Whilst my collection of watches are all Citizens, the ones that I have that are of interest to you are:

• CC9075-52F
• CC9025-51E
• CC3060-10E
• CC1090-61E

With all these timepieces, literally all I have to do is pull the crown out (one click or 2, depending on the model), then rotate the seconds hand to the desired timezone, and then watch as the hour and minute hands graciously slide to their respective positions). It's effortless and lets me get on with my day without any further fumbling fussing around.

All of these were purchased from Starbuy, and as anyone who's purchased from there can attest, they have the best prices and more importantly, the best service. My 14 Citizens from there are a testament to that.

Let me know if you have any questions, but it is my firm belief that these are the best watches for the frequent time-zone-jumper.

Very nice collection!

 

[offshore171]

I have a Blancpain diver, which is a regular automatic with just standard time and date. However with dive watches, there is the trick of using a dive bezel to indicate a second time zone. Basically for those interested, you move the bezel until the main pointer lines up with where the 'other 12 oclock' should be, and you're good to go. Don't even need to unscrew the crown.

It's not going to handle the half hour timezones without a bit of mental gymnastics (why do these even exist?) but it's a very nice way to track a second time zone if you prefer dive/sport watches.

For me, anything more complicated such as checking several timezones, or the half hour case, I'm using the phone.

 

[daft009]

I bought a "poor man's" version (AU$300ish) a couple of years ago, I use BT to select the time zones and can then swap between two via a button on the watch

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[Dismounted]

Do you actually have to do anything to the watch to make it change time zones. @MathNerd seems to indicate that with the Citizen you need to move the second hand to the time zone for it to adjust. That being the case it would not be that much different what I have to do in adjusting my current watches.

Two options to change timezone:

• Use the crown to flick across to the right timezone indicated on the bezel (like the Citizen) - this is actually pretty handy, takes <5 seconds to get the seconds hand to the right timezone, click the crown back in and go. The hands then spin around as required without any other action
• Hold down one of the side buttons (depending on the Astron model) and let go - the watch will go find 4+ GPS satellites to sync your location and timezone

As far as I'm aware, the Astron won't change timezones by itself without one of the above actions. It will sync the seconds with GPS once a day when it detects clear daylight.

 

[Matt_01]

However with dive watches, there is the trick of using a dive bezel to indicate a second time zone. Basically for those interested, you move the bezel until the main pointer lines up with where the 'other 12 oclock' should be, and you're good to go. Don't even need to unscrew the crown.

I may have to investigate how this works. I have a Rolex Sub, I am not sure if my mental gymnastics can work out the half time zone and why half time zones exist, I have no idea I did read a year or so back that SA was considering switching to AEST however that has not eventuated.

 

[leadman]

Well my watch is probably really too traditional, doesn't need charging, new batteries or the internet to work, easy to change and see (as you get older) and keeps your hands free.

I using it right now (this minute) in SE Asia as i bring in a furnace and its perfect with the loud noises, burners roaring; to communicate with non-english speaking people when to tap the furnace. better still you don't have to take the gloves off to read it all the time and doesn't overheat. True metallurgists watch!

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

CITIZEN WATCH Global Network

CITIZEN WATCH Global Network

www.citizenwatch.com

Ron has one of these Citizen watches.

 

[MathNerd]

Do you actually have to do anything to the watch to make it change time zones. @MathNerd seems to indicate that with the Citizen you need to move the second hand to the time zone for it to adjust. That being the case it would not be that much different what I have to do in adjusting my current watches.

I thought being GPS they would autosync?
At worst, a single button to activate the GPS and then it would autosync to the time zone?
What's the point of the GPS then?

There are two options to change the timezone, as @Dismounted explained below for his Astron. It would definitely be nice for the watch to change the timezone automatically when landing in a new timezone, however this by default would require the watch to perform a continuous search of GPS signals, which understandably would drain the battery.

What I do, at least initially, is quickly flick over to the new timezone by carrying out the procedure I explained, and then when I have a clear and unobstructed view of the sky, I carry out a procedure involving holding down one of the side buttons and waiting for a signal to be detected, which then syncs, to the second, the watch to the local time. This sync can take anywhere from 10 seconds to a couple of minutes, all depending on how strong the GPS signals are at that location.

Two options to change timezone:

• Use the crown to flick across to the right timezone indicated on the bezel (like the Citizen) - this is actually pretty handy, takes <5 seconds to get the seconds hand to the right timezone, click the crown back in and go. The hands then spin around as required without any other action
• Hold down one of the side buttons (depending on the Astron model) and let go - the watch will go find 4+ GPS satellites to sync your location and timezone

As far as I'm aware, the Astron won't change timezones by itself without one of the above actions. It will sync the seconds with GPS once a day when it detects clear daylight.

Perfectly explained, thanks. The Citizens do the same too. Impressive watches the Astrons and Satellite Waves are!

CITIZEN WATCH Global Network

CITIZEN WATCH Global Network

www.citizenwatch.com

Ron has one of these Citizen watches.

I'd love to get one of these Radio Controlled watches, however the timekeeping Radio signals are only active in Europe, the United States, China, and Japan. Australia isn't worthy enough!

 

[AisleSeat]

I faced your exact dilemna many years ago, and decided to take a punt on the Citizen Satellite Wave watches.

Fast forward to the present, best money I've ever spent.
They may not be automatic (I presume one of your must have features), however the fact they're solar (any light actually) powered and that the outer ring has time codes (most of them are airport codes too, bonus for the hardcore AFF'ers amongst us) mean that these watches are a perfect accessory. I've worn all of them on trips, both domestically and internationally, and they trot on just fine.
Whilst my collection of watches are all Citizens, the ones that I have that are of interest to you are:

• CC9075-52F
• CC9025-51E
• CC3060-10E
• CC1090-61E

With all these timepieces, literally all I have to do is pull the crown out (one click or 2, depending on the model), then rotate the seconds hand to the desired timezone, and then watch as the hour and minute hands graciously slide to their respective positions). It's effortless and lets me get on with my day without any further fumbling fussing around.

All of these were purchased from Starbuy, and as anyone who's purchased from there can attest, they have the best prices and more importantly, the best service. My 14 Citizens from there are a testament to that.

Let me know if you have any questions, but it is my firm belief that these are the best watches for the frequent time-zone-jumper.

I've always had a Citizen watch, I think since 1990 when my dad bought me my first one, and I've just gone with it. My Eco-Drive Promaster dive watch has given up after nearly 17 years and I think I've outgrown it a little anyway. I do like the look of the Satellite Wave Freedom.

 

[daft009]

There are two options to change the timezone, as @Dismounted explained below for his Astron. It would definitely be nice for the watch to change the timezone automatically when landing in a new timezone, however this by default would require the watch to perform a continuous search of GPS signals, which understandably would drain the battery.

What I do, at least initially, is quickly flick over to the new timezone by carrying out the procedure I explained, and then when I have a clear and unobstructed view of the sky, I carry out a procedure involving holding down one of the side buttons and waiting for a signal to be detected, which then syncs, to the second, the watch to the local time. This sync can take anywhere from 10 seconds to a couple of minutes, all depending on how strong the GPS signals are at that location.

Thanks MN!
okay great, a single button press once you're under the sky is simple enough.
worth it then!

Just wish there was a simpler one which didn't have such a busy face. I'm a big citizen fan too though not to your calibre

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Thanks MN! okay great, a single button press once you're under the sky is simple enough. worth it then!
Just wish there was a simpler one which didn't have such a busy face. I'm a big citizen fan too though not to your calibre

Have a look at the Citizen UK and USA sites. They get different styles to AUST. I was wearing my watch and in a Citizen shop in Japan and they had not seen the style I was wearing.