The GMT watch has an interesting history, dating back to the 1950s when Pan Am Airlines approached Rolex requesting a watch that could simultaneously display two time zones. At the time, air travel was becoming increasingly popular, and pilots needed a watch that could keep track of both their home time and the local time at their destination.
Rolex responded to the challenge by developing the GMT-Master, a watch with a fourth hand and a rotating bezel that allowed pilots to track a second-time zone. The watch was released in 1955, and it quickly became popular among pilots and frequent travellers.
Over the years, other watch manufacturers began developing their own GMT watches, and the design and functionality of the watches evolved. In the 1960s, Breitling introduced the Transocean GMT, which featured a 24-hour hand that could be independently adjusted to display a second-time zone. In the 1980s, IWC released the UTC, which allowed wearers to track a third-time zone using a rotating bezel.
In recent years, GMT watches have become increasingly popular among watch enthusiasts and collectors. Modern GMT watches feature innovative materials, advanced complications, and sophisticated designs. Some notable examples include the san martin GMT.
Overall, the GMT watch has had a significant impact on the world of horology, and it continues to be a popular choice for travellers and watch enthusiasts alike.