Regardless of your method of travel or final destination, accurately keeping track of the time is imperative whenever you are in transit, and travel watches easily rank among the most popular and practical styles of timepieces. Beyond just telling the time, travel watches are specifically designed to help their owners easily navigate between time zones, and they often have the ability to display the time in multiple locations around the world. However, travel watches exist in many different forms, and their signature travel-oriented functionality can differ from one model to the next. From elegant world timers to GMT-equipped chronographs, here is a closer look at the top 10 travel watches for collectors in 2025.
Rolex GMT-Master II
The Rolex GMT-Master II is a mandatory part of any discussion about travel watches, and many collectors would consider it to be the single most famous travel watch in the world. While the original GMT-Master first debuted in 1954 as a purpose-built tool watch that was designed specifically for commercial airline pilots, the GMT-Master II is the contemporary version of Rolex’s iconic multi-time zone travel watch that first appeared in 1982 and introduced an independently adjustable local hour hand that can be jumped either forward or backward to easily display a new time zone. While Rolex now produces several models that offer similar travel-oriented GMT functionality, the classic 40mm GMT-Master II is easily the most famous, and the core blueprint of the Rolex GMT-Master II has inspired countless other travel watches that are produced by a wide variety of different brands throughout the industry.
Compared to other Rolex sports watches, the GMT-Master II is available in a fairly wide assortment of configurations, and in addition to the standard stainless steel models, you will also find GMT-Master II watches in all three flavors of 18k gold (yellow, white, and Everose), plus two-tone models that pair stainless steel with either yellow or Everose gold components. Among the current-catalog Rolex GMT-Master II watches, the classic ref. 126710BLRO with its red and blue split-color “Pepsi” bezel is easily the most famous, although Rolex also produces stainless steel models with blue and black “Batman" bezels (ref. 126710BLNR) or gray and black (ref. 126710GRNR) bezels, plus the green and black ref. 126720VTNR that features a left-handed crown configuration. While the Everose gold ref. 126715CHNR and white gold ref. 126719BLRO are the top-of-the-line models from the standard lineup, Rolex also produces off-catalog versions of the GMT-Master II, such as the ref. 126755SARU and ref. 116748SA, which feature their signature split-color bezels rendered in diamonds and precious gemstones.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time
Originally introduced in 2012 as the first Aquanaut model to feature a complication other than a date display, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time reference 5164 stands out as one of the most popular watches from the prestigious Swiss manufacturer’s modern catalog. Unlike a conventional GMT watch, the 40.8mm Aquanaut Travel Time features two independently adjustable 12-hour hands (each with a dedicated day/night indicator), while a secondary register at 6 o’clock displays the date. Additionally, rather than being adjusted entirely through the crown, the local hour hand on Aquanaut Travel Time models can be jumped either forward or backward in one-hour increments by simply pressing the two buttons that are integrated into the 9 o’clock side of its case, while the date can be adjusted by a small button that sits recessed into the middle case at 4 o’clock.
While the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time was originally introduced in stainless steel with a black dial as the ref. 5164A-001, the steel version was discontinued in 2024, and Patek Philippe now offers the Aquanaut Travel Time in either 18k rose gold with a brown dial (ref. 5164R-001) or in 18k white gold with a gray/blue dial (ref. 5164G-001). Additionally, Patek Philippe created a limited-edition version of the Aquanaut Travel Time in 2017 as part of its Advanced Research program, and the 500-piece Patek Philippe Advanced Research Aquanaut Travel Time ref. 5650G-001 features a white gold case with silicon movement components and a partially open-worked dial that reveals the intricately shaped mechanism of its signature travel time complication. Just like all of Patek Philippe’s most desirable models, Aquanaut Travel Time watches trade hands for significant premiums above their official retail prices on the secondary market, and while Tiffany dial examples can be worth an extra six figures above their otherwise identical counterparts, the limited-edition Advanced Research Aquanaut Travel Time is easily the most coveted version, with an open-market price of more than half a million dollars.
Rolex Explorer II
When the Rolex Explorer II was originally introduced in 1971, it was created as a 24-hour watch specifically for cave explorers, and although it featured an additional 24-hour hand, it was only capable of displaying a single time zone. However, when the Explorer II received a major generational update in the mid-1980s, it received the same movement as Rolex’s recently revised GMT-Master II, and this expanded the functionality of the Explorer II into a rugged and adventure-ready GMT watch. However, unlike the GMT-Master II, which features a rotating bezel that offers easy access to an additional third time zone, the 24-hour bezel on the Rolex Explorer II is completely fixed to its case, which means that the watch is only capable of tracking the time in two different locations. That said, since the modern Explorer II shares a movement with its GMT-Master II sibling, its local hour hand can also be jumped backward or forward in one-hour increments, and this makes it equally practical when it comes to quickly navigating between different time zones.
Unlike the GMT-Master II, which is offered in a wide variety of different materials and colorways, the Rolex Explorer II has only ever been produced in stainless steel. Furthermore, the Explorer II has only been offered with the option of either a black or white dial, and all of the modern versions are exclusively paired with Rolex’s classic three-link Oyster bracelet. Additionally, while the current-generation Rolex Explorer II ref. 226570 and previous-generation ref. 216570 both have 42mm cases, older versions of the watch shared a 40mm middle case with the GMT-Master II, and the original vintage Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 (which lacks the GMT functionality of its successors) is the smallest with a case diameter of 39mm. While the rotating bezel of the GMT-Master II undeniably makes it the superior option for those who need to know the time in more than two locations, the Explorer II is equally capable of easily accommodating a life of changing time zones, and its rugged stainless steel construction makes it Rolex’s most understated and utilitarian travel watch.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time
Launched in 2017 as a travel-oriented version of the brand’s signature integrated bracelet sports watch, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time represents a refined yet rugged package that is equally at home in both formal and casual environments. Unlike a traditional GMT watch that uses a 24-hour display for its reference time zone, the 41mm Overseas Dual Time features two independently adjustable 12-hour hands, along with a day/night indicator that is dedicated to its non-local time zone. Similar to the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time displays the date on a sub-dial located at 6 o’clock. However, it also includes an additional screw-down date corrector button located on the side of its case at 4 o’clock (rather than a small button recessed into the middle case), and this helps to streamline the setting process, as the date can be adjusted without the use of any tools.
While the standard Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time models are crafted from stainless steel and fitted with either black or silver dials (ref. 7920V/210A-B546 or ref. 7920V/210A-B333, respectively), the brand also produces a boutique-exclusive version of the stainless steel Overseas Dual Time with a bright blue dial (ref. 7920V/210A-B334), along with models such as the ref. 7920V/000R-B336 and ref. 7920V/210R-B965 that have cases crafted from solid 18k pink gold. Additionally, Vacheron Constantin also created the Overseas Dual Time Everest ref. 7910V/000T-B922 as a 150-piece limited edition in 2021, and this sporty rendition of the model was crafted from titanium and paired with a gray/blue dial, bright orange accents, and a matching lightweight Cordura fabric strap. While the traditional configuration for the Overseas Dual Time consists of a bracelet crafted from either stainless steel or 18k gold to match the case, Vacheron Constantin also produces both leather and rubber straps for this travel-oriented model, which attach to its lugs in a tool-free manner using a integrated quick-release system.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph
First unveiled in 2014, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph is the successor to the original Nautilus Chronograph, and it expands upon the blueprint of its predecessor with dual-time zone functionality. In addition to offering a 60-minute flyback chronograph, the Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph also includes the same travel-oriented complication that can be found inside other Patek Philippe Travel Time models, and it features two central 12-hour hour hands with a pair of dedicated day/night indicators and the date represented by a separate register located on its dial. Similar to the Aquanaut Travel Time, adjusting the local hour hand on the 40.5mm Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph is achieved by pressing the two buttons that are integrated into the 9 o’clock side of its case, although the model also features a pair of oblong pushers flanking its screw-down winding crown, which are used to operate its flyback chronograph.
While the Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph was originally released in stainless steel with a black gradient dial as the ref. 5990/1A-001, the black-dial version was discontinued and replaced by a blue-dial equivalent (ref. 5990/1A-011), which Patek Philippe continues to offer alongside a solid 18k rose gold version with a bright blue dial that joined the lineup and a more luxury-oriented offering in 2021. Additionally, unlike some Nautilus models that are available with the option of leather straps, both versions of the current-production Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph are exclusively fitted with the collection’s signature integrated bracelet, which is crafted from either stainless steel or rose gold to match their respective cases. The Patek Philippe Nautilus ranks among the world’s most famous and recognizable luxury watches, and the Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph represents a highly functional rendition of this Gerald Genta-designed classic that can both measure elapsed time and simultaneously track multiple time zones.
Rolex Sky-Dweller
While the GMT-Master II and Explorer II are both sports watches, the Rolex Sky-Dweller represents a more refined and dressy offering that includes both GMT functionality and the added convenience of an annual calendar complication. First launched in 2012, the Sky-Dweller holds the title as of most mechanically complex timepiece in Rolex’s current portfolio, and in addition to featuring a calendar mechanism that automatically compensates for the different number of days in each month and only requires manual adjustment once per year, the Rolex Sky-Dweller also includes a rotating 24-hour disc that displays a secondary time zone, with a local hour hand that can be jumped either forward or backward in one-hour increments. Additionally, operating the Sky-Dweller is achieved through an intuitive process using the Rolex’s patented Ring Command bezel system, which allows users to set the watch and program its calendar by rotating the gold fluted bezel around the periphery of its display.
When the Rolex Sky-Dweller first debuted in 2012, it was exclusively offered in solid 18k gold, although the collection has since expanded to include a fairly wide assortment of different options. Alongside two-tone versions that pairs stainless steel with yellow gold components (ref. 326933 and ref. 336933), there are also stainless steel Sky-Dweller models with white gold bezels (ref. 326934 ref. 336934), and while the brand still produces solid 18k gold versions with matching gold bracelets like the ref. 336935 and ref. 336938, there are now other solid gold Sky-Dweller models such as the ref. 336238, and 336239 that swap out the gold bracelets of their siblings for Rolex’s high-tech Oysterflex rubber strap. Additionally, similar to other contemporary Rolex models, the Sky-Dweller is available with either the three-link Oyster or five-link Jubilee bracelet, and dial colors for the Sky-Dweller now span an increasing variety of options, including some less traditional hues like blue, green, slate, and chocolate brown, although certain dial colors are exclusively reserved for select models from the collection.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds
Although the famous reversible case of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was originally created so that owners could flip their watches around to protect them from damage, JLC now produces Duoface versions of the Reverso that feature two separate displays on either side of their cases, and this approach lends itself perfectly to a highly elegant travel watch. Formally launched in 2024 as an expansion of the brand’s Duoface series, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds is the most simple and traditional model from current Duoface lineup, and each side of the watch features a entirely independent time-only display, with the side for the secondary time zone benefitting from the added utility of a dedicated day/night indicator. By having each time zone displayed on a different side of its reversible case, the Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds is able to offer a more elegant and dressy overall appearance than a conventional travel watch, while still having the ability to track the time in two different locations.
At the time of writing, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds is available in either stainless steel (ref. Q3988482) or 18k pink gold (ref. Q3982590), and the 28.3mm by 47mm case and dial both closely adhere to the aesthetic of the original Reverso model. Additionally, while the side of the watch that displays the local time receives a blue sunray dial with a small running seconds hand located at 6 o’clock, the reverse side that has the added day/night indicator is finished silver to create a strong visual distinction between the two reversible displays. Technically speaking, the Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds isn’t able to simultaneously display two time zones, as the two dials are located on opposite sides of the watch. Additionally, for those who require more functionality, JLC produces other versions of the Reverso Tribute Duoface that are equipped with additional complications, such as a chronograph and triple-calendar moonphase display. However, the simple Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds offers dual-time functionality with the refined appearance of a classic time-only dress watch, and this makes it an excellent option for anyone that needs an elegant and formal travel companion.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT
As the modernized, ultra-thin expression of the Gerald Genta-designed Octo watch, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo is a fairly modern addition to the world of horology, and while the collection only first debuted in 2012, the Octo Finissimo is a modern-day icon and widely regarded as Bulgari’s single most famous model. Although Bulgari produces a fairly wide assortment of different Octo Finissimo watches, the standout when it comes to travel-oriented functionality is the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT, which first joined the catalog in 2019. In addition to featuring a 30-minute chronograph that is controlled by the two pushers located on the right-hand side of its case, the sub-dial positioned at 3 o’clock is actually a 24-hour register that functions as a secondary time zone display, and the centrally-mounted local hour hand on the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT can be independently adjusted to display a new time zone by simply pressing the additional pusher located on the side of its case at 9 o’clock.
When the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT was first launched in 2019, it made its debut appearance with a 42mm sandblasted titanium case as the ref. 103068. However, Bulgari now produces stainless steel versions with 43mm cases that are available with the option of either blue or silver dials (ref. 103467 or ref. 103661, respectively), along with the solid 18k rose gold ref. 103468, which features a chocolate brown dial and a matching brown alligator leather strap. That said, there have also been several limited-edition versions of the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT, such as the 200-piece ref. 103673 that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the collection and reimagined the original titanium model with a striking dial that looks like a blueprint sketch of its display. Similarly, there is also the ref. 104192, which is a 140-piece limited edition of the stainless steel Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT that has a sketch-style dial that depicts the watch’s internal movement, and Bulgari even collaborated with The Rake and Revolution magazine to produce the “White Light” ref. 103068, which was a 25-piece titanium version that featured a tachymeter bezel and a fully luminous dial.
Patek Philippe World Time
Patek Philippe has been producing world timer watches since 1937, and while numerous different references have existed throughout the years, all Patek Philippe World Time models are united by their ability to simultaneously display the time in all of the major cities around the globe. Rather than using an additional hour hand, a World Time watch has a rotating disc containing city names that works in conjunction with a 24-hour scale to keep track of time in all of the locations that appear upon its display. Historically, Patek Philippe’s World Time watches have included a map of the world in the center of their dials, although the brand produces other World Time models that showcase elaborate guilloché patterns or intricate enamel artworks. While their method of operation has evolved throughout the years, modern Patek Philippe World Time watches include a button located on the side of their cases, and wearers can simply press the button to change their current time zone, with all of the other cities automatically rotating accordingly to display their respective values against the 24-hour track.
Patek Philippe World Time watches are typically found within its Complications collection, which means that they offer traditional round cases with an inherently dressy overall aesthetic, and they are most frequently crafted from solid gold or platinum. Models such as the yellow gold ref. 5231J-001 and platinum ref. 5131/1P-001 offer a traditional world timer appearance with colorful enamel maps showcased in the center of their dials, Meanwhile while the current-production 18k white gold ref. 5330G-001 features a slightly more contemporary expression of this celebrated travel watch style with a denim strap, a carbon-inspired pattern on its dial, and an additional rotating ring surrounding the periphery of its display that functions as a date indicator. Additionally, while any Patek Philippe World Time watch makes a highly capable luxury travel companion, the brand also pairs other complications with its signature world timers, and models such as the stainless steel ref. 5935A-001 and the white gold ref. 5930G-010 feature the same multi-time zone functionality as the brand’s standalone World Time watches with the added utility of a flyback chronograph.
Richard Mille RM 11-05 Automatic Flyback Chronograph GMT
Launched in 2020 as a limited edition of 120 pieces, the Richard Mille RM 11-05 Automatic Flyback Chronograph GMT is an unapologetically modern and high-tech travel watch that offers a wealth of advanced features. Along with having a 42.7mm case crafted from gray Cermet, which is a lightweight ceramic composite material with a hardness level close to diamond, the Richard Mille RM 11-05 also includes a 24-hour flyback chronograph and GMT functionality. Furthermore, the movement powering this state-of-the-art model is also equipped with an annual calendar that autonomously compensates for the different number of days in each month, and an additional pusher located on the 9 o’clock side of the offers dedicated control of its GMT complication. Just like all of Richard Mille’s timepieces, the RM 11-05 Automatic Flyback Chronograph GMT is bold, sporty, and definitively contemporary in its appearance, although the practical functionality of its complications undeniably makes this premium model a highly capable travel companion.
For those who like the concept of a Richard Mille Travel watch but don’t necessarily want the added utility (or expensive) of the RM 11-05’s annual calendar, the brand’s various RM 11-02 models offer similar flyback chronograph GMT functionality to the flagship RM 11-05, and they can be found in a variety of case materials that range from titanium and carbon fiber to solid 18k rose gold. With that in mind, the extra autonomy provided by a date display that only requires manual adjustment once per year is undeniably convenient when you are trying to focus is on reaching your next designation, and the Richard Mille RM 11-05 Automatic Flyback Chronograph GMT is easily one of the most practical and function-forward timepieces from the Swiss brand’s entire portfolio. While any GMT-equipped Richard Mille Chronograph will require a minimum investment of six figures, it is undeniable that they represent a tangibly different offering than what you get from other luxury manufacturers, and the RM 11-05 stands out among the industry as a thoroughly modern expression of a feature-packed travel watch.
