How to set A GMT Watch

Kobold

Oh it sounds easy... and it is! Still, I know people in the watch business that still do not know how to set a G.M.T. watch. Follow these simple instructions, most G.M.T.'s function with two hour hands, so set one hour hand to the outward bezel of the watch. Next, set the hour hand used on the normal dial, (it typically moves independently to set the date and the time). There is is! You have set two time zones. Now CTWG, what about the scary 24-hour outward bezel “it is not americanized to our time system? Yes, it can be tough to subtract 12, but we must advance as a culture. Besides, the bezel almost always has a dark/light look to indicate day/night time (use this to your advantage). Happy setting CTWG

14 Responses to How to set A GMT Watch

  1. A. Zirlin says:

    Setting a GMT watch properly is the most difficult piece of information I have ever sought after, and your comments still don’t shed any light as to the proper function of such a watch.

  2. Chad says:

    Each G.M.T. can be a little different. Tell me the model you are trying to set and I will walk you through step by step. You will see the light I am sure of it. CTWG

  3. A. Zirlin says:

    I have a brand new Marcello C Nettuno GMT. The watch came with no instruction whatever as to the setting and operation of the GMT function. You’d think that a $1,300 Swiss watch would come with a manual of some sort instead of a little card showing how to set the time and date that could be applied to almost any watch. Are you familiar with this watch? And I wish someone could explain in plain English what the rotatable bezel is for in all this. Even the manual for the Rolex GMT Master II is rather vague. Didn’t they invent the GMT watch?

  4. Chad says:

    A. Zirlin,
    Can you get all the hands in a line? Meaning Triangle hour hand, regular hour hand and minute hand. Point them all up to 12:00 or 24 hour mark both being the same position, North(Make them North). O.K. now pull the crown out one click and move the small hour hand (regular) untill the date pops to the correct day. Continue by pulling the crown to the second click and set the time as it is were you are. The time is set, one military, one to regular(12 hour). Now if you want a second time zone just pull the crown out one click and move just the hours ahead or behind to that time. Your base time will be the 24 hour rim hence G.M.T. I hope this works for ya. As for the moving bezel it is so that you can get a third time zone for a short duration. Let’s tackle that later.CTWG

  5. A. Zirlin says:

    Got it. Now I can set the 24-hour hand to whatever time it is somewhere else by using the military time. So if it’s 3 PM here and GMT time is 6 hours ahead I set the 4th hand past that to 21 on the bezel. I’m a slow learner! Thanks.

    Allan

  6. W.Lee says:

    I just bought a Chaumet GMT watch (w11692-32a), but I can not figure out how to set up the watch using GMT system. Also I do not know how to read it, either. I have been researching on the internet, but I could not find anything except instruction on Rolex GMT watches. Can you tell me how to use the Chaumet GMT watch and how to set up it and read it? I will really appreciate it.

    Thank you!

  7. Mark Gander says:

    Chad,

    I recently ordered a Debaufre Ocean 1 (GMT). I have never owned one before and I am a bit unsure of how to set the GMT hand. Here it is and maybe you can assist me. I live in the Acores, Portugal there is a (-4) hour difference to NY State how would I set the time to reflect a GMT time. Thanks hope you can help me.

    Macgyver
    Lajes AFB
    Acores, Portugal

  8. I have a new Invicta Swiss made scuba dive watch with the model # 6089. GMT is a whole new concept for me when it comes to watches. I would like to know how not only to set but to understand it as well. I would really really appreciate your assistance.
    Thanks,
    Denzil Minyard
    Parkville, MD

  9. Andy Perfect says:

    Er, Hi – like everyone else on here, I’m struggling to get to grips with my GMT – just collected my Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT, and to be frank, I don’t have a scooby-doo what I should to to set it, or how to read it! Any help most gratefully received!

    Andy,
    Manchester, UK.

  10. Leon says:

    Hello

    I just bought a Chanel J12 GMT watch and Im really not sure I’m setting it correctly!

    Can you shed some light as to how the GMT hand is set! I can get the regular time to set but am a little confused as to if I use the bezel on the face of the watch to set the 2nd time zone (GMT)?

    Leon C.

  11. Robert says:

    Have a new invicta reserve specialty subaqua GMT and have no clue how to set it and understand it will you please help me on this matter Chad? thank you

  12. Chad says:

    Robert,

    Can you send a picture of this watch to me? Then I can check the set up of the hands and how it should be set. Thanks. CTWG

    Chad@hennejewelers.com

  13. Mario says:

    Any idea how to set the UTC function on a hamlton sky master UTC?

Leave a Reply

Name and Email Address are required fields. Your email will not be published or shared with third parties.