Touring the World: Seven Watches that Celebrate the Spirit of Travel

A quick glance at social media right now will tell you that most of the world is currently on vacation. Be it a weekend escape to the closest hill station or an indulgent holiday in remote destinations in time zones far, far away, travel forms an integral part of all our lives. The world of horology acknowledges this too, as evidenced by the popularity of travel-time complications. Being able to keep track of time in more than one destination makes these timepieces popular with watch enthusiasts who happen to be jet-setters and frequent travellers. This year saw the launch of some stunning watches whose essence is rooted in the spirit of travel. Take a closer look at seven such timepieces that impressed GMT India the most.

Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 5330G-001 World Time with Date

This new 40 mm version of the Patek Philippe World Time stands out by virtue of its patented world first mechanism: a date display indexed to local time, ie. that of the time zone selected at 12 o'clock and indicated by the central hands. The opaline blue-grey dial with ‘carbon’ pattern—against which the date is displayed on the flange by a red-tipped central glass hand—and the sheen of the polished white gold case serve as aesthetic bonuses. The world-time complication that enables the 24-hour and day/night indication for all 24 time zones is powered by Caliber 240 HU C.

Bovet Récital 28 Prowess 1

A marvel of microengineering, this 46.3 mm Bovet watch does not just account for 24 global time zones, but it also takes into consideration Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), American summertime (AST), European and American summertime (EAS), and European wintertime (EWT), thus allowing one to keep track of time differences owing to daylight saving. The four roller displays indicate the day, date, month, all of which reset automatically at the end of each month. That’s not all. The watch incorporates a flying tourbillon and a perpetual-calendar mechanism too. Limited to eight pieces a year, it is available in 18 ct red gold, 950 platinum, and grade 5 titanium.

Cartier Santos de Cartier Dual Time

Epitomising the elegance that is second nature to Cartier, this grey-dialled timepiece combines the much-loved essence of the Santos with a no-frills dual-time display at 6 o’clock. The timeless charm is further heightened by the classic appeal of the steel bracelet, though wearers can switch it out for an alligator strap as well. At 40.2 mm, this is on the larger side for a Santos; yet the size does not take away from its beauty. It is powered by a non-manufacture movement based on a SW-330 that guarantees a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time

Right from when it was introduced in 1996, the popular Overseas collection by Vacheron Constantin has witnessed a sea change, in terms of both looks and functioning. The latest iterations revealed at Watches and Wonders this year are all crafted from 18 ct pink gold and sport striking green dials that instantly draw attention. The smallest of the lot is a diamond-studded 35 mm version and the largest—sized at 42.5 mm—is a chronograph with distinct sporty aesthetics. Common to all references is the six-sided bezel, inspired by the Maltese cross, that remains a defining feature of the Overseas collection.

Louis Vuitton Escale

The latest interpretation of the Louis Vuitton Escale has a dressier edge while still staying true to the collection’s classic essence and the brand’s motto of travel. This 39 mm variant directly draws inspiration from the brand’s celebrated trunks and their design codes. The time-only three-hand model sports several details of the emblematic Louis Vuitton trunks. Examples include the gold indexes and studs on the dials that are inspired by the trunks’ metallic pieces and lozine nails, and the dial’s grained finish on the rose gold variants that pay homage to Louis Vuitton's iconic Monogram canvas. 

Louis Moinet Around the World in 8 Days

A contemporary visualisation of Jules Verne’s historic odyssey, this collection captures the essence of eight of the world’s most dynamic metropolises while spotlighting Louis Moinet’s métiers d’art prowess. Making use of materials ranging from rock crystal to aventurine and featuring genuine fragments of history, the eight timepieces double up as a global  journey that begins in Paris and ends in New York while passing through the floating markets of Bangkok and high-tech pockets of Kuala Lumpur. If we had to pick favourites, it would be the Tokyo iteration that combines the majestic aura of Mount Fuji with delicate origami creations and cherry blossoms, all hand-painted with precision.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II 

The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II has been a Rolex icon since its launch in 1955. The latest to join the hallowed line, this model was launched at Watches and Wonders 2024. Housed in a 40 mm Oyster case, it features a black and grey Cerachrom bezel insert, a material valued for its virtually scratch-proof quality. The black lacquer dial sports ‘GMT-Master II’ in green, the same colour as the triangle-tipped 24-hour hand. This hand, along with the 24-hour graduated rotatable bezel, helps display a second time zone in addition to the conventional time. The watch is powered by caliber 3285 with 70 hours of power reserve.