Much like their dive watch cousins, GMT watches benefit from an enduring relationship to the period of exploration and technical innovation in the mid-20th century. The first GMT (which, for reference, stands for Greenwich Mean Time) was developed by Rolex in the early 1950s to help Pan-Am pilots simultaneously track multiple time-zones.

Rolex’s 1954 GMT-Master was the first watch to offer a second hour hand that could be set in coordination with a rotating 24-hour bezel. This innovation provided the foundation for the modern GMT, and delivered a great deal of utility to an emerging community of international travelers.

Like many of other iconic 20th century tool watches, the GMT-Master has moved steadily upmarket over the past 70 years into the realm of high-end luxury. Retail prices for a GMT-Master II are now roughly the cost of used Cessna plane, which is a huge departure from it's original value proposition.

Our goal with the G7 collection is to maintain the original “working man” spirit of the early GMTs, while still delivering on the technical performance of the very best options on the market today.

If you’re new to GMT watches, the first thing you might notice is the price tag. Compared to other tool watches, they tend to be command a premium, and the Vaer G7 is no exception (it’s been our most expensive model since it was first released in 2021). The primary reason? Mechanical GMT movements are rare - and typically cost 40-120% more than a standard 3-hand Swiss Made automatic.

Aside from use of diamonds and precious metals, the key determinant of cost in the world of luxury and ultra-luxury horology is the complexity (and resulting labor cost) of the watches movement (which serves the same function as the engine in a car). Most watches with a price-tag over $50,000 are priced because of the technical achievement or innovation of the movement - and these innovations often revolve around the use of “complications”.

While the GMT’s two time-zone function is relatively simple complication (compared to a perpetual calendar or tourbillon), because it offers a ton of added utility (and a unique aesthetic flair) it remains one of the most sought after complications on the market today.

The appeal of a watch is about a lot more than the sum of its parts.

While the Vaer G7 is our most technically impressive model (and contains our most valuable movement), like every Vaer watch its true appeal comes down to: a) what you can do with it, and b) the pleasure and pride you’ll feel while wearing it.

In terms of what you can do with it, the answer is: just about everything. While the GMT function and the optional two-toned bezel are big selling points, the G7 also offers all of the in-water practicality of a professional grade diver. In addition to a 20ATM rating and a locking crown, the Vaer G7 is one of the few GMTs on the market today to offer interchangeable straps (for added in-water comfort) and the added insurance of our guaranteed waterproof warranty. For those reasons (and the economical price) you’d be hard pressed to find another Swiss Made GMT better suited for regular ocean/outdoor use.

Critically though, the G7 isn’t just about standing up to the elements. While it’s built to endure the trials of a first-ascent, it’s just as likely to be a conversation starter when flying first-class. Swiss GMTs are hard to come by in general, but Swiss GMTs with lumed ceramic bezel? That’s truly rarified air. Most comparable models retail in the $5k - $10k range, and even then, often lack the refined proportions of a top-tier collector timepiece.

Measuring in at a modest 39mm, the G7 case diameter is aligned with the proportions of the most collectable vintage GMT and Dive models - which in our opinion, is the best possible reference point for a “timeless” aesthetic appeal.

In summary, while the Vaer G7 GMT is our most expensive model, it also might be the best value in our lineup when you consider it’s all-round appeal. It offers a collectable and decidedly rare movement (which helps resale value), it offers a bold and eye-catching aesthetic, and delivers a unique dual-time functionality to complement our standard list of outdoor performance capabilities.