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Having a watch with 2 timezones can certainly be useful. With modern technology, it is possible to simply load up a web browser and find the time in another place. However, that hasn’t stopped dual timezone watches from being produced, nor has it lowered their popularity.
A Dual timezone watch is simply what its name states. A watch which is capable of telling the time in 2 different places. There are two forms of dual time zone watches. The first is a simple analog dial which as a subdial for a second timezone. This way you are able to set the main dial to the time of your current locations. The secondary dial is used for whichever location you choose.
Another model of a dual timezone watch is the digital format, this can be in tandem with an analog display, or it can simply store another timezone in a hidden display. Casio are well known for their timezone technology which has a multitude of cities worldwide pre-programmed into the watch.
The key benefits of using a dual timezone watch are if you travel a lot or have a relative in another country. If you’re back and forth between Japan and Los Angeles for example. You can simply set LA time and Tokyo time into each dial. This way you don’t need to keep changing your watch when you get off the plane.
Another useful feature is if you regularly call a relative in a foreign country. The time in Jamaica may be very different from the time in London. Therefore, you’re able to stop and look at your watch before you accidentally forget it’s 4AM and your phone call won’t be appreciated.
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Are Dual Timezone Watches Still Popular?
For the most part, dual timezone watches have had stable popularity over the last decade. They are not a fad, or a fashion item and are mostly used for people who genuinely want to measure 2 or more timezones.
Overall, it doesn’t look like dual timezone watches are going to lose popularity any time soon. Of course, your phone and google can already tell the time in different countries for you. However, much like books haven’t been completely replaced by ebooks. It doesn’t seem like watches with 2 timezones are going to be made useless by technology in the near future.
The Watch That Changes Timezones Automatically
One recent threat to the popularity of the dual timezone watch is the Seiko Astron. The Astron was released in 2012 and is the world’s only solar powered GPS watch. This means that the time will set automatically to wherever you are in the world.
A drawback of the Astron is its price tag of around $2000. This automatic time change feature makes it up to 10x more expensive than other models that require manual adjustment.
What About GMT Watches?
GMT watches are useful, but they are not technically dual timezone watches. To use a GMT watch, you must align the bezel with the 3rd hand of the watch and use this as the hour marker.
You can certainly use a GMT to tell the time in a foreign location or if you are a frequent traveler. However, the GMT is generally more of a fashion watch than a practical 2 timezone watch. This is partly due to the increase in popularity of models such as the Rolex GMT master and also because reading the time on a dual timezone watch is significantly easier compared to a GMT model.
6 Best Dual Timezone Watches Under $200
Lorus Digital-Analogue
Lorus is a very solid Japanese brand that is owned and marketed by its parent company Seiko. This analog-digital watch is very unusual since almost all watches are either analog or digital, not both. This requires the watch to have a specialized movement which is more expensive to make than a standard one.
Although this model is not specifically a dual-timezone watch. It can be used as one. This is because the digital part of the watch is completely separate from the analog. You are able to set the hands to whichever timezone you require and then set the digital to another timezone entirely.
Added features are an alarm, chronograph stopwatch and day, date features. You may not use these, but they are a nice extra and great value for the price.
Check The Price Of Lorus Watches On Amazon
MVMT
MVMT is a brand that comes under a lot of fire from the watch community. A lot of this criticism is justified since the brand was originally overpriced for the movement it contained (Miyota quartz). In the past few years, the popularity of MVMT has declined and so have its prices.
Overall the watch is quite minimalist and really not terrible value for money at under $100. Not only this, but it is available in 10 different color combinations. It’s certainly not a bargain by any means but is in the region of fairly priced. If you’re after a fashionable and minimalist dual timezone watch, this will probably be one of the best you can find.
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August Steiner
August Steiner is a popular American brand that is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. Despite being an American company, like many other fashion brands, August Steiner watches are assembled in China. With that being said, they still use Japanese miyota movements, so you can’t question the accuracy or reliability of their watches.
Once again, similar to the MVMT watch reviewed above, you’re mostly paying for the design. If you want a dual time zone watch with 2 large circular dials, this would be ideal. It is quite an unusual design with a crown on either side of the case, so it is certainly unique. You will likely find better value for money elsewhere, but if you’re a fan of the design, you certainly won’t find it anywhere cheaper.
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Casio World Time – Best Value For Money
The Casio world time is the best value-for-money dual timezone watch you can buy. Simply put, this watch is an absolute bargain for its price tag. The watch can have 5 daily alarms, is water-resistant to 100 meters and also has a 10 year battery. Not only this, but the watch also has 31 pre-programmed world timezones, which can be displayed from the world map in the top right display of the watch.
Casio is a great brand that makes super tough and reliable watches. If you want a digital watch that has 2 or more timezones, this is your best option. There is not much point in looking elsewhere unless you hate the design. You simply will not find better value for money.
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Diesel Boltdown Chronograph
If you’re looking for an oversized dual timezone watch, then look no further. The Diesel boltdown chronograph is gigantic with a 56mm case size. Not only this, but if you do not like black, do not worry as there are 5 other colors to choose from.
This fashion watch actually goes well beyond being a dual timezone watch as you have the option of a third timezone. Diesel also sells slightly more expensive watches with up to 5 timezones, although I am not quite sure why you would need this many. Obviously with a brand like Diesel you’re going to be paying more than other similar watches, but it’s certainly not too overpriced at all.
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Stuhrling Dual Time Skeleton
It’s very rare to find a dual time skeleton watch. However, it’s even rarer to find a dual timezone watch with an automatic movement for under $200. The Chinese brand Stuhrling has managed to do it.
In terms of value for money this is really good. Stuhrling will not be winning any awards for the quality or accuracy of their movements, but this is not a $5000 watch. It is an easy to read, dual timezone watch with a moon phase indicator. Granted, there is really a lot of things going on when you look at the dial. But really if you like the look of this piece, you won’t find another watch like it for this price.
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3 Best Dual Timezone Watches Over $200
Citizen Navihawk
If you’re daunted by the dial of the Navihawk, then you’re not alone. In all seriousness though, once you’ve set up a Citizen watch and have watched a video on the settings, there isn’t that much to it.
As you can see, the Navihawk has a ton of features. Not only this, but it is an atomic watch, meaning you won’t have to set it yourself, it will sync to the nearest atomic clock. This is both super accurate and also makes sure that the other timezones will be equally as on point.
The Navihawk is a real workhorse and is eco-drive powered, meaning you won’t need to change the battery every few years. It also has dual alarms, a chronograph and brilliant lumes, so you’ll have no trouble seeing what time it is in the dark.
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Seiko Coutura
The Seiko Coutura is another Japanese masterclass in how to make a dual timezone watch. As a radio controlled watch, it’s not quite as accurate as an atomic clock. But an accuracy of within 15 seconds per month is nothing to be scoffed at.
The sharp blue dial is a great contrast to the trademark stainless steel triangular bracelet of the Coutura. This watch also has several features such as date wheel and date marker in the left hand upper section of the dial. Whilst the main timezone will update depending on where you are in the world, the second timezone can be set on the bottom subdial.
Once again, with Seiko you will always get an accurate and reliable watch, whilst at the same time never paying more than you should.
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Baume & Mercier Classima
This Baume & Mercier Classima is an entry level luxury watch, so costs considerably more than any of the other watches on the list. Of course, it tells the time just like every other watch but is Swiss made. Therefore it’s made to a considerably higher standard and made of finer materials such as rhodium-plated hands.
The watch is really quite simplistic with its stainless steel case and large minimalist white dial. The second time zone is featured in a small dial just above the 6 o’clock position. Whilst a double date window is featured at the 12 o’clock position.
As expected, you will get a sapphire crystal to stop any unwanted scratches to the glass. Lastly, the strap is made of alligator leather, which is tougher than cow leather and is fairly common in modern day luxury watches.
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