Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Zircemerald
10
Apr 14, 2017
As a pilot, I've wanted a watch that was very easy to read, with also a secondary reading for Zulu time. Citizen's pilot watches are too complicated. This watch is the style I'm looking for, at the right price, however lacks Zulu time. The Tactico TC3 that others have shown is just about exactly what I'm looking for, however at 1,200 euros, way more than I want to pay. So, what I'm asking of you, the community, is where can I get a nice analog watch that is clear, displays zulu time, and is a reasonable price?
Elmero
19
Apr 15, 2017
ZircemeraldThe Tactico TC3.3 is 590 EUR (according to their webpage). If Massdrop handles to negotiate, say, a 25% (there are some watch drops that state 80% off retail) off price, it would land at around 450 USD. And I'd say that's a pretty decent price for that watch. Although it doesn't have a zulu/GMT dial, you could always use the rotating bezel to keep a second time, as you probably know, being a pilot.
There's also the TC3.2 (sold out, according to their webpage), which has zulu time. I think that one went for around 650 EUR. Or the "Geomaster" (also marked as sold out), that I think went for around 800 EUR.
The TC3 is their top of the line and super limited edition (55 pieces), so no wonder the price. Agree with you, way over what I'd like to pay.
Wildstar
0
May 15, 2017
ZircemeraldI fly with my Torgoen T20. I have enough stopwatches for approaches and would not use a watch for that . The 2nd time zone is on the bezel with a single sweep hand. Very easy to read in the dark.
davechiu
21
Jun 14, 2017
ZircemeraldFor a 4th-hand GMT type watch you're going to find that most/all affordable options out there use a type of movement where the 4th-hand is a 24hr hand tied to the date complication (pull watch out 1 click to adjust the 24hr hand or date depending on which direction you turn the crown), including the Tactico TC3 Geomaster. This is a bit of a pain if you travel often, which as a pilot would, because you have to pull the crown out 2 clicks and set the local time and then push back in 1 click and set the 24hr hand. Some people have started to call this the "Office GMT" as it's really only useful in tracking other time zones with yourself staying put because it's so inconvenient to set (quick set GMT or similar is often used to describe this type of action). But if you are okay with this, there are lots of affordable options, for example the Steinhart GMT Ocean 1 starts at 490€ inc VAT (uses the same ETA 2893-2 movement that the Tactico Geomaster uses).
There is a type of GMT movement that is meant for frequent timezone changes that only high end watches use, such as the Rolex GMT Master (Omega, Grand Seiko, etc... also have their own variations on this), often referred to as a quick-set local hour, where the first click out adjusts the 12hr hand (local time) leaving the 24hr hand and minute hand alone, this way as you jump timezones you just pull the crown out one click change the 12hr hand and you're done leaving the 24hr hand alone (handy for keeping GMT/Zulu/Home/Reference time). Some people refer to this as a "True GMT." For affordable alternatives to this type of movement... I believe the Seiko Kinetic GMTs (such as the SUN023 -- if they fit your wrist and sensibilities) do this as well for under 500€ and are one of a very few options.
In this respect, the rotating 12hr bezel is kind of the easiest set the time to Zulu (or home), and twist the bezel to line up with your local time. Read the analog face for home/zulu/reference time and follow the hour hand to the outer ring for local hour. Admittedly this is a hack, but it is simpler than resetting the entire watch every time you change timezones which would become very cumbersome if you change timezones often. Some people have taken to calling this the CMT or Cheap Mean Timer and modify reliable and affordable watches such as the Seiko SKX007 or SRP777 with a 12hr Bezel Insert to do this.
There's also the Timex 3GMT, which is inexpensive and has 4 hands and sets in it's own way that I'm not fully familiar with, but you might want to investigate as it is analog and rather inexpensive. If none of the above is acceptable to you, than really digital is the way to go...
Elmero
19
Jun 14, 2017
davechiu, I know you weren't replying to me, but I want to thank you, since I've learnt something new about GMT movements through your comment. Thanks for sharing.
davechiu
21
Jun 14, 2017
Elmeroyour welcome, I am a fan of GMTs, I have an ETA 2893-2 watch I wear most every day that I find handy to track when my friends and family are traveling. When I travel myself I use a modified Seiko SKX007 w/ a 12hr Bezel or a digital Casio GWM5600 with push a button World Time feature, some day I'll get a "True GMT."
NikoToscani
Sep 21, 2017
ZircemeraldNot sure if you're a WUS member but there's a Tactico TC3 GMT Limited Edition for sale by a member right now for a very solid price. He started by asking for $900 and is already down to near $600. I'd jump on it myself but just bought a watch within the last ten days.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/tactico-tc3-gmt-limited-edition-4517813.html