12 hr GMT dial

Pikld_1 · Jun 26, 2017

Hi all, I read that a proper gmt watch should be in a 24 hr time but I'm looking at one in 12 hr ( tag heuer cal 8 gmt)
Was just wondering if there are any pros and cons with the 12 hr. It just seems weird that Swiss made watches would make them 12 hr if they're supposed to be 24 hr. Any feedback would be great.
Cheers

elbeik · Jun 27, 2017

I think a 24hrs dial is complicated to read, especially as you grow older...

Most mainstream GMT watches are on a 12hrs dial.
Rolex GMT rings a bell?

dtf · Jun 27, 2017

Most GMTs are a 24hour hand on a 12 hour dial. Look at the Explorer 2 or gmt master, they have a 24 hour bezil.

Having a 12hour gmt on the Calibre 8 seems a bit wierd.

Mr_Orange · Jun 27, 2017

I hadn't ever noticed that before. I own the Calibre 7 Twin-Time which has the 24 hour track and is very easy to read. I agree though that a 12 hour GMT subdial makes it awfully difficult to determine the time without an AM/PM indicator.

Big Adam · Jun 27, 2017

I would imagine a 12hr arrangement could work just as well but I've only ever used a 24hr system.

The other consideration is HOW the GMT hand is adjusted as there are differing views on what works best. See the brief discussion here

Pikld_1 · Jun 27, 2017

Mr_Orange
I hadn't ever noticed that before. I own the Calibre 7 Twin-Time which has the 24 hour track and is very easy to read. I agree though that a 12 hour GMT subdial makes it awfully difficult to determine the time without an AM/PM indicator.

I really like this watch in terms of style and I have tried it on and fits beautifully it just annoys me a bit spending the money when it faults one of its primary features. I guess the real plus side is im more of an interstate traveller (Aus) so I guess a 12 hr dial is quite fine in that sense

Mr_Orange · Jun 27, 2017

Pikld_1
I really like this watch in terms of style and I have tried it on and fits beautifully it just annoys me a bit spending the money when it faults one of its primary features. I guess the real plus side is im more of an interstate traveller (Aus) so I guess a 12 hr dial is quite fine in that sense

Really you have to go with what you like. I have a few chronographs, but rarely use the function (probably the same for most chronograph owners). I like the Calibre 8, in particular the grand date display. I usually have my GMT hand set to the UK time so I know what time it is to Skype, etc. A 24 hour display makes that immediately obvious, but it honestly wouldn't be that heard to determine whether it is night or day from a 12 hour dial given the time difference.