If you travel frequently or regularly deal with people in different time zones, you know the challenge: constantly calculating the local time elsewhere. While wearing two watches is one solution, dual-time watches offer a far more refined approach. These sophisticated timepieces allow you to track two time zones simultaneously with ease and elegance. Below, we introduce some of the most striking dual-time watches and explore the origins of this practical and distinctive complication.
The Quest for Unified Time
The time zone system we use today dates back to the late 19th century. With the rise of industrialization and technological breakthroughs such as the railroad and telegraph, a standardized global time became increasingly necessary. Before this, most regions followed local solar time, meaning nearly every city operated on its own schedule.
To solve this, Canadian engineer Sir Sandford Fleming proposed in 1879 that the world be divided into 24 time zones, with each hour representing 15 degrees of longitude. The Prime Meridian—serving as the global reference point—was established at Greenwich, London, during the International Meridian Conference in 1884. Over time, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was adopted by most countries and became the foundation of the modern timekeeping system. Even today, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) continues to use GMT as its primary reference.
Dual-Time vs GMT Watches: What’s the difference?
Dual-time watches and GMT watches share a common purpose: both allow you to track a second time zone alongside your local time. Dual-time watches typically display the second time zone on a separate subdial using a traditional 12-hour format. For this reason, they often include a day/night indicator to help distinguish between daytime and nighttime hours in the second location.
GMT watches, on the other hand, usually feature an additional central hand that completes one full rotation every 24 hours. Paired with a 24-hour scale—often positioned on the bezel—this design makes it easy to read the second time zone at a glance, including whether it is day or night. In our article, “The 10 Best GMT Watches,” we highlight a curated selection of notable timepieces equipped with this practical complication.
5 Special Dual-time Watches
That’s enough of the long preamble—let’s now turn our attention to five exceptional dual-time watches.
1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time Dual-time luxury sports watch for frequent travelers
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak stands as a true icon among luxury sports watches. For frequent travelers, the Royal Oak Dual Time, reference 26120ST.OO.1220ST.01, is an exceptional companion. Its signature dual-time display in a 12-hour format is positioned at 6 o’clock, accompanied by a practical day/night indicator for easy reference. The watch also features a pointer date at 2 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 10 o’clock, adding both functionality and balance to the dial. Crafted in 39 mm stainless steel, this timepiece embodies a refined, cosmopolitan spirit—an essential presence on the wrist of any world traveler.
2. For Globetrotters: A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone seamlessly blends the iconic asymmetrical design of the Lange 1 with the practicality of a second time zone. The local time is displayed on the off-center dial at 9 o’clock, while the second time zone appears on a subdial at 5 o’clock. This subdial also features a small day/night indicator, along with a display for daylight saving and standard time.
The local time can be conveniently adjusted in one-hour increments using pushers, making it especially user-friendly for travelers. Signature Lange elements, including the oversized date and power reserve indicator, further enhance its appeal. Altogether, the Lange 1 Time Zone is an elegant and luxurious timepiece, perfect for travelers who value exceptional mechanics, fine craftsmanship, and intuitive operation.
3. The Two Faces of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duoface
Jaeger-LeCoultre created a true icon in the early 1930s with the Reverso. Over the decades, this watch with its distinctive reversible case has evolved into a broad collection that includes elegant dual-time models. A contemporary example is the Reverso Classic Duoface Small Seconds (ref. Q3848423).
As with all Reverso watches, the case can be flipped within its cradle. Instead of a solid, engraved case back, you’ll find a second dial that can be set independently, featuring a 24-hour travel time display at 6 o’clock. On the opposite face, a small seconds subdial adds a subtle touch of character, enhancing the timeless charm of this versatile timepiece.
4. Traveling with a Patek Philippe Watch Can Be So Beautiful
At first glance, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time may resemble a GMT watch, thanks to its additional central hour hand. On closer inspection, however, Patek presents a distinctive interpretation of the dual-time function. Both hour hands operate on a conventional 12-hour display, complemented by separate day/night indicators for each time zone. A date display linked to the local time further enhances the dial’s clean and balanced layout.
Local time can be adjusted quickly and conveniently using discreet pushers on the case. The Aquanaut Travel Time is available in elegant white gold with a blue-grey dial and matching tropical strap, as well as in warm rose gold paired with a brown dial and strap—offering a refined yet sporty companion for modern travelers.
5. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time blends the collection’s sporty elegance with the practicality of a second time zone. Much like Patek Philippe’s approach with the Aquanaut Travel Time, the Overseas features an additional central 12-hour hand, a day/night indicator, and a pointer date for clear, functional readability. A dedicated pusher allows for quick and convenient date adjustment.
The Overseas Dual Time is offered in a variety of configurations, including stainless steel and rose gold, along with multiple dial and strap options to suit different tastes. Striking a perfect balance between subtlety and presence, it is an ideal companion for travelers who appreciate refined design and everyday versatility.
