WatchUSeek Watch Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Splitting Hairs: Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT vs. UTC

Jump to Latest
6.5K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  cprrckwlf  
C
#1 ·
Howdy All,
I've been lurking on the forums for a little while but have finally decided to take the plunge and submit a post.

I'm in the market for a GMT watch. After much research I've narrowed it down to two possibilities that meet all my criteria (automatic, high water resistance, sub $1000): the Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT (H77615833) or the Khaki Navy UTC (H77505535). I know they're VERY similar which is only making the decision harder. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with both watches and has a preference for one over the other.

Also, if anyone has any insight as to why the GMT is $900 MSRP (though most places sell it for around $600) while the UTC is $1300 MSRP (but I see for around $800-900). I don't notice anything in the specs to explain the difference. It looks like the UTC supplanted the GMT so the price might just be due to it being an older model. Any insights would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 
#2 ·
On my phone so I'm going to try and keep this brief but still have it make sense.

To knock out a few minor points first: they use the same movement. One is more of a sport styling, the other a little dressier. One is a bit more busy. There is no explaining watch pricing in general.

Here's the big thing: they don't display the same thing.

The gmt displays time, date and a second time zone using a 24 hour scale* -- the extra hour hand (in this case the dial visible through the left window) counts 1-24. (Actually I normally keep mine showing the same zone on both displays)

The UTC is marked/scaled/whatever to display time, date and Zulu or an offset from Zulu. That is, the inner chapter ring which the extra "hour" hand points at isn't marked 1-24, but from 0 to 12 (at the 9 o'clock position) and then -11 down to -1 and then back to 0 (at the 12 spot). Popular for aviation and amateur radio you set the entire thing to Zulu (UTC) and then offset the hand of your choice to your local time zone. You can use it to display 2 zones of choice, but you'll likely be doing some math, especially since you aren't likely to be used to reading an hour hand that only completes 1 circle a day.

For almost anyone the gmt is the better choice. (Love my v1 air race!)

Oh, and the pic you used for the gmt may or may not be current. At least the later air races, and many standard gmts, had the 2nd time zone moved to 1 o'clock. After that the air race was discontinued and I don't know if they changed the standards back.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
C
#3 ·
Thanks for the prompt reply. It's helpful to know that "guts" are basically the same and the pricing is as arbitrary as I'd suspected. I've definitely seen a number of GMT models but I like the one above best (though would prefer if the city names were white on black).

As for the UTC, I've definitely read articles about the second hour hand displaying offsets from Zulu, and that being a bit challenging. However, on the newer models of the UTC the inner ring is marked with a standard 00-24 (hard to tell in the photo above but you can see it fairly clearly on the hamilton site). So it seems like they've made it closer to a standard GMT or am I still missing something?
 
#5 · (Edited)
I can't take that much credit for promptness: it was between innings and I was messing with my phone. ;-)

I went back and checked the catalogs for the UTC... it isn't in 2011/2012 (the earliest modern catalog I have) but shows up for 2012/2013. There it has the 00 to 12, -11 to -1 markings. In 2013/2014 it's pictured 1-24. Not shown in 2014/2015 and I don't have a 15/16 catalog yet.

Here's the thing: +/- or 1-24 versions, the reference #s are the same. (This is normally the case for Hamilton and tweaks like this.) So if that's the way you decide to go, you should be sure to verify you are getting the version you want/expect. I think the +/- version is sort of cool looking, usability aside.

Knowing the new markings are more in-line with the GMT, I don't think you are missing anything on the UTC. Just styling differences, not functionality differences.
Personally, I think the 2nd TZ hand is too small and the inner ring + the seconds chapter ring with all its hash marks + plus the minutes chapter w/ the 1/3 of a minute ticks is kind of silly busy. Still, too each their own.

There was a version of the GMT that had white text-black bg for the city names. H77635333, black with red accents and fairly sharp. Of course, then they had to go put a white field around the window into the city display. Win some, lose some.

There was also the GMT Monte Carlo Limited Edition that had the white txt-black bg and that one is absolutely gorgeous. It also has red accents, though less of them, 1 white and 1 red keeper, a diamond pattern in the dial center and number styling that I love -- like the 1st gen air races: a larger 12, 3, 6 and 9. Really, if you are reading this post google that watch.

I'll say again that I love my Air Race, but I'll also mention that I don't much care for the GMTs on anything but the rubber straps. I do have the faux gator strap and, though it's orange, I 've used it maybe a half-dozen times. I keep mine mostly on the orange rubber with white stitching. Bought it on black rubber with orange stitching. Don't own the bracelet and have never really decided if I'd like to.

Anyway, it was my first Hammy and I've told bits of the story in a couple of places.
here: #32 (may well have been my first WUS post) with pictures still visible here: #34
and more of the story here: https://www.watchuseek.com/f357/i-got-almost-my-first-hamilton-933750.html

Notice the über-cool ghost hand, which turns with the inner bezel (but is fixed to always point at 00), and notice that the bezel is marked down 55->0. In all the later versions the ghost hand was removed and the bezel changed to a more common count-up version.
 
#4 ·
I have a GMT and love it for so many reasons. 300m WR among the most important.

That UTC is gorgeous.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#6 ·
The GMT is much sportier IMO. I'm actually surprised to see it on that strap. I've only seen it on rubber, metal or a pilot-type strap. The UTC has a dressier look as stated above. I can't add any more about the functionality that you two haven't already discussed. I just wanted to add how much I love the Air Race. If I didn't have 8.5" ham hocks, that would be my daily watch. (I, too, love orange.) So my vote is for the GMT, only because I love that case shape (I've owned two X-winds, which have a similar shape). But if you tend toward more formal dress, the UTC might serve your needs better. Just my $.02.
 
C
#7 ·
Hey all,
Thanks for the really helpful suggestions. I ended up pulling the trigger on the UTC and am so far very pleased with it (though I did swap out the band). I travel a lot for work and like the more subtle integration of the GMT hand (vs the wheel on the GMT). Plus, while I used to get out in the field a lot, the reality is I wear suits more often than cargo pants, so like the dressier nature of the UTC.
 
WatchUSeek Watch Forums
posts
24M
members
618K
Since
2005
A forum community dedicated to watch owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about watch collections, displays, watch winders, accessories, classifieds, and more! We welcome all manufacturers including Casio G-Shock, OMEGA, Rolex, Breitling, Rolex and Tudor, Seiko, Grand Seiko and others.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Public Forum Watches - Private Sellers and Sponsors Affordable watches Dive watches Casio G-Shock