What makes a good travel watch? Is it water resistance? GMT? I’d argue that GMT is not essential to a travel watch, but water resistance certainly is. And, depending on the travel destination, you want a brand that is recognizable, although not necessarily to the layman, but to the waiter at the restaurant or hotel concierge who is used to seeing a wide-variety of watches on their customers’ wrists. That’s why Grand Seiko would be my go-to brand for travelling. You don’t want to be a target for crime while you’re vacationing in the Caribbean, but let’s be honest, you probably still want some level of brand recognition wherever you go. And water resistance, of course, is key, because you never know when someone will push you in the pool! Another important aspect of a travel watch, perhaps the most important in my opinion, is versatility; you need to be able to wear it to the beach, out for dinner, and perhaps on the odd hike or two.

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Diver SBGA229

The Grand Seiko Spring Drive Diver ref. SBGA229 makes a good travel watch. Grand Seiko is a brand that only aficionados know and love, in all likelihood most people will see one (especially the pre-2017 models) and just think it’s a Seiko. Being a diver, it certainly has the water resistance you need for anything to do with water sports. However, it does lack versatility as at 44 mm in diameter, it might not exactly fit the bill depending on your plans for dinner. Shirt cuffs beware! The SBGA229 is the perfect watch for more ‘active’ travel plans, especially those that include water, although the steel bracelet may be uncomfortable during prolonged hikes.

Grand Seiko GMT SBGE201

Next up is the Grand Seiko GMT ref. SBGE201. While this GMT still has a diameter of 44 mm and the same shortcomings in terms of versatility as the SBGA229, a smaller alternative could be the ref. SBGN003. As opposed to being a dive watch and having the dive bezel, the GMT function may be more convenient for those that are planning a trip to multiple time zones. In reality, however, the SBGE201 is almost the exact same as the SBGA229, in that its water resistance is also 200 meters. This means that when it comes to being active, the SBGE201 has pretty much all the benefits of the SBGA229, with aesthetics that can be more amenable to any activities that may be more ‘formal’. The SBGE201 is likely the best ‘all around’ travel watch, plus it has the traditional GMT function that is expected of travel watches.

Grand Seiko SBGX263

While this may be an unconventional pick for a travel watch, and usually belongs on lists for best luxury beater watches, the Grand Seiko SBGX263 actually has a 100-meter water resistance (no screwdown crown though) and can handle the ups and downs of travel. Personally, I would bring another watch for serious water sports if I was to bring my SBGX063 on vacation. It does, however, check the boxes when it comes to versatility, it fits comfortably under any shirt cuffs and can handle being outdoors all day. Moreover, with this 9F GS’ water resistance, you don’t have to worry about getting pushed into the pool! The lack of GMT function may be a let down for some, but I like being able to wear this watch on the beach, by the pool (maybe not for a swim though), and at the bar later in the day. The SBGX263 is definitely more suited to those that prefer leisurely travel, not exactly deep-sea diving and day-long hikes.

Now this list of three watches of course depends on the type of travel you’re into. I’m not much of a swimmer, I prefer hanging out on the beach or by the pool and drinking to actually getting in the water. And you can certainly count me out of any hikes – I prefer a big lunch. If you travel more frequently you may actually need the GMT function to stay on top of things, and if you’re someone who likes hiking through the jungle or something of that sort, you may prefer a textile strap like a NATO to the steel bracelets in the list above. Ultimately, however, if I had to pick one watch and one watch alone for travel, it’d have to be the Grand Seiko GMT SBGE201. While it may not fit under a shirt cuff, I’m sure you can still make it work.

By: Andres Ibarguen