GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) is the Greenwich Mean Time associated with the daily rotation of the Earth.
In watches, this abbreviation stands for the function simultaneous time display in two time zones. Often the GMT function is included in a wider function "World Time". In this case, the watch is able to display the time immediately in more time zones.
UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) - Coordinated Universal Time. Modern version of GMT corrected for more accurate atomic time.
This is what Wikipedia says: “UTC time is not translated in winter or summer. Therefore, for those places where there is a transition to daylight saving time, the offset relative to UTC changes.
It is very easy to visually determine whether the watch has these functions. Any of the following descriptions is sufficient:
- the dial is labeled "GMT" / "UTC" / "Dual time";
- instead of one dial, the time is displayed immediately on two independent dials (as a rule, one with 1-12 markings, the other with 1-24 markings) with a separate set of hands for each. NB! Not always two markings (1-12 and 1-24) indicate the presence of the GMT function. Sometimes it's just a way of displaying the time in double format;
- on the outer edge of the dial are placed the names of cities in accordance with their location in time zones;
- most electronic watches have this feature.
The GMT function is necessary not only for people who often travel or are on a business trip, but also for relatives, close friends and business partners separated by seas and oceans. Want to call a friend in America? Look at the clock: you have lunch, and she is still sleeping!
With the GMT function, you always have before your eyes the “home” time and the time of the area in which you are temporarily staying.
Time is set either manually or automatically, depending on the capabilities of the watch. (For example, electronic clocks themselves move to the right time, checking with atomic clocks).
Display methods are also different, let's consider them in more detail:
1) The most common way to determine the time in a second time zone is with an additional central hand. It indicates the time on an additional 24-hour scale, which can be located both on the inside and on the outside of the dial.
2) Sometimes this scale is completely taken out of the dial - on the bezel. The main thing here is not to confuse GMT with diving watches. The marking will be not minute, but 24-hour, the bezel rotates only in one direction.
3) And sometimes this scale is supplemented / replaced by a list of cities - then you need to set the local time opposite the desired name.
4) The easiest way is the second dial. As well as the third, fourth, etc., up to six dials, as the masters from IceLink were not too lazy to do.
5) Many modern watches (mainly among Japanese brands) generally do all the work for you and, as noted earlier, switch the local time automatically, guided by a radio signal or a GPS receiver.
In addition to the directly utilitarian value, all these functions also have an aesthetic value. Any additional element or complication adorns your watch, but what is both beautiful and functional is more useful!
