A dual time watch displays two time zones simultaneously, typically showing your “home” time alongside the local time using a second hour display. This is usually in the form of an extra hand, sub-dial, or digital readout.
Global time zones are calculated relative to the Prime Meridian, which serves as the starting point for measuring time differences around the world. Various kinds of watches make tracking these differences quick and easy.
Dual time watches are slightly different from GMT watches, which also display the time in two time zones, but use a 24-hour GMT hand and, usually, a bezel.
Keep reading to find out:
- What is dual time on a watch?
- How do you set a dual time zone watch?
- Who needs dual time zone watches?
Plus, get some handy shopping tips so you can choose the watch that best suits you.
What You Will Learn
How Does a Dual Time Zone Clock Show Dual Time?
A dual time complication displays a secondary time using either a sub-dial, second hour hand, or digital dual time.
The secondary time display is usually positioned on a sub-dial or indicated by an extra hand pointing to the outer edge of the dial where the hour numerals appear.
If the watch uses a sub-dial, the sub-dial will be set somewhere within the broader dial. This miniaturized 12-hour dial will have its own hand (or hands) and may be labeled “Home” or “2nd Time.”
If the watch uses a second central hour hand, there will simply be two hands on the same dial, with one pointing to the local time and the second hour hand pointing to your chosen “home” time.
If you have a hybrid, smart, or digital watch, the secondary time will be shown digitally. A digital watch may also have an AM/PM symbol to help you avoid confusing day and night.
Dual Time vs. GMT vs. World Time
While all three are technically considered travel watches, there are differences to be aware of. A dual time watch only shows the time in two time zones, a GMT watch allows you to track two to three time zones at once, and a world time shows all 24 hours, along with 24 reference cities.
The dual time watch makes it easy to read two different times, at a glance, with no extra adjustments on the wearer’s end. This is ideal for travelers going back and forth to one particular city or those with family members in a different time zone.
The GMT watch isn’t as straightforward to read and requires some adjusting via the rotating bezel/24-hour scale. It’s a favorite among more watch-savvy travelers who benefit from keeping track of time in more than two places at once.
Then, for those who need to keep an eye on the time in multiple cities, in multiple time zones, a world time complication is ideal and the most comprehensive option.
Brands such as Ulysse Nardin and Baume & Mercier have produced travel watches with dual time or GMT complications designed specifically for frequent travelers.
Setting a Dual Time Watch in 3 Steps
- Rotate the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to set your home time zone first.
- Then, set your second time zone using the additional hour hand or other secondary display.
- Confirm both times are correct, taking into account the AM/PM indicator, if there is one, as well as time zones’ differing adherence to Daylight Saving Time.
Note that some models that display dual time via a subdial or second hour hand may not feature half-hour or quarter-hour offsets. If this is important to you, you might consider a GMT watch or digital dual time watch.
Who Should Choose Dual Time?
A dual time watch is a great fit for a wearer who wants to keep track of only one other time zone (beyond the local times) and who prefers a generally unfussy, uncomplicated watch.
For example, you might prefer this type of watch if:
- You occasionally travel or frequently visit the same destination, and want to be able to track the time both back home and where you are.
- You have a family member or work team in another time zone and need to keep track of their time.
- You prefer simplicity over the additional complexity of a world time model.
However, if you like the world time aesthetic or need to monitor three or more time zones at once, you’ll want to consider investing in a GMT or world time watch.
The Shopping Checklist: Buying Your Watch
If you’re ready to purchase a dual time wristwatch, here’s what to keep in mind as you shop:
- Do you want a dual time watch that displays the secondary time via a sub-dial, extra hand, or digitally?
- Do you want a watch with an AM/PM or 24-hour indicator to help prevent confusion?
- Is the watch water resistant and made out of a durable material?
- Do you want a watch with special functions, such as a diving watch?
- What services and warranties will your supplier offer to make long-term maintenance more convenient?
- If you’re purchasing the watch on the secondary market, does the seller have all the watch’s original paperwork and packaging?
Lastly, once you’ve found the perfect dual time watch for your needs, make sure that the very next thing you purchase is watch insurance, to protect your investment against loss and theft.
Watch Care, Travel, and Protection
A new watch can be a pricey investment. It’s important to care for it correctly, both while at home and on the road. Give your watch a quick check before every trip, store and clean it correctly, and make sure to insure it for added protection.
Before each trip, check the watch seals and straps to ensure you haven’t overlooked any recent damage or necessary repairs. You don’t want that strap to fail when you’re rushing through the airport or walking down a crowded city street.
It’s also wise to document your watch’s serial numbers and store them in a safe place at home. They’ll be necessary if you need to file a claim in the event that your watch is stolen.
At home, clean your watch regularly, taking care to follow the proper care guidelines for different materials, including stainless steel, leather, and gold.
To protect your investment, insure your watch. You can get a fast, online quote for a stand-alone watch insurance policy now.
Dual Time Watches FAQ
Is dual time the same as GMT?
Not exactly. Dual time shows two zones, while a GMT watch uses a 24-hour hand (and often a bezel) and can track more than two zones.
Can dual time watches track three time zones?
No. Dual time watches show two (dual) time zones. For a watch that can show three or more time zones, choose a GMT watch or a world time watch instead.
What’s the easiest watch to read, dual time or world time?
Dual time is simpler to read. World time displays more overall information in the form of all 24 time zones, but can be more complicated to read.
Do I need a 24-hour indicator on a dual time watch?
It can be handy, as it helps you avoid AM/PM mix-ups. This is particularly true when the time zones you’re comparing differ by more than 6 hours.
Does water resistance matter for travel watches?
Yes. Water resistance is always a pro for watches of every type.
Will my watch handle half-hour time zones?
Many dual time watches will not accommodate half-hour time zones. If this is a function you want, opt for a digital or GMT watch.
Get Insurance For Your New Dual Time Watch in Minutes
Owning a high-end accessory like a luxury dual time watch comes with risks, especially if you’re planning to travel. Your watch could be stolen, lost, or accidentally damaged.
Protecting your investment with luxury watch insurance is a smart next step. BriteCo offers specialized watch insurance to ensure that you can get your watch replaced or repaired at no extra cost to you.
Learn more and get your free watch insurance quote now.
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