The Best GMT for the Money?
When you’re looking at the best pound-for-pound GMTs on the market, the Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium and Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight GMT have to be at the top of your list.
The two are almost exactly the same size, with the Tudor coming in 0.7mm thinner and the Longines 1mm shorter from lug to lug. The Longines bests the Tudor when it comes to premium materials thanks to its Grade 5 titanium case and bracelet and ceramic bezel insert (the Tudor uses stainless steel and aluminum, respectively), while the Tudor movement’s METAS certification goes further than the Longines’ COSC certification.
The Longines has a seven-hour advantage in power reserve, while the Tudor has twice the water resistance and better resistance to magnetic fields. The Tudor has the quick-adjust clasp, while the Longines gets the quick-change bracelet.
It’s a damn close race, one which will probably come down to two factors for most buyers: Looks and price. Both watches are gorgeous, with the Tudor heavily leaning into vintage territory and the Longines appearing more modern. The Longines is cheaper, with an SRP of $4,275. The Tudor costs $4,400 on a rubber strap and $4,600 on the bracelet.
Frankly, it’s too close to call. I love them both and can’t wait to see who takes the next swing in this budding rivalry.
