A proper flyer for under 4,000
By Rafael Ortiz, Mexico City ยท
This is the cheapest proper flyer GMT I'd buy without hesitation.
The L844.4 lets you jump the local hour hand in one-hour steps when you land, without stopping the watch, and the GMT hand stays on home time. That's the way a GMT should work for someone who travels. Land in Madrid, pull the crown, click forward seven hours, done. The date follows along. For years you had to spend Rolex or Tudor money to get this.
The movement has 72 hours of reserve and is a chronometer. The case is 42 mm by 13.9 mm, 100 meters, closed back, steel bracelet with 21 mm lugs. The black dial is very legible, with big lumed numerals and a GMT hand you can find in the dark.
Small complaints: the bracelet's clasp is basic. And the case is a little tall for its width. At 3,400 to 3,700 dollars, I can live with both.
If you fly, this is the GMT to get first.