25 Best World Time Watches From Affordable to Luxury
These days it might not seem as significant to wear a world timer watch as we all have smartphones that update the time automatically no matter where you are and display the time of any other country at the click of a button. However, there’s still an astute beauty to be able to carry a mechanism on your wrist which can tell your local time as well as the major 24 time zones around the world with the twist of a crown, bezel, or the flick of a pusher. Even cooler when your watch has the capability of displaying dual time in addition to the 24 time zones.
The deeper beauty and fun lies within all of the versatile designs brands introduce to display this complex complication. Some make us feel like we have the world right on our wrist, whether they are sporty, dressy, or a tool watch that offers even more functions. It’s cool to see how each brand plays around with the complication making it unique to their identity as well as their consumers. We’ve curated a list of our favorite world timers in a range of price points, simplicity and complexity. You’ll never lose track of time no matter where you are in the world. So lets get into it.
Patek Philippe Worldtime Chronograph 5231G
Price: $91,670 USD; Case Size: 38.5mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
When Louis Cottier invented the world timer complication in the 1930s Patek Phillippe worked closely with him and was one of the early luxury brands to utilize the complication. In 1939 Patek released the Reference 1415, their first “Heure Universelle” watch. Since then, Patek has produced other versions of world timers, many with maps in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel, like their 2022 Patek Philippe Ref. 5231G. The map on this model focuses on Southeast Asia and Oceania, which sit in the center of the dial. Around the map are three rings. The first ring displays 24-hours and day/night. The two outer rings display 24 time zones. The piece is an overall beautiful display of time with the map adding texture and colors to the dial. The piece retails for $91,670 USD.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer
Price: $9,700 USD; Case Size: 43mm; Water Resistance: 150m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Omega always does a great job playing with the different elements as the inspiration for their timepieces from their ever-popular Seamasters to their Moonwatch. They are great with incorporating bold colors and various textures and patterns to their dials, which complement the precision and functions of the pieces. So, it’s no surprise that Omega is successful in their use of the world timer complication. The Omega world timer sits in their Seamaster Aqua Terra collection and comes in a handful of options ranging from $9,700 to $46,500 USD. The main concept on all of them are similar to the Patek, where a map sits in the center of the dial. The map design has been laser-ablated on a titanium plate creating clear dimensions and textures between the blue of the ocean and the bronze earth. The map is encompassed by three rings which display 24-hour time with day/night indicator and 24 time zones. The Omega world timer starts at $9,700 USD in steel on rubber strap but is currently unavailable to purchase online so you’ll have to join the waitlist.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time Watch
Price: Discontinued $15,700 USD; Case Size: 41.6mm; Water Resistance: Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Like Patek, Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the earlier luxury watch brands that took on the world timer complication. They’ve produced a variety of models since their introduction in the mid 1900s. The Geophysic Universal Time Watch was a newly updated line in 2014 to their original Geophysic watch of 1958. The biggest update to this collection was the addition of universal time to an already successful line in JLC’s collections. Even though this piece is now discontinued we added it to your list because it’s such a cool piece made by one of the leading watchmakers of the world!
At the time of its introduction in 2014 there were many other worldtimer watches in the market, but none had the deadbeat seconds as this piece did. The advantage of this function is the precision of telling time down to the second. More so seen on quartz watches or the earlier true seconds complication way before the introduction of quartz. The precision of this watch drives the value but that’s not to say its design is any less significant. JLC created a dial fitting for a worldtimer. A large map sits at the center etched into the dial with the cities circling around it, even with all the information the dial is clean and legible. At the time it retailed for $15,700 USD.
Breguet ‘Hora Mundi’ Worldtimer
Price: $72,700 USD; Case Size:43mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Most world timer watches have dials with lots of details showcasing the multitude of time zones and hour markings. The Breguet Hora Mundi is a world timer with a less detailed dial. The more minimal take on this piece has the city names of the time zones hidden behind the main dial. They appear through a window at 6 o’clock. A large map of the American continent sits in the center of the dial, the map display is typical of most other world timers. Around it is a ring with a 12-hour display in Roman numerals. Overlaying the map is a small cutout with day/night indicator and at 12 o’clock is a window displaying the date. The hands on this piece are thin and long which is also a point of difference compared to other world timer pieces that tend to have smaller or shorter hands. Although minimal in some features the design of this piece remains elegant and eye catching. The piece retails for $72,700 USD.
IWC Timezoner
Price: Discontinued; Case Size: 46mm; Water Resistance: 60m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Although the IWC Timezoner chrono is from their past collections in 2016 and no longer in production we added it to our list because of the awesome piece it is. IWC utilizes the bezel on this watch to incorporate the city names of the 24 time zones leaving plenty of space on the dial for other functions. The black dial is contrasted with two subeyes and white details. Hours are displayed in large numerals along with large hands for the best visibility. This chronograph displays a small hacking seconds, date, and has a flyback option. As a pilot watch it fits the mold perfectly for those always on the go from city to city. We also love its sporty style. While the watch is technically discontinued, you can find it around $17,000 USD.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time
Price: $44,990 USD; Case Size: 43.5mm; Water Resistance: Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
At first glance the Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time feels overwhelming with the plethora of information across the dial. However, as you take a closer look the information folds together and becomes clear separate indications of the functionality of this piece. The long hands visibly stand out at the center of the dial with no obstruction as to where they point to. A simple monochrome map of the northern hemisphere in a silver tone is at the center of the dial. The 24-hour time sits at the outer edge of the dial and hugs the 24 time zone cities within it. Different hues of blues create a visually pleasing contrast making the piece legible. A grooved bezel adds dimension to the case and flows nicely with the classic Vacheron Constantin bracelet. The piece can be found secondhand for around $44,990 USD.
A Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Time Zone
Price: $63,000 USD; Case Size: 41.9mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Manual; Crystal: Sapphire.
A Lange & Sohne are masters at creating artfully minimal dials. The Lange 1 dial in particular is iconic of the brand. Its simple look shouldn’t be confused with the detailed functionality and mechanics of the Lange 1 timepieces. The watchmakers at Lange 1 have done a fine job of blending ingenuity and modernity. We see this especially in the Lange 1 Timezone where the incorporation of the world timer complication does not affect the well-known Lange 1 dial design and layout. They’re able to preserve the large open dial concept with large date window and power reserve indicator. The large subdial which tells time still sits off center of the dial and they’ve added a smaller subeye to tell a second time zone. The 24 time zone cities are displayed across an outer ring around the dial maintaining clear visibility while not minimizing the dial size. As if molding the world timer in-house movement to this piece wasn’t complex enough, the team at Lange 1 have also added the function of daylight savings to the dual time zone. The piece is available in three variations. The price of the 18k pink gold model is $63,000 USD.
Oris Big Crown ProPilot Worldtimer
Price: $3,700 USD; Case Size: 44.7mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot Worldtimer may not have the same aesthetic as many other world timers. There aren’t city names scattered across the dial, but this doesn’t minimize the value of this world timer. The 44.7 mm case goes in theme with the pilot watch and although large in size, Oris does a great job of not making the watch sit too big on the wrist. The line textured bezel is a beautiful look and is constructed in a way that the edges of the bezel sit below the lugs, so the piece appears slimmer. The bidirectional bezel also has an important function. It allows for the quick and easy ability to adjust the main time zone of the piece without having to remove the watch from your wrist. A small subdial displays a second time zone, date window, and a day/night indicator. A second parallel subdial displays subsidiary seconds. We love the ease of function on this worldtimer. It retails for $3,700 USD.
Frederique Constant Highlife Worldtimer
Price: $4,595 USD; Case Size: 42mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Frederique Constant Worldtimer celebrates the 10-year anniversary of their Classics Worldtimer Manufacture introduced in 2012. It’s known to be one of Frederique Constant’s most sold Manufacture timepieces. The brand pride’s themselves on the production of their pieces which are developed, produced, and assembled in their workshop in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland. They work hard to provide the truest form of high connoisseur watchmaking. The details are visible in the construction of this piece. It sits in a sleek round 42mm case. The dial is a pleasing blue and white colorway. It displays a map as most world timers but encompasses all the continents rather than one part of the world. The 24 cities are situated along the outside of the dial and there is a day/night indicator on the 24-hour ring. This piece also displays the date in a subdial at 6 o’clock. The piece is priced at the mid-range of $4,595 USD.
Arnold & Son Globetrotter
Price: $21,150 USD; Case Size: 45mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Arnold & Son Globetrotter is a world timer that truly makes it feel like you’re carrying the world on your wrist. They super domed crystal gives the impression of a globe and from the side view the domed dial is a raised half globe. The domed dial sits below a beautifully crafted bridge, which the brand states is, “a bridge across the world.” In this piece time feels like its floating all around the world. The Globetrotter is inspired through the lineage of marine chronometers that John Arnold created for the British Navy in the 18th century. A technique they have improved and developed overtime. The Globetrotter is limited edition with 88 pieces and retailed for about $21,150 USD in steel with blue dial.
Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer
*Price: $1,310 USD; Case Size: 40.5mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire. *
Mido has been innovating watch techniques and bringing their automotive styles to pieces since the early 1900s. They’re a brand that put their focus on both men and women’s timepieces and are successful with maintaining their vintage roots while implementing newer technologies and modern styles. The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer is one of the coolest world timers on our list. They dial is packed with color and information but not in an overwhelming way. It takes on a modern yet retro look. Since Mido has always worked to bring better methods of water resistance to their watches since their inception this piece has one of the highest ATMs on our list at 200 meters. This world timer is ready to be taken anywhere even 600ft below the ocean. It is also on the more affordable end coming in at $1,310 USD.
Ball Engineer Master II Diver Wordtimer
Price: $3,399 USD; Case Size: 42mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Mido eased us into taking the world timer into new depths, but Ball takes us even deeper with their Engineer Master II Diver Worldtimer. Both a dive watch and a world-time watch, this piece has two complex technologies in one. They’ve upgraded this model to only have one crown. The rotating bezel plays two important roles. The rotating bezel moves the inner ring, which displays both 24 city time zones and diving markers. So, when diving users can adjust the bezel to track their time underwater and when above the sea and jet setting the bezel is used to track world time. The dial itself is a cool one. Featuring modern details and colors it’s easy to read both on land and under water. This piece is available for $3,399 USD.
Montblanc Star Legacy Orbis Terrarium
Price: $7,200 USD; Case Size: 43mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The term Orbis Terrarum is Latin for globe, earth, and world which take the forefront in function and design in this Montblanc world timer. At the center of the dial is a map of northern hemisphere under the outlines of a globe. A rotating disc displays 24 cities as well as day/night indicator. With a quick glance you can gauge the time across the multiple cities and if you wanted to change the time zone it can easily be done with the click of the pusher. The red arrow at 12 o’clock will indicate both the wearers local time and the related city’s time. As most Montblanc pieces this watch draws its inspiration from their heritage Minerva collection. . It is priced at $7,200 USD but is currently sold out online.
Nomos Glashuette Zurich Weltzeit
Price: $6,100 USD; Case Size: 39.9mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Nomos is another brand that is known for their minimal contemporary dials. Usually displaying thin hour markers or numerals on clean open dials with warm colors. The Nomos world timer follows this overall aesthetic. The midnight blue dial is a pleasant backdrop to the white details and the long slender hands. With the click of the pusher at 2 o’clock you can easily switch between the 24 time zones while your main home time is center focus. The 24-hour indicator is a rotating disc at 3 o’clock. Nomos is successful in maintaining their minimalist style in this beautiful multifunctional timepiece as well as making this caliber more accessible in use. It’s available for $6,100 USD.
Junghans Meister Worldtimer
Price: $2,050 USD; Case Size: 40.4mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Junghans was founded by Erhard Junghans in 1861 in Germany, where they continue to produce their artful and efficient timepieces. The Bauhaus era plays a big role in their design as well as their German heritage, where simplistic design is the forefront. The Junghans Meister Worldtimer is no exception. As detailed as world timers can get the Junghans Meister still preserves a minimal look. The 24 cities are laid out in a small font around the inner dial across a large open blue dial. The 24-hour time with day/night indicator sits below the city names in four long open windows with a contrasting white background. Large yet thin indices make up most of the outer dial which display 12-hour time. A beautifully crafted contemporary and clean look makes up this piece. The watch is available for $2,050 USD.
Richard Mille RM 36-02 Worldtimer
Price: $145,000 USD; Case Size: 47mm; Water Resistance: Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Richard Mille Worldtimer doesn’t embody the usually expected iconic tonneau shape but is still bold and intricate in design and function. At 47mm this piece is a hefty one. The case is a beast and is made up of 200 parts. It’s made from grade 5 titanium and has a rotating bezel that helps adjust the different time zones on the piece as well as ensure its water resistance. It boasts a large crown between a crown protector. The thickness of the case allows for a deeper dial which Richard Mille takes advantage of in function and design. The outer ring, displaying the 24 cities, curves inwards towards the skeleton dial. Richard Mille has once more delivered a watch that looks complex and carries a complex calibre but has ease of use and functionality. The price on this world timer is $145,000 USD.
Raymond Weil Freelancer GMT Worldtimer
Price: $2,875 USD; Case Size: 40.5mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
If you’re looking for a world timer but perhaps something more subtle or a little more toned down, then the Raymond Weil Freelancer GMT (or Greenwich Mean Time) Worldtimer might be the one for you. Its monochrome all black style may not pop with colors or make a loud statement as many other pieces on this list, but it still packs precision and beauty. The dial features gradients of gray that give slight contrast to the black and still the piece is incredibly legible. The piece is also available in a green colorway with bronze bezel, still embodying a more muted look. Raymond Weil is a family-owned Swiss watch company founded in Geneva in 1976. It is one of the largest independent watchmakers and is run today by Raymond Weil’s grandson, Elie Bernheim. The worldtimer is available for $2,875 USD.
MING 29.01 Worldtimer
Price: $21,000 USD; Case Size: 40mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Schwarz-Etienne for MING Cal. ASE 222; Crystal:Sapphire.
The Ming 29.01 world timer is an updated version of the previous 19.02 world timer with a newer movement and refinements to the construction. This piece seamlessly flows all around from case and crystal to the dial and its markings. The piece does not have a bezel therefore the sapphire crystal fluidly merges into the case creating a larger dial opening and view. The dial continues the smooth flow with a minimal look. The information floats across the black dial. The only lines present are the few which divide the cities with the 24-hour time. A blue to black gradient symbolizes day/night. A cool feature allows the dial to rotate as it sits on a peripheral ball bearing track. One of the coolest features are the beautifully crafted sapphire hands that solidifies this piece’s modern appeal. It also looks super cool when illuminated! There's currently a waitlist, but the price for the Ming 29.01 Worldtimer is $21,000 USD.
Ulyssse Nardin Blast Moonstruck
Price: $77,440 USD; Case Size: 45mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Ulyssse Nardin Blast Moonstruck might be one of the most unique world timers on our list as it centers around the moon rather than the earth. Its futuristic and celestial appeal pour out from all of its fine details. The black ceramic piece plays heavily into the black colorway of space. Rose gold details and tones contrast and bring some light to the piece. The piece plays between the rotation of the sun and the phases of the moon. It reminds us of the greater universe which earth sits in. There is a light etching of the earth on the domed center part of the dial. Even the layout of the cities, hours, and date display blend and overlay one another in a way that feels as if the wearer is floating through time and space. This cool piece is available for $77,440 USD.
Bulgari Octo Roma Worldtimer
Price: $9,150 USD; Case Size: 41mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Bulgari Octo Roma Worldtimer takes the shape of their well-known “Octo” octagonal cases. The brand has chosen to go with a blue dial with contrasting white and silver information. This gives a piece a much more clean and minimal style compared to most other watches with a world-time complication. They focus on additional smaller details that vary from other world timers such as the city for Europe, is appropriate to the name of the watch, Roma. They also include St. Barth’s to represent the Caribbean. The piece comes in two models. A version with stainless steel case and sunburst blue dial, or all black colorway in DLC coating. They both retail for $9,150 USD.
Bovet Orbis Mundi Worldtimer
Price: $51,433 USD; Case Size: 42mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Manual; Crystal: Sapphire.
Edouard Bovet was a traveler and international businessman, In the early 1800s he traveled outside of Switzerland and made pocket watch sales in other countries such as China. So, it is only appropriate that Bovet would be one of the leading watch brands to feature dual time and world timer complications across many of their pieces. A unique characteristic of their timepieces is the overt elegance and sophistication they embody. The delicate and intricate watches they create feel like a prized possession on the wrist. The Bovet Orbis Mundi Worltimer fits right into this mold.
It was released in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Bovet. It’s a gorgeous piece constructed from red gold and almost has the feel of a fully open feel as the crystal in front and back reach to the edges of the case. The dial is made completely of aventurine glass and displays the 24 cities on a large disc at 12 o’clock. The crown also sits at 12 o’clock allowing for quick and easy adjustment while on the wrist. Bovet never fails to deliver. This piece retailed for $51,443 USD in red gold.
Tissot Navigator Automatic COSC
Price: $1,616 USD; Case Size: 43mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Tissot celebrates its 160th anniversary with the Heritage Navigator. This piece offers a straightforward easy to read world timer complication and dial. The city names sit at the center of the dial, angled in a circular form. The 24-hour clock sits around the city names. The bezel indicates the 12-hour time. Tissot embodies this piece as the ultimate dress watch for the business consumer jet setting between conference calls across the globe to keep themselves and their business running. The silver dial and blue details with the brown leather strap makes this a clean and elevated watch that does fit the dressy mold. It is available for $1,616 USD.
Andersen Geneve Tempus Terrae Worldtimer
Price: $75,294 USD; Case Size: 39mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Founder of Andersen Geneve, Sven Andersen worked for Patek Phillippe in the 70s, before founding his own brand. In 1990 he introduced the Andersen Geneve first edition Worldtime watch, “The Communication,” paying homage to first world time wristwatch produced by Louis Cottier. The Tempus Terrae was first introduced in 2015, celebrating the 25th anniversary of world timer watches produced by Andersen. It was limited to 25 pieces. Now, the brand has released an updated model of the Tempus Terrae in two editions, both with 36 baguettes along the bezel, in either blue sapphire or Aquamarine. At the center of the dial is a 21ct BlueGold Tapisserie guilloché motif which blends well with the baguettes. The rotor also includes a similar 21ct BlueGold guilloché. This piece certainly pays close attention to the finer details as it keeps you on track of world time. The Aquamarine baguette model starts at $75,294 USD.
Girard Perregaux World Time Chronograph
Price: $16,700 USD; Case Size: 44mm; Water Resistance: Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Although this is another world timer that has been discontinued, we include it on our list because it’s an extraordinary piece. Both a world timer and a chronograph the dial on this watch is very detailed, but Perregaux set it up in a legible and approachable design. It displays three subdials in the center of the dial which show the chronograph functions. The center of the dial also features an etched globe with a 24-hour ring with day/night indicator. The 24 city time zones sit on the outer edge of the dial. The black and white colorway works beautifully here allowing for all of the information to flow together nicely without losing out on any details. A small date window is placed between 1 and 2 o’clock, giving it a fun angle. Its last known retail price was $16,700 USD.
Christopher Ward C65 Worldtimer
Price: $1,235 USD; Case Size: 47mm; Water Resistance: 150m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Christopher Ward London is one of the newer brands venturing into world timers. Their C65 Worldtimer is the first of its kind for the brand. It’s not just the first time they’re using the world timer self-winding movement but also playing with newer features in their pieces such as a screw down crown, bidirectional bezel, and the bold black and yellow colorway. The black and yellow colorway is inspired through the IWC Aquatimer, one of the CEO and co-founder, Mike France’s favorite dive watches. The bidirectional bezel was a request from consumers of the brand, so they listened, now its use is for the world timer function. So, wearers can easily switch between the 24 cities and quickly learn the times in the multiple time zones.It is also a GMT watch so two time zones can be set at once, one displayed through 12-hours and the second through 24-hours. Another great part about this piece is its starting price at $1,235 USD.
