Timex × Pan Am Automatic GMT: a second time zone for $669

Timex · Pan Am × Timex Waterbury Automatic GMT

The model in detail

Meet the watch

October’s Pan Am × Timex Waterbury Automatic GMT has an appealing colour combination: a pale dial, blue-black bezel and light blue airline logo. A blue hand with a large triangle gives the palette a purpose, displaying a second time zone. It is an attractive travel-inspired look, easy to imagine with a shirt and overnight bag. Its most interesting feature is inside, however: this is a mechanical GMT.

The TW2Y94300 uses the automatic Seiko NH34. Its extra hand circles once per day and is read against the bezel’s 24-hour scale. You can keep the regular hands on local time and set the blue hand to a city you contact frequently, making it easier to judge whether it is a suitable time to call an overseas partner. GMT is useful even if you spend most of your time at home.

This is an office, or caller GMT arrangement: the 24-hour hand adjusts separately. In a traveler GMT, the regular hour hand jumps independently, which is convenient when landing in a new zone. The distinction matters: Timex is suited to monitoring a second time, while changing local time on a trip involves the usual setting of the main hands. The aviation collaboration’s name does not change how the movement works.

Details and limitations

The case has presence: 41.5 mm across, 13.5 mm thick and 48 mm from lug tip to lug tip. The official wrist photograph makes its volume clear, something to consider if you need a thin accessory under a tight cuff. The pale dial nevertheless feels open, while large markers and hands reinforce the sporty character.

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The steel bracelet has quick-release spring bars and links the manufacturer describes as adjustable without tools. A butterfly clasp preserves its continuous appearance. The movement is visible through the back, with a Pan Am globe printed on the glass. We like that balance: recognisable branding remains part of the design, while GMT gives a practical reason to wear the watch regularly.

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The crystal is double-domed K1 mineral glass with anti-reflection. Stated reserve is approximately 41 hours and water resistance is 50 metres. US catalogue pricing is $669; local taxes and purchase terms may differ. This is an interesting option for an aviation-design enthusiast who wants mechanical GMT without entering a costly segment. We would pay particular attention to its thickness on the wrist and whether caller GMT suits the intended use.