Wandering Hours: Chronoswiss Presents Two New Travel Watches

For those who may not already know, “GMT” stands for “Greenwich Mean Time,” which is the reference time defined in 1884 by the Royal Observatory in London as the zero point for time zones.

A GMT watch is equipped with an additional 24-hour hand, enabling a second time zone to be displayed for folks who travel regularly, have family in foreign countries, or regularly work with people in other countries. For keeping track of multiple time zones, a GMT is incredibly useful.

While a GMT is technically a tool watch, it also has a glamorous side. We’re thinking pilots jetting off to exotic destinations, looking sharp in their crisp uniforms with a dual-time watch strapped to their wrists.

Independent watchmakers Chronoswiss have just released two new timepieces that capture both the practical and the pretty side of international travel watches: the Pulse GMT Enamel Sky Gold and the Pulse GMT Silver Guiloché.

Here’s why we think they are worth bringing on your next voyage.

With these two new releases, Chronoswiss is reviving its most famous GMT – the Tora Chronograph. When it was launched in 1999, it was notable for its unconventional dual-time display, which featured a second time zone at 9 o’clock.
 

But now, the spirit of the Tora has been channeled into the Pulse family of timepieces. The left side of the dial still displays a 24-hour indication for the second time zone. Meanwhile, the right side presents the 12-hour home time, while central minutes and seconds connect both worlds with mechanical precision.
 

According to the brand, “The Pulse GMT is built for those who move between worlds – travelers and collectors whose lives unfold across continents and time zones.” But this watch also clicks for a different kind of time-travelling enthusiast – one who appreciates ages-old decorative craft techniques.
 

At the heart of this timepiece is a curved, hand-guillochéd white gold dial, engraved in the Atelier in Lucerne using century-old machines. However, what makes the Pulse GMT Enamel Sky Gold so engaging is the dial’s paillonné enamel, an 18^th-century enameling technique that involves placing tiny, hand-cut gold or silver motifs (called paillons) between layers of translucent, colored enamel.
 

Thus, on the new Pulse GMT Enamel Sky Gold, translucent blue enamel is applied layer by layer and fired at high temperatures. When the base reaches the color and intensity of a deep blue night sky, wafer-thin specks of gold are applied. Then the dial is returned to the oven once again for a final layer of translucent enamel. This starry sky is surrounded by a 41mm 18K red cold case and integrated bezel.
 

Inside beats the Chronoswiss Manufacture Caliber C.6002, developed together with La Joux-Perret. The movement offers 55 hours of power reserve and integrates a true two-time zone.
 

Priced at CHF 79,000, the Pulse GMT Enamel Sky Gold is a true work of art. Reflecting its exceptional craftsmanship and exclusivity, it is limited to just 50 pieces worldwide.

Chronoswiss has another treat for travelers: the Pulse GMT Silver Guilloché (which is also an update of the 1999 dual-time icon, the Chronoswiss Tora).
 

Both the Sky Gold and Silver Guilloché honor the design codes of the Tora – notably the onion crown and coin-edge bezel – and feature the sculptural case and integrated bracelet of the Pulse. But because it is crafted in titanium, the new Pulse GMT Silver Guilloché is built for modern comfort.
 

The material also plays up the angles and structure of the 41mm watch. For extra depth, the curved dial is hand-guilloched in the Chronoswiss Atelier in Lucerne using century-old machines. Each line is cut individually to provide a dynamic play of light.
 

Chronoswiss also wants you to know that the art of time lies in more than just decoration. The Silver Guilloché is also powered by the Chronoswiss Manufacture Caliber C.6002, which was developed exclusively in collaboration with La Joux-Perret. This movement integrates a dedicated two-time zone module. It is also water-resistant to 10 ATM.
 

Priced at CHF 16,800, the Pulse GMT Silver Guilloché is designed for collectors who prefer to wear their passion as they journey across the globe, rather than keep it confined to a display case. A refined expression of horological artistry, it is limited to just 200 pieces worldwide.
 

For more information, check out the Chronoswiss website.