GMT watches are among the most useful complications in watchmaking — but not everyone uses them the same way.
Some GMT watches are built for frequent flyers constantly crossing time zones. Others are designed for people who want to track a second time zone daily — such as a home office, overseas clients, or family abroad.
The Arctic GMT belongs firmly in the second category:
a well-executed office GMT, built around reliability, value, and everyday usability.
Office GMT vs True GMT — Let’s Be Clear
There’s a lot of confusion around GMT terminology, so let’s address this properly.
Arctic GMT Is an Office GMT
The Arctic GMT is powered by the Seiko NH34 automatic GMT movement, which is classified as an office GMT (also called a caller GMT).
That means:
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The GMT hand adjusts independently in one-hour steps
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The local hour hand moves together with the minute hand
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The movement stops briefly when setting the main time
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The date is adjusted via the main time, not by jumping the local hour hand
This is different from a true (traveler/flyer) GMT — and that distinction matters.
Why an Office GMT Is Perfect for Most People
While true GMT movements are ideal for frequent travel, an office GMT is often better suited for daily, real-world use.
The Arctic GMT is ideal if you:
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Track a second time zone consistently (work, family, markets)
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Rarely cross time zones yourself
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Want a GMT function without complexity
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Prefer simplicity and mechanical reliability
For example:
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Home time on the GMT hand
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Local time on the main hands
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No need to reset anything day-to-day
For this use case, the NH34 layout is intuitive, practical, and efficient.
Why ÁIGI Chose the Seiko NH34 Movement
The choice of movement in a GMT watch is always a balance between functionality, reliability, availability, and cost.
ÁIGI deliberately chose the Seiko NH34 for several key reasons:
1. Proven Reliability
The NH34 is based on Seiko’s extremely well-known NH platform, trusted by microbrands and enthusiasts worldwide. It is:
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Robust
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Easy to service
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Well-understood by watchmakers globally
2. Cost Efficiency = Better Value
True GMT movements are significantly more expensive — often forcing:
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Higher retail prices
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Compromises elsewhere in the watch
By choosing NH34, ÁIGI could invest in:
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Better case finishing
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Strong lume
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Sapphire crystal
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Overall build quality
…while keeping the Arctic GMT highly competitive in price.
3. A Competitive Automatic GMT for More People
The NH34 allows ÁIGI to offer:
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A fully automatic GMT
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From a respected Japanese movement maker
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At a price point that makes GMT ownership accessible
This is exactly where microbrands excel.
Design Focus: Clarity Over Complexity
Because the Arctic GMT is designed as an everyday dual-time watch, legibility is key.
Design priorities include:
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Clear distinction between GMT hand and hour hand
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Readable 24-hour scale
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Balanced dial layout without clutter
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Clean Scandinavian aesthetic
Nothing is added just to “look like a GMT.”
Everything is there to make the second time zone easy to read.
Built as an Everyday Automatic GMT
The Arctic GMT isn’t a fragile desk watch.
It’s built to handle daily wear with:
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Stainless steel case
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Sapphire crystal
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Strong lume
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Practical water resistance
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Comfortable proportions
This makes it suitable for:
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Daily rotation
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Office use
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Travel (as a reference-time GMT)
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Long-term ownership
Microbrand Philosophy Done Right
The Arctic GMT reflects what microbrand GMT watches do best:
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Honest specifications
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Transparent movement choices
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Strong value proposition
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Clean, original design
Rather than chasing prestige labels or marketing terms, ÁIGI focused on delivering a well-built automatic GMT that makes sense for most users.
Who Is the Arctic GMT For?
The Arctic GMT is perfect if you:
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Want an automatic GMT without paying luxury prices
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Track a second time zone daily
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Appreciate honest engineering decisions
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Prefer reliability over complication
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Want a GMT that’s easy to live with
If you’re a frequent flyer crossing time zones weekly, a true GMT might suit you better.
If you live with two time zones every day, Arctic GMT is exactly what you need.
Final Thoughts: Honest GMT, Real Value
The Arctic GMT doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t.
It is:
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An office GMT
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Powered by a reliable Seiko NH34
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Designed for everyday dual-time use
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Priced to be genuinely competitive
For many enthusiasts, that honesty — combined with thoughtful design and solid execution — is exactly what makes the Arctic GMT such a compelling microbrand GMT watch.
FAQs
Is Arctic GMT a true GMT?
No. It is an office GMT powered by the Seiko NH34.
Is an office GMT still useful?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for tracking a second time zone without frequent travel.
Why not use a true GMT movement?
Cost and availability. NH34 allows better overall value and reliability at this price point.
Is Arctic GMT automatic?
Yes, it is a fully automatic mechanical GMT watch.
Who should choose Arctic GMT?
Anyone who wants a reliable, well-priced automatic GMT for daily dual-time use.
