Best Rolex GMT Master Alternatives Under £5000

GMT watches have always had an undeniable allure. There's something romantic about tracking time in multiple places at once—whether it's home, a favourite travel destination, or simply a reminder of someone far away. These watches capture the spirit of adventure, harking back to the golden age of air travel, when crossing time zones was a luxury, not an inconvenience. And at the heart of it all is the legendary Rolex GMT Master, originally developed in the 1950s for Pan Am pilots.

Fast-forward to today, and GMT watches have transcended their purely functional roots to become an essential part of any watch enthusiast's collection. Whether or not you’re jet-setting across the globe, the practicality and aesthetic appeal of a GMT make it a compelling choice.

But if a Rolex GMT Master is out of reach, as for many it certainly is, there are plenty of worthy alternatives under £5,000. Previously, we explored some of the best affordable alternatives to the Rolex GMT Master, focusing on watches that captured its style and aesthetic. This time, we’re taking a different approach. The watches on this list don’t just resemble the Submariner—they offer serious technical specs that make them worthy contenders in their own right.

Here are some of the best alternatives to the Rolex GMT Master under £5,000.

Nomadic is a brand that deserves more recognition, and the Fior 555 GMT is a great example of why. Designed with heritage in mind, this watch has a strong personal connection to its creators. The name "Fior" means "true" in Gaelic, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to authenticity.

The watch itself is striking, particularly in the Crimson Dawn red colourway. It boasts a 41mm stainless steel case, a Swiss Sellita movement, and a classic yellow GMT hand inspired by the iconic shipbuilding cranes of Belfast. It’s a refined yet practical watch, featuring a Jubilee-style bracelet with a microglide clasp for on-the-fly adjustments. At £1,595, it’s a well-built, comfortable-to-wear alternative to the Rolex GMT Master.

If you prefer a GMT with a sportier, more modern edge, the Formex Reef GMT delivers in spades. Originally designed as a dive watch, it retains the robust construction and 300m water resistance of its origins while incorporating a highly functional GMT complication.

One of the Reef GMT’s biggest selling points is its versatility. The 48-click bezel allows you to track three time zones, and the modular bezel system means you can swap styles easily. Measuring 42mm, it houses a COSC-certified SW330-2 Sellita movement and features a bracelet with an impressive level of micro-adjustability. While the watch itself is well-priced at £1,960, adding extra straps and bezels can push the cost up. But for those who love a watch they can customise, the Formex Reef GMT is a definite standout.

Squale has long been known for its dive watches, but the Sub-39 GMT is a fantastic blend of heritage and modern watchmaking. This is a watch I own myself and generally the one I pick up for travelling. It channels vintage skin diver aesthetics while incorporating a reliable Swiss movement and a variety of colour options.

At 39mm, it’s smaller than some of the other GMTs on this list, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more compact fit. The box sapphire crystal adds a charming retro touch, while the Sellita movement ensures precision and a 50-hour power reserve. Priced at £1,760 on a metal bracelet, the Squale Sub-39 GMT is a refined yet practical option for frequent travellers.

Seiko is synonymous with value, and the Seiko 5 GMT is proof that you don’t need to spend thousands to get a great GMT watch. Available in multiple colourways, it captures the essence of a classic traveller’s watch with a signature Seiko twist.

It may not have the Swiss pedigree of some of the other watches here, but what it lacks in prestige, it makes up for in character. Featuring an automatic movement with manual winding, a Hardlex crystal, and legendary Seiko lume, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a stylish yet budget-friendly GMT. Starting at just £400, it’s one of the best entry-level GMT watches on the market.

Whilst we’re on the subject, another interesting British entry is the Marloe GMT, a stylish and affordable contender in the GMT market. Available in "Night" and "Day" versions, it offers a clean and contemporary design with a 42mm case and a reliable Miyota movement inside.

While it may not have the luxury finishing of some higher-end GMTs, it presents a solid value proposition, often available at competitive prices. If you're after a no-fuss, well-designed GMT that won’t break the bank, the Marloe GMT is well worth considering.

For those willing to stretch their budget to the higher end of the spectrum, the Tudor Black Bay GMT Opaline is an exceptional choice. With its opaline dial, red GMT hand, and classic bi-colour bezel, it echoes the design language of the Rolex GMT Master while offering its own distinct personality.

At 41mm, it’s a versatile size, and the in-house automatic movement delivers a 70-hour power reserve and COSC-certified accuracy. The fit and finish are outstanding, as you’d expect from Tudor, and while it comes at a higher price point (starting north of £3,500), it’s arguably the closest true competitor to the Rolex GMT Master in terms of quality and heritage.

Whether you're after a budget-friendly GMT, a rugged sports watch, or a high-end alternative to Rolex, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. The Seiko 5 GMT remains unbeatable for those on a tight budget, while the Squale and Nomadic offer compelling mid-range options. If you’re looking for a watch with modern flair and customizability, the Formex Reef GMT stands out. And for those who want the ultimate alternative, the Tudor Black Bay GMT Opaline delivers luxury without the Rolex price tag.

So, which of these GMTs speaks to you? Do you have a favourite, or is there another great Rolex alternative we should have included? Let us know in the comments!