Globe Trotting with the Hager GMT Traveler

So, do you remember that Hager Commando that we reviewed a bit ago? (If not, you can read up on it here). Now that we’re up to speed, you will recall that I certainly did like what I saw with that watch. What if, however, you could change out the Miyota 9015 for something Swiss, and add a GMT complication? That’s what we’ve got with the Hager GMT Traveler.

You will notice that the Hager GMT Traveler has more than a small family resemblance to the Commando. When I asked the brand about the similarities (to tie the new watch to one I was familiar with), they stated that they are basically the same – just a different movement and a different bezel insert.

The movement in this case would be the well-known ETA 2836, and the bezel would be swapping things in for the 24-hour scale. Thankfully, it’s still ceramic, and you’ve even got some bi-color options (I frankly would have a hard time choosing between the blue/black and the red/blue). Also thankfully, it’s the same midnight blue dial (and date wheel) that I dug so much on the Commando.

The Hager GMT Traveler is currently up for pre-order, with the pre-order period closing down on April 10th. You will need to put 50% down now ($350 for the stainless steel, $400 for the PVD finish), with the remainder due in a few months when delivery occurs. That brings your total price to $700 ($800 if you want PVD), which is not too shabby for a Swiss-powered GMT that also carries a 200m WR rating. Just move fast – along with that date deadline, there’s also a limited number of slots open. As of the time of this writing, 46 remained. preorder page

Review Summary

Brand & Model: Hager GMT Traveler
Price: $700 (in steel); $800 (DLC finish)
Who’s it for?: You like the classic sub-style dive watches, but want the ability to track multiple time zones
Would I wear it?: Yes indeedely-do!
What I’d change: Since I can’t make my mind up about the bezel inserts, let’s make the bezel user-changeable!
The best thing about it: Aside from the basic looks (and the great blue dial), it’s the bi-color ceramic (and lumed) bezels.

Tech Specs from Hager

Stainless steel case with a stainless steel deployment with push button clasp bracelet.
Engraved, bi-directional 24-click rotating luminous ceramic bezel.
Midnight blue dial with luminous hands and luminous dots hour markers.
Minute markers around the outer rim.
Date displays at the 4 o’clock position.
ETA 2836 Automatic movement with a 40 hour power reserve.
Functions: GMT, second time zone, hour, minute, second.
Scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
Screw down crown.
Solid case back.
Deployment clasp.
Water resistant at 200 meters / 360 feet.
Additional Info: GMT timekeeping; blue/red center hand indicates second time zone.
Case diameter: 42 mm.
Case thickness: 14.5 mm.
Band width: 22 mm.