Baselworld 2019: Introducing the Zodiac Aerospace GMT

If there’s one complication that has been on an absolute tear over the last year, it’s the GMT. It’s an eminently usable complication for anyone who travels regularly, and even if you don’t travel regularly, there’s an appeal to these watches in the same way that divers can be appreciated by folks who may not even swim: they conjure a sense of adventure and escape. This spring, Zodiac reintroduces the much loved Aerospace GMT, here in two distinct colorways that will be perfect for summer travels, or just daydreaming about them.

Zodiac Aerospace GMT

The Aerospace GMT is a no nonsense 40-millimeter sports watch with a three-link bracelet that features some fairly striking polished center links. Dial details include the iconic Zodiac logo and some very traditional script text against a black dial. Depending on the reference, a red or orange GMT hand tracks on a 24-hour scale, and a date window at 3:00 blends in nicely with the square indexes.

There are two distinct references at launch. Reference ZO9400 is a nod to the original model, which featured a two-tone 24-hour bezel (which mimics bakelite) to represent day and night. Reference ZO9401 has the appearance of the 9400’s slightly funkier younger brother, with a bezel in baby blue and burnt orange, reminiscent of some recent Super Seawolf references, and according to Zodiac represents the sun and water. The beach vibes are definitely not an accident. The orange and blue version has a slight edge in my book with a date wheel that is color matched to the dial, allowing for that orange to pop just a little better.

At $1,695, the Aerospace represents yet another solid choice if you’re after a GMT. This was a complication that only a few years ago had a dearth of options in this price bracket, so this watch will certainly be welcomed by many. The Aerospace GMT is a limited edition of just 182 units for each, and will be available online through Zodiac starting today. Stay tuned for further coverage. Zodiac