Auch verfügbar auf 
Deutsch
The Marc & Sons GMT II D takes the brand’s proven, successful concept and embeds it in a GMT watch that I like more and more. In this big watch review, I’ll show you all the details of the timepiece…
If you like the chrono, you’ll love the GMT
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
That’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but it’s what I’m saying now that I’ve tested the Marc & Sons GMT II D and have been able to add an outstanding premium GMT to my store with a clear conscience. As always, you’ll find all the important links at the end of this watch review. But first I’ll tell you what makes this world time watch so good.
Let’s start with the color scheme, which is specific to this reference (MSG-008-13) and which I personally like a little better than that of its sister models. If you prefer classic colors or two-tone bezels, you should definitely take a look there. The yellow accentuation of the dial and bezel gives the Marc & Sons GMT II D a sporty, fresh look without radiating aggressiveness.
The unusual combination also underlines the path that the German brand Marc & Sons took a few years ago. In the meantime, the company has completely abandoned homage designs and has since opted for an independent design language. The GMT II D bears this language, just like the Marc & Sons Navy Pilot Chronograph, my first test watch from Marc & Sons.
The Marc & Sons GMT II D on the wrist
But it’s not just the color that makes the Marc & Sons GMT II D and the Navy Pilot Chronograph look like fraternal twins. The world time watch also adopts other components from the versatile chronograph. For example, the striking bezel with its characteristic ribbing on the side, which is easy to operate, catches the eye. It is identical, as is the entire case.
With a diameter of 43 millimeters, it makes the GMT II D one of the larger GMT watches, whereby the dimensions between the lugs are decisive for the question of whether a watch is comfortable to wear on the wrist. Lug to lug, the timepiece here measures 50 millimeters. In my opinion, this makes it wearable for the masses. For the sake of completeness, I would also like to mention the other key figures. With a diameter of 13 millimeters, the GMT II D remains pleasantly flat and sporty and does not sit too high on the wrist.
During my test period, I preferred to wear the Marc & Sons world time watch on a steel bracelet. In this combination, the watch weighs 213 grams. You are considerably lighter with the rubber strap, which saves a whopping 80 grams. This is ideal for sporting activities or diving.
What makes a watch a premium watch: a look inside the box
Incidentally, both straps are included in the scope of delivery. But that’s not all. The stainless steel bracelet is fitted with a butterfly clasp as standard. However, Marc & Sons includes an additional folding clasp in the box. This has a fine adjustment as well as a diving extension so that the watch also fits over a wetsuit. Personally, I would still switch to the rubber strap before diving. It is equipped with a quick-change system and can therefore be fitted in a matter of seconds.
The quality of both straps impressed me during the test. The manufacturing level is premium.
Details of the case
Exactly like the case – didn’t I actually want to start with that? Never mind, the bracelet digression is over! The case is made of stainless steel and impresses with its satin finish. On the sides, the brushed surfaces are replaced by polished ones, which makes the look more varied and interesting. The Marc & Sons GMT II D still retains the character of a tool watch, but polished surfaces here and there create a particularly elegant look that makes the watch flexible to wear. The range of applications is extremely wide. From the office to the coral reef, I can think of a number of situations in which the timepiece would cut a fine figure: business lunches, airplanes, at the hotel bar – the list could go on and on.
Diving is possible thanks to the excellent water resistance of up to 30 bar. The Navy Pilot Chronograph can do the same thanks to its identical case. My Marc & Sons GMT II D also inherits its unidirectional rotating diver’s bezel. Many GMT watches have a bidirectional rotating bezel with a 24-hour marker. In the GMT II D, this has been moved to the dial, where in my opinion it is easier to read anyway.
Speaking of readability. That’s what counts. I find it particularly good on the Marc & Sons GMT II D. This is also due to the sapphire crystal. In addition to its scratch resistance, its anti-reflective coating provides a good view of the dial. So you can keep a clear view.
The crown and case back are screwed down. At Marc & Sons, the engraved swordfish on the back of the case is now part of the inventory.
Office or Flyer GMT? The Sellita SW330-2 in review
Marc & Sons use a Swiss-made Sellita SW330-2. The caliber is a replica of the famous ETA 2893-2, although not identical 1:1. However, you don’t have to make any compromises in terms of quality. At 28,800 vibrations per hour, it has a power reserve of approx. 56 hours. According to Marc & Sons, models are built to the Elaboré quality level. This promises an average accuracy of +/-5 seconds per day. In addition to a stop-seconds function, the movement also has a quick date correction function.
The SW330-2 makes the Marc & Sons GMT II D a classic office GMT. These are to be distinguished from flyer GMTs. While the GMT hand of the former can be adjusted, the hour hand of the Flyer GMT can be set to jump. This makes it easy for travelers to adjust their local time, whereas the GMT hand of an office GMT is intended more for determining the local time of international work colleagues. Knowing whether you might be waking up your colleague can be a decisive advantage. In the age of smartphones, the importance of GMT functions has diminished. Which GMT function your wristwatch should have is more a matter of taste.
Excellent readability: the dial
When it comes to readability, the Marc & Sons GMT II D beats the Navy Pilot Chronograph. This is hardly surprising, as the chronograph has to accommodate 3 totalizers on the dial. The dial, which appears so simple at first glance, stands out on closer inspection thanks to several refinements. These include the beveled yellow deer skin and the horizontal groove structure. The GMT hand and central seconds also have yellow accents. Swiss Super-LumiNova type BGW9 makes the dial glow in the dark. The indices are appliquéd.
My conclusion on the Marc & Sons GMT II D
Marc & Sons is slowly but surely becoming my go-to brand in the premium segment. In addition to diving watches and chronographs, the GMT models are now also worth a closer look. The Marc & Sons GMT II D is fundamentally based on the same platform as the chronograph. Although this means that both lose some of their independence, the move is only logical from an entrepreneurial point of view. A case is constructed, the basis of which is then further developed into what is needed. Chronograph or GMT? Anything is conceivable.
The GMT II D also proves to be a versatile all-rounder that can be worn on any occasion. It is sporty, chic, timeless, uncomplicated, but never boring. These are the characteristics of a successful daily rocker. The GMT II D is definitely one of these in my eyes.
The model currently costs 1,290.00 euros in my store. The links below will take you there, to Marc & Sons and to even more GMT models that I have already had the pleasure of testing.
More about Marc & Sons and the GMT II D
Click here for the reviewed watch in my store
The reference MSG.008-14 in my store
The entire collection at a glance
Even more GMT watches in my blog
Gallery
