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Home » Gear » best travel watch

17 Best Travel Watches for your Travel Style in 2024

If there is ever a time to have a trustworthy watch, it’s when traveling. A great travel watch can save your ass time and time again. Journeys of all kinds rely on being in the right place at the right time – to catch a flight, meet up with a guide, claim that restaurant reservation, or check in to a hotel.

Though other bits of gear, like smartphones, have usurped the role of the watch for many in everyday life, with changes in time zone and attempts to get away from the constant demands of working life, there’s still no single item more useful to the modern traveler than a good watch.

Besides, in certain places, you want to reduce how often you’re pulling out your phone. A travel watch can keep your smartphone from getting snatched in busy urban areas, where it’s all too common.

Here we bring you what we believe are the very best travel watches to keep you on schedule!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Watches

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• Best men’s travel watch – Casio G-Shock Gravity Master
• Best women’s travel watch – Timex Women’s Ironman Transit
• Most attractive travel watch – Nordgreen Influencer
• Best watch under $500 – Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
• Best watch under $100 – SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q
• Best analogue travel watch – Tissot Seastar 1000
• Best digital travel watch – DIDITIME Sports and Military Watch
• Best travel watch for hikers – Samsung Galaxy Watch
• Best smart watch for staying fit while traveling – Fitbit Charge 4
• Best travel watch with GPS – Garmin Fenix Chronos

Casio G-Shock Gravity Master

• > Protective body
• > Water resistant to 200 m

Timex Women’s Ironman Transit

• > Durable on the go
• > Follows two time zones

Nordgreen Pioneer

• > Quality Build
• > Interchangeable Straps

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

• Price > $$$
• > GPS tracking and route finding
• > Web connectivity

SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q

• > Large digital display
• > Metal wristband

Tissot Seastar 1000

• Price > $$$$
• > Luminous hands
• > Large face

DIDITIME Sports and Military Watch

• > Fabric strap

Samsung Galaxy Watch

• > In-built GPS
• > 4-day battery life

Fitbit Charge 4

• > Measures heart rate without chest strap
• > GPS connectivity

Garmin Fenix Chronos

• > TracBack GPS feature
• > Activity monitor

• > Great look
• > Water resistant

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The Casio G-Shock Gravity Master is a serious travel watch for serious travelers. What makes it so great? First off, the microchips and inner workings of the G-Shock Gravity Master are encased in a body that protects from sudden shocks such as dropping or knocking, centrifugal forces, and vibration. Then there’s the fact this watch is water resistant down to 200 meters, meaning evening scuba diving is an option with this watch. Finally, techies, in particular, will love the fact that the G-Shock Gravity Master will automatically synchronize to your time zone when you reach a destination – using a combination of GPS and radio waves. How cool is that!

• Protective body
• Water resistant to 200 m
• Automatic synchronization to time zone
• A little bulky for some
• Analogue-digital display
• Imported from US for UK customers
• 52 mm diameter

Is the Casio G-Shock Gravity Master for me?

If you’re a frequent traveler or you simply struggle with working out time zones when you do, the Casio G-Shock Gravity Master is definitely the travel watch for you! Not only does it use GPS technology to ensure it’s always synchronized to the correct time (even taking account of daylight saving time!), its hard protective body and impressive level of water resistance mean you’ll never find yourself without a functioning watch when away.

The Women’s Ironman Transit by Timex offers a great blend of functionality and style. The relatively large digital display makes it super easy to check the time while moving, whether you’re on a busy underground train or scaling a mountain on a rope harness. The resin case means it will resist knocks, while the strap is durable and easily cleaned. The clock itself has the option of two different time zones, so you can keep a clear idea of the time at home, and a customizable alarm, which is always a useful feature while traveling. What’s more, it’s also water resistant to a depth of 100 meters! What more could you want?

• Durable on the go
• Follows two time zones
• Water resistant
• Resin strap
• Simple buckle closure
• No automatic synchronization of time zones
• Digital display

Is the Timex Women’s Ironman Transit for me?

The answer is undoubtedly yes! Its stylish modern design of smooth lines and molded resin certainly means it looks the part, while the ability to follow two time zones, the customizable alarm, and water resistance down to 100 m also means it acts the part! It may not have some of the bells and whistles of other travel watches on our list, but we still love it!

Nordgreen Pionee r

Not every travel watch has to feature James Bond level gadgets and gizmos. The Nordgreen Pioneer is an industry leader when it comes to producing quality minimalist watch designs that are fit for your days exploring cities and nights on the town. A big selling point for this watch is that you can easily change out the bands if you are feeling like a different look/color (bands sold separately).

The combination of sleek specs like the domed Sapphire crystal face and Japanese quartz make for a watch that you will be using for many years to come. In addition to being a sexy travel watch – the Nordgreen Pioneer also is a great everyday watch. 

• Minimalist design
• Comes with Steel Case
• Water-Resistant
• Scandinavian Made
• Extra Watch band colors not included
• No smart technology
• No alarm feature

Is the Nordgreen Pioneer for me?

If you are looking for a no-frills watch that looks much more high-end then the price reflects, this is the watch for you. As mentioned, the Pioneer is not just a travel watch – and it is classy enough for use in a professional setting as well as when you are not on holiday. 

Just scrapping under the $500/£390 mark at its full recommended retail price, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar gives the widest array of features for a travel watch under $500. Coming from a trusted brand like Garmin, you know what you are getting here! What we also love the most is that being solar powered it will basically stay charged indefinitely if you spend a few hours a day outside, pretty rad! It’s also got stealth mode to disable wireless communication if you’re going to be doing some rogue ops or just don’t want your crazy girlfriend to know your whereabouts!!

Other cool features include built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter plus multiple global navigation satellite systems meaning you can track your adventures over varied and challenging terrain. You’ll never be lost again!

If that wasn’t enough, this watch also boasts several built-in sports tracking modes like running, biking, swimming and strength training as well as tracking for things like heart rate, VO2 max and sleep!

• Tested to military standards
• GPS tracking and route finding
• Real-time weather information
• Web connectivity
• Requires USB charging
• Nylon strap
• Not touchscreen

Is the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar for me?

You don’t have to be a hardened adventure to see the benefits of the Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor Watch by Suunto. If you’ve ever got hopelessly lost in a foreign city you’ll really appreciate the real-time GPS tracking and route finding functions, while its web connectivity will ensure you can stay in contact with friends and family while away too!

Want to compare this watch to other awesome outdoor models? Check out our EPIC review of the best outdoor watches .

We think the SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q is simply a bargain for what it offers! Deep within the inner workings, you’ll find (if you were ever to look), a movement by Japanese watchmakers Citizen, and a battery meant to last three years. On the outside, you have a large, easy to read, digital display with a classy metal band. The watch is also waterproof so you’ll have no issues taking anywhere you end up on your travels.

• Great price
• Trustworthy internal workings
• Large digital display
• Metal wristband
• Only water resistant to 50 m
• Not great for slim wrists
• No second time zone function

Is the SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q for me?

You don’t have to be counting the pennies to think that the SOLARMATE watch CITIZEN Q is a great buy for what it offers. For an incredible price, you get a trustworthy brand, and an easy-to-read digital display alongside waterproofing and a nice look. Brilliant!

Although aimed at the diving market, the Swiss-engineered Tissot Seastar 1000 is just as functional as a general analogue travel watch. The large face makes it easy to read the luminous dials even in the low light of an aircraft cabin or a candle-lit restaurant, while maintaining enough style to ensure you won’t feel embarrassed at wearing it even at more formal occasions. The tough body will keep it safe from knocks, while the resin strap is comfortable and easy to keep clean. As you might expect, the Seastar 1000 also has an impressive degree of water resistance too – safe down to 300 m!

• Luminous hands
• Water resistant to 300 m
• Lacks GPS features
• Not as tough as the Casio G-Shock Gravity Master

Is the Tissot Seastar 1000 for me?

Having been making watches for more than one and a half centuries, Tissot is clearly doing something right! Their Seastar 1000 is no exception, with this analogue travel watch bringing a touch of class to the proceedings. But more than just having a pretty face (very literally) its also functional thanks to luminous hands and water resistance to 300 m.

From the best analogue travel watch to the best digital watch of our reckoning with this number from DIDITIME. It can be argued whether the best digital watch should be as simple as possible or as feature heavy as possible – we’ve sided with simple. But simplicity doesn’t mean you’re laying aside reliability – the DIDITIME is based around a Japanese-made movement and battery for precision timing. The time/date display, auto calendar, alarm, and backlight are matched nicely by the black fabric strap, and protected by the carbon fibre case.

• Japanese movement
• Fabric strap
• Lacks features of other digital watches we’ve covered
• Not suitable for submersion
• No analogue dial
• Some customers mention build issues

Is the DIDITIME Sports and Military Watch for me?

If you’re after a digital watch that can tell you exactly where you are at any given time and what the weather is likely to be in the next couple of hours, we’d recommend the Garmin Solar 2 Watch, however if you’re looking for a simple digital display with which to tell the time, this DIDITIME watch will be perfect for you!

It’s a fact of life that tech has encroached into the world of hiking as much as other sports and activities, and while a paper map and physical compass is always a good idea, a lot of the hard work of route finding can be made simple with a watch such as this Samsung Galaxy offering. As well as keeping you connected with calls and messages straight to your wrist to keep you hands-free, the Samsung Galaxy also automatically (yes, automatically) detects movement and activity and monitors it for you. This watch also has in-built GPS, so you can follow pre-planned routes or find a short cut home on the move effortlessly!

• Lets you stay connected hands-free
• Automatically detects and monitors activity
• In-built GPS
• 4-day battery life
• Requires regular charging
• Water-resistant to only 50 m
• Weighs 300 g

Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch for me?

If you’re an Apple fan, look away now…While a smart watch may not be the obvious choice for hikers, the Samsung Galaxy watch does in fact make a fine travel watch for hikers. Why? Because you can stay connected, have your activity monitored without even having to touch a screen, and have the safety and security of GPS route finding as well!

Market leaders are market leaders for a reason, and the Charge 4 by Fitbit remains to our mind the best smart watch for staying fit while traveling. The smooth lines of the Charge 4 monitor your heart rate from your wrist – meaning no unwieldy chest strap for starters. Its all-day activity tracking measures distance, steps, and calories among other metrics, and can remind you to move if you’ve remained still for longer periods. Finally, with its GPS connectivity, you can see real-time stats in addition to your current location and route!

• Stylish look
• Measures heart rate without chest strap
• All-day metric measurement
• GPS connectivity
• Requires regular charging (every 4+ days)
• Additional accessories cost extra
• Touch screen scratches quite easily
• Two-year warranty

Is the Fitbit Charge 4 for me?

Staying fit while traveling used to be difficult to monitor, what with the change in routine (and the added calories that undoubtedly come with many types of travel!). Then the Fitbit Charge 4 came along, with the possibility to record metrics from heart rate to steps taken without issue, alongside the brilliant functionality of GPS connectivity.

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You’ve got to love GPS, don’t you? Endlessly useful in your home town and abroad, its certainly saved us from all manner of potential pitfalls! The Garmin Fenix Chronos is a masterly GPS-enabled travel watch, with a tracking log for pinpoint accuracy and its ‘TracBack’ feature that helps users head back the same way you’ve come. But as well as GPS functionality the Fenix Chronos has ABC (or altitude, barometer, and compass) functions, and will record and monitor your activity levels, whatever sport or activity you’re undertaking. All this, smart phone connectivity, and a battery life of up to eight days make this the best travel watch with GPS for us!

• TracBack GPS feature
• Altitude, Barometer, and compass readings
• Activity monitor
• 8 day battery life
• Leather strap
• Water resistance to just 100 m
• Has a traditional look some users may not like

Is the Garmin Fenix Chronos for me?

If you’re regularly traveling, looking for the very best of travel watches with GPS, we think you’ve probably found it with the Garmin Fenix Chronos! The ‘TracBack’ feature will be really useful for many, while more seasoned adventures will love the ABC functionality too!

The FIZILI’s combination of ageless elegance and simple minimalist design makes their watch a hands-down winner. Their travel watch, just like the Nomatic travel bag , is extremely versatile; it can be used whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, and when roughing it or in the highest-end resorts – without looking out of place.

There are a whole number of different colourways to choose from too, whether you want the uber cool black-on-black look or you want to throw in some red highlights or a blue face, there’s even gold, silver and blue wristbands available too.

Is the FIZILI for me?

If you’re after a pared-back but classy travel watch which you know you can rely on while on the move the FIZILI is the perfect choice for you. With a style that looks great in any situation, the quality steel mesh strap and the variety of different styles means there’s something to suit everyone and at this price you could buy them all!

Shinola Runwell

Detroit’s Shinola has a growing legion of fans on both sides of the Atlantic, and travelers old and new will be sure to fall for the Runwell too. This analogue watch has a traditional look, complete with a real leather strap, while ensuring a large face to ensure the clock face is easy to read whatever the light levels. The sapphire crystal window is scratch resistant, which is obviously ideal when traveling, and the watch is also water resistant down to 50 m – more than deep enough for a swim in the hotel pool!

• Beautifully styled traditional look
• Scratch resistant sapphire crystal window
• Water resistance to 50 m
• Imported from the US for UK customers
• Luminous hands but no backlight
• Not for budget travelers
• No GPS functionality

Is the Shinola Runwell for me?

The style-conscious traveler will be very happy to be seen wearing the Shinola Runwell, as a result of its phenomenal looks and literally crystal-clear analogue display. But this watch isn’t just style over substance, with durability built in with the leather strap, scratch resistance, and water resistance. When looking for a traditional and trustworthy watch, the Shinola Runwell is a great option!

Seiko SEIKO SRPE99 Prospex

The SEIKO SRPE99 Prospex watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet style strap that slips over the hand to close. The 21 jewels used in its analogue movement ensure accuracy, and although this is an automatic movement – rather than a battery-powered one – it has a power reserve of 40 hours, meaning you can forget to wear it for an entire day without having to manual wind the watch on to restart it. The face incorporates a very useful day and date window, that will surely stay clear as a result of the scratch resistant Hardlex crystal glass. The fact it’s a diver’s watch also means it boasts water resistance to a depth of 200 m.

• 21 jewel movement
• 40-hour power reserve
• Scratch resistant Hardlex crystal glass
• Automatic movement
• Metal bracelet style strap
• Intended as a men’s watch

Is the Seiko Divers Automatic for me?

If you’re an experienced diver you’ll be probably looking for a more sophisticated divers watch than that offered by the Seiko Divers Automatic. However, for mere mortals, this watch reaches the right balance between everyday practicality and specialization. Accurate and tough, we can’t see the Seiko Divers Automatic letting you down!

Timex Expedition Scout

The Timex Expedition Scout offers an analogue face with both twelve- and twenty-four-hour time settings, and accuracy you know you can trust. This rugged outdoor watch is protected by a durable body that is guaranteed to be water resistant down to a depth of 50 m and has the added feature of an ‘Indiglo’ light-up watch face. There’s also a quick date window on the face so you’ll never lose track of the time or date, while the classic yet contemporary look will have to check the time far more than is actually necessary!

• 12 and 24-hour dial settings
• Water resistant to 50 m
• Indiglo light-up dial
• Analogue watch
• Lacks different time zone settings
• Date but no day window on face

Is the Timex Expedition Scout for me?

Forget those tempting added features of other watches in our review, the Expedition Scout is a good ‘solid’ watch that will see you through while always looking fresh and up to the minute thanks to its classic looks.

Suunto Core

The brother of the Suunto Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor, you might consider the Core the more basic (and also cheaper) of the two watches, but that’s not to say the Core is not a fantastic travel watch in and of itself. Though it obviously doesn’t match all the Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor’s incredible functions – such as being military grade – this unisex watch still has a lot of flash features of its own! Its barometric altitude measurements, depth gauge, and weather warnings make it an ideal companion in the Alps if you’re hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing, where its tough enough to do the job thanks to a metal casing. Comprising aluminium, it keeps the watch light, while it has a battery life of up to a year, meaning you have little worry over when it’s going to need its next charge!

• Dedicated mountain watch
• Cheaper than the Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor
• Detailed altitude and depth measurements
• Lightweight
• Water resistant to just 30 m
• No GPS tracking
• Too large for some wrists
• No different time zone settings

Is the Suunto Core for me?

Avid skiers and mountaineers are the target market for the Suunto Core, and they are undoubtedly the group of people likely to get the most benefit from wearing the Core thanks to its barometric data, altitude graphics and depth gauge. The rest of us will just have to make do with having a pretty cool watch on our wrists!

North Edge Dive and Sports Watch

North Edge brings us this travel watch which is water resistant to a depth of 100 m, meaning you can check out its analogue-digital face pretty much anywhere you choose – from a city centre café to a shipwreck on a coral reef! The large backlit dial makes it easy to read the time too, while the mineral glass mirror surface is resistant to scratches and the body protective against knocks and bumps. This clever little watch is also capable of monitoring steps with its pedometer, and calculating calories burnt, as well as offering users the ABC of altimeter, barometer, and compass too!

• Trusted brand
• Analogue-digital face
• Water resistant to 100 m
• ABC functions
• Intended for men only
• No GPS tracking or route finding
• Stainless steel strap
• Not the longest battery life when heavily used

Is the North Face Dive and Sports Watch for me?

This dive and sports watch by North Edge should definitely find its way onto your shortlist for best travel watch, combining traditional analogue looks with the benefits of digital technology. It has great features for anyone who likes to get outdoors, from mountains to seabed, making it a good all-round travel watch!

Lad Weather Sensor Master III

Look at the full list of what the Lad Weather Sensor Master III can track and you’ll feel like you’ve got NASA monitoring your every move, calories, highest peaks, lap speed, total distance…. We could fill up this entire space just listing them! So this watch by Lad Weather certainly meets the need of anyone who likes (or needs) to record data while travelling. What also makes it a great travel watch is the fact it is preset with 59 city time zones, can provide a weather forecast for your location, has two daily alarms, AND is water resistant to 100 m – far deeper then you’ll ever head unless scuba diving!

• Fantastic data collection
• Preset city time zones
• Weather forecasting
• Overly complicated for some travellers
• Large dial face
• Thermometer function can be affected by body heat
• Plastic dial window

Is the Lad Weather Sensor Master III for me?

Greatly improved over the Sensor Master I, the Sensor Master III is a phenomenal travel watch by Lad Weather. Having clearly absorbed customer feedback from the previous models, this travel watch is both well protected against physical damage and packed full of very useful monitoring and forecasting data!

Luminox Navy SEAL Colormark

And finally… we bring you the Luminox Navy SEAL Colormark, and unbeatable travel watch when it comes to durability! Comprising an incredibly light carbon compound case, this analogue watch has been tested to 20 atmospheres of pressure, has a window made from tempered mineral glass, and has the added protected of a double-gasket security crown. The large numbers on the face make it easy to read in all light levels, although the in-built Luminox light technology will provide constant night lighting for up to 25 years! The Swiss-made movement comes with a two-year guarantee against faults, providing added peace of mind!

• Very light on the wrist
• Added Luminox light technology
• Swiss-made movement for precision
• Analogue rather than digital
• Large bezel numbers can confuse with time

Is the Luminox Navy SEAL Colormark for me?

If it’s good enough for the Navy SEALs its good enough for us, right? As you would expect from a watch made for military personnel this Luminox is as tough as old boots and you’d have to really go out of your way to damage it – great news for all travellers! It also has a Swiss-made movement for accuracy, and innovative lighting technology for checking the time in the dark.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the most stylish travel watch?

Our favorite is the Nordgreen Pioneer . With the changeable straps and the sleek design you can combine it with every outfit. It’s also relatively affordable.

What is the most practical travel watch?

The Suunto Traverse Alpha GPS Outdoor Watch is a military tested travel watch that stands out with amazing features. You can connect it to the internet, track your location precisely and get real-time weather information.

Smart watch, digital or analogue?

What kind of watch you should purchase really depends on what your travels will look like. If you can afford it, a smart watch will always offer the most features, while a digital or analogue watch is way more reliable.

What does a a travel watch need?

A travel watch needs to be reliable, durable and ideally, track your location. Especially for backpackers and hikers, a GPS tracker to look back at miles and location comes in very handy sometimes.

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There we have it – the very best of the best when it comes to travel watches. Whether you prefer a simpler analogue watch, want a digital watch with GPS tracking and route-finding, or are happy with a travel watch that looks stylish whatever the backdrop, we’re sure you’ll find your next travel timepiece among these fantastic watches!

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Check out Vaer watches. Swiss ETA movement, American assembly. 100M water resistant with a screw down crown. To me, it’s a much better value than the Nomad.

Hi Joel, Indeed we will check out Vaer watches, thanks for the heads up.

The Nomatic battery does not last 45 years! No watch battery does. It’s rated for 45 months.

Thanks for the correction Dwight! Indeed, no battery will last 45 years :).

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Watches With Two Timezones: 24 Best Travel Watches from Entry-Level to Luxury

Aimed at frequent travelers, watches with two timezones are among the most practical of complicated timepieces. Even in an era in which it's easier than ever to check one's current time on any mobile device, being able to read two distinct times more or less simultaneously with a simple glance at one's wrist is still a compelling argument to recommend such a watch to anyone whose work or leisure takes them far from home on a regular basis. In this article we take a look at a range of dual-time watches (also called "GMT" watches, named for the calculation of "Greenwich Mean Time," or the worldwide 24-hour timekeeping system based upon the Greenwich Meridian in London), priced from entry-level to high luxury, from a variety of watchmakers large and small. 

Citizen Promaster Nighthawk

Price: $391, Case: 42mm, Lug Width: 26mm, Crystal: Mineral, Water-Resistance: 200m, Movement: Quartz Eco-Drive, Water-Resistance: 200m

The Citizen Promaster Nighthawk Black PVD sports a highly technical dial that takes its cues from instruments in the cockpits of U.S. military helicopters. The watch’s 42-mm case is made of black PVD-coated stainless steel and its black dial is packed with scales in contrasting white type that are of particular use to aviators and navigators, including the circular slide rule printed on the ion-plated rotating bezel. Two luminous central hands display the current time, while an airplane-tipped smaller hand shows the time in another time zone on a 24-hour scale; the date appears in a rectangular window at 3 o’clock. The movement inside the stealth-look case, Citizen’s quartz-powered Caliber B877, runs on the Japanese brand’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology, enabling constant recharging of power via any light source. 

Seiko 5 Sports GMT

Price: $475, Case Size: 42.5mm, Thickness: 13.4mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Hardlex, Water Resistance: 100 m, Movement: Automatic Seiko 4R34

Seiko introduced the first GMT complication to its entry-level, automatic Seiko 5 sports line in 2022, equipping the watches with the automatic Caliber 4R34. Available in three colorways for the dial and bezel — blue, orange, and the black version featured here — the watches have a central GMT hand in a contrasting color, used in coordination with the bicolor day/night bezels (here in black and gray), with rings made of Hardlex glass like the crystal, to indicate a second time zone. The GMT hand is coated in Seiko’s proprietary LumiBrite for nighttime legibility. Based on the design of the much-beloved SKX series of Seiko sports watches, the model has a five-link bracelet with polished middle rows.

Bulova Wilton GMT

Price: $595, Case Size: 43mm, Thickness: 12.7mm, Lug to Lug: 49.5mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30m, Movement: Automatic Miyota 9075

Over its long history, Bulova has become well-known for offering mechanical complications at very accessible prices, and the timepiece that joined its Classic collection in 2022 is no exception. At just under $600 in our shop, the Wilton GMT is the rare example of a “true” GMT — i.e., one with an independently adjustable local hour hand — that just about any enthusiast can afford. The watch has a brushed steel case at 43mm; a dial in either white or blue, with applied Roman numerals matching the case tone, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a world-map textured pattern on its surface that adds to its value proposition. The central arrow-pointed GMT hand indicates a second time zone on the bicolor 24-hour scale on the dial’s flange. The Japanese Miyota movement inside is self-winding and stores a 42-hour power reserve.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT Automatic

Price: $1,695, Case Size: 40mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Soprod C-125

Channeling the vintage spirit of Zodiac’s fondly remembered Aerospace model from the 1960s, the Super Sea Wolf GMT Automatic replaces the usual 60-minute dive-scale bezel of the Sea Wolf family with a bicolor 24-hour bezel in bright, eye-catching color combos such as the fan-favorite orange-and-cream “Sherbet” edition and the Neon Edition pictured above. The regular-production models introduced in 2020  (which followed up the preceding, sold-out  limited editions) offer either a steel or gold-tone bezel with a semi-gloss black dial, rectangular hour and minute hands that further distinguish the GMT models from the Super Sea Wolf divers’ editions, and a white-tipped, bright red GMT hand. Zodiac equips the Super Sea Wolf GMT Automatic with an outsourced but proven engine, the Swiss Soprod C-125, which replaces the increasingly hard-to-get ETA 2893-2 that powered the limited editions.

Baltic Aquascaphe GMT

Price: 920 Euros, Reference:  N/A,  Case Size: 39mm Case Height: 12mm, Lug to Lug: 47mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic  Soprod C125

Founded in France in 2017, Baltic has swiftly staked out its spot on the independent microbrand scene with its vintage-influenced collection, particularly the Aquascaphe, a retro divers’ watch heavily influenced by midcentury classics like Blancpain’s Bathyscaphe models. For the GMT version of the Aquascaphe, Baltic replaced the base model’s unidirectional bezel with 60-minute dive scale with a more travel-friendly, bidirectional (and bicolor) 24-hour bezel, which can be used in conjunction with a central arrow-tipped hand to read the time in a second time zone. The dive-watch DNA of the Aquascaphe series is clearly present, with the dial sporting geometric hour markers, plentiful lume on the markers and hands, and a 100-meter water resistance (half of the diving model’s 200-meter rating, but still substantial). Adding to the value proposition is Baltic’s use of a self-winding Soprod movement inside the brushed steel case.

Mido Ocean Star GMT

Price: $1,250, Reference: M0266291105101, Case Size: 44mm Case Height: 13.28mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Mido 80 (ETA C07.661 base)

Wildly popular in Latin America but only vaguely familiar to many watch aficionados in the U.S., Mido has been making watches since 1918 and its nautically inspired Ocean Star line has been around since the 1940s, even before the era of the modern diver’s watch. The Ocean Star GMT, launched in 2020, is the collection’s first dual-time-zone watch, with a sturdy steel case and ceramic divers’ bezel. The 24-hour scale that you might expect to find on the bezel is instead printed on the dial’s flange. A long, arrow-tipped hand points to the scale, enabling the wearer to read the time in additional time zones while the two main hands display the local time. The Powermatic 80 caliber inside the 44mm steel case (the “80” denotes how many hours of power reserve it stores) has been equipped with a specially made module for the GMT functionality.

Longines Spirit Zulu Time

Price: $2,950, Reference: L3.812.4.93.2, Case Size: 42mm, Case Height: 13.9mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber L844

Longines, a watch brand that has supplied aviation pioneers like Hugh Herndon, Clyde Pangborn and Amy Johnson with watches and onboard clocks, stylishly revisits its history of developing dual-time instruments with the Zulu Time model, which joined the brand’s aviation-inspired Spirit series in 2022. (“Zulu Time” is the military radio jargon for the “zero” time at the Greenwich Meridian, aka GMT.) The watch’s 42-mm steel case houses a proprietary automatic movement that allows independent adjustment of both the traditional hour hand and the GMT hand that indicates an additional time zone on the 24-hour bezel, with lacquered engraved numerals on its colorful ceramic bezel insert. For lots more on the history of the Longines Zulu Time and details on the modern watch, read our review here.

Oris Whale Shark Limited Edition

Price: $3,200, Case Size: 43.5mm, Lug Width: 24mm, Water Resistance: 300m, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Oris Caliber 798 (Sellita SW 330-1 base)

Oris has released a number of special editions devoted to supporting environmental charities, specifically those with a mission of preserving endangered marine wildlife. Among the most notable is 2021’s Whale Shark Limited Edition, which features a multi-part stainless steel case measuring 43.5 mm in diameter and a robust 300-meter water resistance thanks to its securely screwed crown. The bezel, with an inlaid blue ceramic insert to match the dial, rotates in both directions and is etched with a 24-hour GMT scale that reveals a second time zone with the aid of an orange-tipped hand — meaning it’s more of a watch for traveling than actual diving. The bezel’s gradation bleeds from black, for nighttime hours, to blue, for daytime, while the dial has both a similar light-to-dark motif and a sharkskin-textured, engraved  texture that evokes the watch’s marine predator namesake; the solid steel caseback also depicts a relief illustration of a whale shark. The movement inside is the automatic Oris Caliber 798, based on the Sellita SW330-1, with a power reserve of 42 hours.

Ball Watch Hydrocarbon AeroGMT

Price: $3,499, Case Size: 42mm Case Height: 13.85, mm Lug to Lug: 54mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic BALL RR1201-C

Ball Watch’s Hydrocarbon AeroGMT is not the first homage to the trendsetting “Pepsi” Rolex GMT-Master model of the 1950s, but it is one of the most solidly built, with a rugged, 42mm steel case whose bicolor, bidirectional GMT bezel is made of scratch-resistant sapphire. The dial has a 24-hour scale rather than a traditional 12-hour layout, with 12 corresponding hour markers instead placed on an inside flange. Using the red-tipped GMT hand along with both scales, the wearer can potentially read three time zones at once. Like all watches from Ball, the dial uses tritium-filled micro-gas tubes for its luminous elements rather than the more common Super-LumiNova; the former glows brighter and longer than the latter and requires no outside light source to activate. Beating inside is an ETA-based, COSC-certified, self-winding movement, protected from magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m and impacts up to 7,500 Gs.

Bell & Ross BR V2-93 GMT Blue

Price: $3,500, Reference:  BRV293-BLU-ST,  Case Size: 41mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber BR-CAL.303

Bell & Ross veers away from its square-cased “Instrument” look with this model from its BR V2 series of round-cased timepieces (the “V” in this instance referencing the “vintage” influence). The sunburst blue dial hosts large Arabic numerals and intermittent indices along with a prominent red-hued arrow-tipped hand to point out the second time zone on a 24-hour bezel that has been subdivided into gray and blue sectors (for daytime and nighttime hours, respectively). The date appears discreetly in a round window at 4:30, and the seconds hand’s airplane-shaped counterweight subtly references the brand’s devotion to aviation-inspired design. Bell & Ross’s ETA-based, automatic Caliber BR-CAL.303 ticks inside, offering a power reserve of 42 hours.

Tudor Black Bay GMT

Price: $3,850 - $5,550, Case Size: 41mm, Case Thickness: 15mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 200 meters, Movement: Automatic Tudor Caliber MT5652

The Tudor Black Bay GMT takes the classical design of the GMT-Master from parent brand Rolex and gives it a very contemporary spin that is distinctly 21st-Century Tudor.  Like its iconic predecessor, its bezel sports a bicolor 24-hour ring on which the wearer can read a second time zone thanks to the dial’s GMT hand; on the Tudor model, the famous bright red-and-blue “Pepsi” colorway of the bezel is slightly modified to a more muted indigo-and-burgundy combo that speaks to the design language of the Black Bay. The newest version features an opaline white dial with a galvanic finish that imparts to it a silvery-grained texture. The outlines of the dial’s hour indexes have been darkened to stand out more boldly. The 41mm steel case holds Tudor’s self-winding,  manufacture Caliber MT5652, which boasts an antimagnetic silicon balance spring and a “weekend-proof” 70-hour power reserve. Like all Tudor in-house movements, it carries a chronometer certification by the Swiss testing agency COSC .

Bulgari Aluminium Amerigo Vespucci Edition

Price: $3,950, Case Size: 40mm, Thickness: 9.70mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber B192

In the late 1990s, Bulgari became the first watchmaker to pair a case made of aluminum with a sporty rubber strap. The Italian jewelry-and-watch brand resurrected the Aluminium model (its preferred spelling in Europe) in 2020 and added a handsome GMT-equipped model a year later, targeted at travelers eager to emerge from lockdowns. This 1,000-piece limited edition released in Summer ‘22 pays tribute to the 15th-Century Italian explorer for whom the Americas are named, and the Italian naval vessel named for him. Its 40-mm aluminum case features a black rubber bezel engraved with the double “BVLGARI” in Roman-style letters; inside its border, surrounding the black dial is a two-tone 24-hour scale in yellow and black that is used in concert with the central yellow-tipped GMT hand to set the time in the wearer’s home city or any other chosen time zone. Exclusive to this special edition is the tricolored strip above 6 o’clock representing Italy’s flag. The stylish strap is made of the same rubber as the bezel, the exhibition caseback is titanium, and the self-winding movement on display behind that caseback stores a power reserve of 42 hours.

Grand Seiko Sport Collection Spring Drive GMT Triple Time Zone “Mount Hotaka Peaks” SBGE295

The green dial of Grand Seiko’s newest GMT-equipped watch takes its eye-catching texture from the summertime vegetation on the peaks of Mount Hotaka in Japan’s Nagano prefecture, which loom over the skyline of the city of Shinshu and are visible through the windows of Grand Seiko’s watchmaking studio there. The stainless steel case is 44mm in diameter, with a 24-hour bicolor GMT bezel whose durable ring is made of sapphire and underpinned by a generous coating of Grand Seiko’s proprietary LumiBrite luminous material. The dial has large indexes and hands, also LumiBrite-coated, and a 24-hour chapter ring on the flange that can be used to track a third time zone, The movement inside is Caliber 9R66, a descendant of the original Caliber 9R65 from the first generation of Grand Seiko Spring Drive timepieces, with a three-day power reserve and an added hour hand that can be adjusted to the local time without stopping the movement.

Montblanc Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygene

Price: $8,600, Case Size: 44mm, Case Height: 17.10mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber MB 29.27

Montblanc takes its mountain-exploration theme to a new height — or perhaps, a new summit — with the 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygene, introduced in 2022. As its name implies, it is the world’s first “zero oxygen” timepiece, meaning it has been constructed to be utterly devoid of oxygen inside the case, which eliminates fogging and oxidation that might otherwise occur when using the watch at the high altitudes and freezing temperatures that one would encounter on a mountaineering expedition. As part of the Geosphere series, the watch features a unique dual-time display via two turning globes on the dial, one for each hemisphere, along with a 24-hour scale, a day-night indicator, and a date disk. This model — which Montblanc says has actually been tested on an expedition up Mount Everest — also features an integrated chronograph. The oxygen-free automatic movement is ensconced inside a titanium case, between the “glacial blue” dial and the solid caseback with a laser-engraved, photorealistic rendering of Everest.

Panerai Luminor BiTempo

Price: $10,600, Case Size: 44mm, Lug Width: 24mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 300 meters, Movement: Automatic Panerai Caliber P.9012

Panerai continues to build on its now-famous heritage as the purveyor of robustly engineered and boldly designed dive watches for the Italian Navy in the 1940s with its modern Luminor collection, which welcomed the dual-time BiTempo model to the family in 2022. The 44mm steel watch depicts two distinct time zones on its sandwich-style dial, in either sunbrushed blue or matte black, both with a central arrow-pointed hand in bright Cerulean blue that points to the hour in a traveler’s home time zone. Running seconds are displayed on a subdial at 9 o’clock, while the date appears at 3 o’clock and an additional subdial at 5 o’clock uses another, smaller bright blue hand to indicate the state of the movement’s 72-hour power reserve (with the Italian word “Ore” for “hours” serving as a reminder of Panerai’s Florentine origins). The case features the brand’s patented, bridge-style crown protection device on the right side and contains the self-winding in-house Caliber P.9012, on display behind a sapphire caseback.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT Big Blue

Price: $11,700, Case Size: 45.5mm, Lug width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 600 meters, Movement: Automatic Omega Caliber 8906

Omega offers a handful of GMT options in its Seamaster Planet Ocean line, the most noteworthy of which is the Deep Blue edition, the successor to the Deep Black models, which is the first Omega watch with a case made entirely from a monobloc of blue ceramic. Orange and blue are the signature colors of the Planet Ocean series, so orange highlights abound throughout the design, including in the 24-hour GMT scale surrounding the dial and the first 15-minute-sector of the bezel’s 60-minute diving scale, which combines orange rubber and ceramic. Inside the stately 45.5mm case is an in-house movement, Omega’s Master Chronometer Caliber 8906, with a 60-hour power reserve and an industry-leading 15,000 Gauss magnetic field resistance.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface

Price: $11,700, Case Size: 47mm x 28.3mm, Thickness: 10.3mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Manually Wound Caliber 854A

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s signature dress watch, the Reverso, was originally designed as a sports watch, its reversible swiveling case making it a practical timekeeper for polo players who wore it during a match to protect the crystal from being struck by errant mallets and balls. In production since 1931, the Reverso is now available in numerous variations, including the Duoface models, which feature two different time zones depicted on both sides of the reversible dial. The watch features the clean, angular Art Deco-era styling that has become emblematic of all Reverso watches, including the gadroons at the top and bottom. Its main, front dial has a sleek sunburst finish while the back dial hosts a figure eight of overlapping opaline subdials framed by a clous de Paris guilloché background; the larger subdial shows the time in a second time zone, while the smaller one displays the time in 24-hour format along with a day-night display. The Reverso Duoface houses the manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 854A/2, an in-house movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Dual Time

Price: $12,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 11.4mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber UN-334

To many, Ulysse Nardin’s most iconic watch is the disruptive, idiosyncratic Freak, which the maison introduced in 2001 and has been refining ever since. However, more classical in its design and more evocative of Ulysse Nardin’s origins as a provider of chronometers to navies in the 19th and 20th centuries, is the Marine Torpilleur, which takes its name from a historical type of torpedo on battleships. The steel case and marine-blue dial take inspiration from a vintage sea captain’s chronometer, with Roman numerals, ornate hands, and a stacked subdial arrangement. The Dual Time variant features on its dial a large date in a double window at 2 o’clock, a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, and an indicator for its traveling wearer’s home time (in 24-hour format) in a round window at 9 o’clock. User-friendly “+” and “-” pushers on the side of the polished steel caseadjust the hour hand forward or backward to quickly change the local time on the hands. Ticking inside is the automatic Caliber UN-24, with a decorated gold rotor and a power reserve of 42 hours.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

Price: $15,200, Case Size: 40mm, Case Height: 12.5mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber 3285

The original Rolex GMT-Master, released in 1954, was a trend-setter for many travel watches to follow: it was the first watch capable of displaying the time in two separate time zones via a fourth, central 24-hour hand and a bidirectional rotating 24-hour bezel. Its dual-time functionality — and its now-iconic red-and-blue bicolor 24-hour bezel — are the products of Rolex’s collaboration with Pan Am Airlines pilots to develop the model, which was intended to allow pilots to track time simultaneously at their home and destination cities. The rest, as they say, is history, as the GMT-Master and its successor, the GMT-Master II, which added an independently adjustable GMT hand, has gone on to become one of Rolex’s, and the world’s, most storied and coveted luxury sports watches. The modern models are 40mm in diameter and are powered by in-house, chronometer-certified automatic movements that achieve a power reserve of 70 hours.

Hublot Big Bang Unico GMT

Price: $24,100, Reference:  471.QL.7127.RX,  Case Size: 45mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber HUB1251 Unico

Hublot’s Big Bang is not a watch one usually thinks of when looking for a utilitarian travel watch, but the Big Bang Unico GMT, which eschews the usual chronograph function, is one of the most user-friendly models to be found. The chronograph-style push-buttons advance the hour hand forward or backward in hourly increments to set the local time independently of the other hands, including the GMT pointer, and a safety mechanism prevents both pushers from being accidentally operated at once. The skeletonized dial, a hallmark of the Big Bang series, is designed to display two time zones at once, both on 12-hour scales, and features a day-night ring for an easy reading of the home time in AM/PM format. Hublot’s Unico HUB1251 caliber can be viewed through both the front and back of the 45mm case through sapphire crystals. 

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time

Price: $27,100, Reference: 7900V/110A-B546, Case Size: 41mm, Case Height: 12.8mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 100 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber 5110 DT

Vacheron Constantin has been making watches since 1755 but it waited until 2018 to install a dual-time complication in its sport-luxury Overseas collection. The 41mm case’s distinctive six-sided bezel, inspired by the maison’s Maltese Cross emblem, frames a lacquered black dial with a velvet-textured flange. The red-tipped GMT hand indicates the home or reference time on the same ring of 12-hour indexes as the hour and minute hand for the local time and is linked to the AM/PM indicator at 9 o’clock. With an additional, sophisticated hand-type date display on the subdial at 6 o’clock, which is linked to the local time, the Overseas Dual Time offers additional everyday functionality for the wearer while at home or abroad. Vacheron’s self-winding manufacture Caliber 5110 DT beats inside, behind a sapphire caseback, distinguished by a gold rotor with an engraved wind rose emblem. 

Parmigiani Fleurier GMT Rattrapante

Price: $28,700, Case Size: 40mm, Thickness: 10.7mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 60 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber PF051

With the introduction of the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante in 2022, Parmigiani Fleurier created a world-first complication: a practical “jumping” GMT hand to quickly and easily shift between two time zones. Here’s how it works: the dial hosts two superimposed hour hands, both in the brand’s familiar Delta shape: one in rhodium-plated gold to display the local time, the other in rose gold for the home time. Pressing the pusher at 8 o’clock moves the former hand forward in one-hour increments to change the local time when the wearer travels abroad. Pushing the rose-gold button integrated in the crown snaps this local-time hand backward, in the same manner as a split-seconds chronograph hand, to its original position aligned with the home-time hand when the traveler returns home. This useful functionality comes in Parmigiani’s typically elegant package: the watch’s Milano blue dial is enhanced with the barleycorn guilloché motif that distinguishes the Tonda PF collection, and the platinum bezel on the 40mm polished steel case has been finely knurled. The same nature-inspired guilloché pattern adorns the gold micro-rotor of the all-new manufacture Caliber PF051, along with an array of other haute horologerie finishes.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 24-Hour Display Travel Time

Price: $57,370, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 9.85mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber 31-260 PS FUS 24H

Patek Philippe’s 2023 headliner at Watches & Wonders Geneva was the Calatrava 24 Hour Display Travel Time, which features a rare 24-hour dial with a hand that makes one full rotation (rather than the traditional two) around it per day. This unconventional timekeeping display is paired with Patek’s now-familiar Travel Time complication, which indicates two time zones via a patented system in which the local-time hour hand can be easily moved in  both directions by a press of the crown. The elegant simplicity of the dial, with noon represented at 12 o’clock with a “12,” and midnight at 6 o’clock with a “24,” allows Patek Philippe to dispense with the usual day-night or AM-PM indicator that one often finds on a dual-time dial. The classical, round Calatrava case measures 42mm in diameter and just under 10mm thick; beating inside it is the in-house automatic Caliber 31-260 PS FUS 24H, with a 48-hour power reserve. The navy blue dial has a variety of contrasting elegant finishes, a railway style minute track, and applied Arabic numerals and baton markers in rose gold to echo the case. The hands, including both “local” and “home” hour hands, are in the vintage syringe style emblematic of Patek’s Pilot collection and made of rose gold, except for the contrasting sword-shaped seconds hand, which is in white gold.

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone

Price: $57,800+, Case size: 41.9mm, Thickness: 10.9mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Manually Wound L141.1

The now-iconic Lange 1 has been the modern flagship of the reconstituted A. Lange & Söhne brand since its introduction in 1994 and the Lange 1 Time Zone was Lange’s first watch with a dual time-zone indication when it debuted in 2005. In a clever tweaking of the original, asymmetrical Lange 1 dial ensemble, the main (i.e. local) time display remains on the large subdial at 9 o’clock, and the large “outsize” date stands in its usual position, while the smaller 5 o’clock subdial, rather than hosting the decentralized running seconds, displays a second time zone on two hands in a 12-hour format. The “Auf/Ab” power-reserve indicator occupies the spot between the latter two elements, and a switchable city ring occupies the dial’s periphery. The watch’s synchronization mechanism enables the wearer to “swap” between the time zone indicated on the two subdials. In 2020, A. Lange & Söhne upgraded the Lange 1 Time Zone to the manually wound L121.3 caliber, which achieves the same 72-hour power reserve as its predecessor but stores it in a single barrel rather than two, and added day-night indicators for both the home time and local time to the dial.

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Watch Storage: The Importance of Maintaining Your Straps

Have you been diving deep into the world of watches but haven’t yet picked up a proper storage box, satchel, or roll? As accessory and timepiece enthusiasts ourselves, we’re proud to be an Australian founded and operating company that delivers top-quality products, education, and guidance to our community.

To learn more about the importance of properly storing your investments—and which types of solutions might work best for you—read on. Wondering if a valet tray or watch roll is right for you? We think that after this read you’ll be jumping on board with a new case in no time.

Watch Rolls, Storage Boxes, and More: Keeping Straps Safe

We get it—when it comes to a new hobby you love, you’re all in. We’re the same—which is why we have invested in and offer The Sydney Strap Co community storage solutions for all of their favourite bands, accessories, and timepieces.

Wondering what all of the fuss is about? Just a few of the benefits of having a dedicated space for your investments include:

- Proper care: Buying a box, roll, or valet tray that is made from leather, suede, or velvet will ensure that your collection stays scratch free when not in use. Even for the hardest wearing materials, like nylon and Perlon , avoiding unnecessary pressure, scratches, and scrapes when you’re not wearing your watch is the best way to get a long life out of your favourite bands.

- Minimise wear: First and foremost, watch rolls protect your design from being stored in the top drawer of your bedside table. Secondly, importantly, using a roll or dedicated satchel that can accommodate the length of your band minimises the chances of a timepiece being stored on a ‘fold’. What is a fold? Think about the times you’ve bent your strap on a fold to keep it stored away or in a small space. Folding can increase the chance of unwanted creasing or potential breakage—the last thing you want for your favourite accessory.

- Travelling: If you’re planning on taking away a few options when you hit the road, protect your favourite timepieces and straps from damage or getting lost by storing them in a proper case and packing them away. An easier way to stay organised and get ready when away from home, a dedicated case should be sturdy, have a soft, safe lining, and prevent any damage or breakage from suitcase handling.

The Sydney Strap Co: Watch Storage Solutions

The Sydney Strap Co is proud to bring the best men’s and women’s timepieces in the industry to Australia for our dedicated, accessory loving community, from military watch straps to unique designs and beyond.

Appreciating the time, effort, and care you put into your everyday look, we’re happy to put in the extra effort needed to educate our community about best care, fit, and sizing practices. Need a hand navigating the right purchase for you? Check out our sizing recommendations here as well as the solutions we offer to keep your next purchase in top shape.

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11 Best World Time Watches for Travellers in 2024

With the world having opened up again post-COVID, and more and more getting the travel bug once again, we thought it was time to create a definitive list of our best world time watches for your 2023 travels. 

Below, we've assorted some of the most useful — and stylish — timepieces for travelling the world. From watches that tell you about the tide in the top surf spots of the world, to watches that make dressing up and going a bit more special, there's something perfect for you on this list. 

• Casio AE1000W-1A3 Gold Tone World Time
• Casio G-Shock GBX100-1D Smartphone Link Bluetooth
• Citizen Promaster Sky JY8085-81E Black Stainless Steel

G-Shock Mudmaster GG-B100-1A Quad Sensor Bluetooth

• G-Shock GAB2100-2A Carbon Core Bluetooth Solar 'CasiOak '

Casio AEQ110W1BV World Time Mens Watch

• G Steel Solar World Time GSTS110D-1A Stainless Steel

Luminox XB3762 Bear Grylls Survivor AIR Series Watch

Casio ae1300wh-8a sports mens watch, baby-g ba110-7a1 women's watch.

• Citizen Eco-Drive BU2082-56E Diamond Set Stainless Steel

11 Best World Time Watches for Travellers in 2023

Casio ae1000w-1a3 gold tone world time mens watch.

Affordable, stylish, practical — what more could you want? This digital Casio watch is built for travel, with a set of 48 cities to cycle through and a set of timekeeping functions such as alarms and a stopwatch.

Like most Casio watches , this timepiece will survive most activities with a durable gold-tone case and shock-resistant resin strap. 

Casio AE1000W-1A3 World Time Mens Watch

$49.00 $99.95

  • 10-year battery life   • World map for world time   •  1/100-second stopwatch   •  5 alarms   •  LED light   •  LC Analog display   •  100-meter water resistance … read more

Casio G-Shock GBX100-1D Smartphone Link Bluetooth Mens Watch

Gearing up for a summer holiday? You might want to take this G-Lide watch with you. This world time watch is a surfers’ dream, with a tide graph and a sunrise/sunset time. You can connect to the G-Shock Move app for a dedicated database of the world’s greatest surf spots, it might even help you plan your next trip!

Features aside, this watch is gorgeous. It’s tough and steely, but has a slim rectangular case with a vintage edge. You’ll easily find yourself wearing this powerful timepiece wherever you wander. 

Citizen Promaster Sky JY8085-81E Black Stainless Steel Mens Watch

This powerhouse watch is perfect for someone who travels often. Citizen watches are known for their advanced technology, and this timepiece is the perfect example.

When you touch down in Germany or nearby in Europe, the United States, China, or Japan, this watch will pick up a radio signal and automatically switch to the relevant time. Once in those areas, you can swap to the timezones of neighbouring cities around the continent. 

$599.00 $1,250.00

PROMASTER SKY Collection takes performance and style to new heights and uses Eco-Drive to draw power from any light source.   •  Designed to be a solid and dependable timepiece for seasoned travellers with world time functions displaying time for up… read more

If you are the outdoorsy type, this travel watch might be the pick for you. The Mudmaster range is capable of dealing with all kinds of dirt and water, making it perfect for hikes and the like. This G-shock watch can measure altitude with its altimeter, meaning you can even tackle mountain climbing. If you are planning to get down and dirty, the Mudmaster will not disappoint. 

$499.00 $799.00

This is the latest model from MASTER OF G, the series of watches designed and engineered for use by those whose work takes them into environments scattered with rubble, dirt, and debris. - Case/ Bezel Material: Carbon/ Resin - Resin… read more

G-Shock GAB2100-2A Carbon Core Bluetooth Solar 'CasiOak'

CasiOak is famous for its stylish case and slim design that’s a little different to most G-Shock watches. The newest and most impressive edition of the G-Shock CasiOak features solar power and bluetooth connectivity for more world time cities and more accurate timekeeping. There are a couple of new Bluetooth CasiOaks to choose from, but this blue model is a favourite. 

A world-time watch with a dual analogue/digital display to play around with. This timepiece looks  a little more traditional, but you’ll still be able to adjust the hands to the time of your current location with ease. The all-black look is typically great here, and the signature shock and water resistance of this G-Shock is as reliable as ever.

G Steel Solar World Time GSTS110D-1A Stainless Steel Mens Watch

If you want something a little different to the classic Casio G-Shock, a G-Steel watch is a trusty option. You get all the smoothness and style of a stainless steel watch, with the impressive digital technology of a Casio world time watch. Solar power means that this timepiece will always be ready when you’re on the go. 

This Swiss-built Luminox watch comes set with an extra GMT hand and a rotating bezel marked with world cities. Built for travel, this timepiece boasts a 200m water resistance and a scratch-proof sapphire glass to survive anything — just like its inspiration, Bear Grylls. Finished in a steel case and Milanese mesh bracelet, this is a great piece for a formal dinner or night out, too. 

This watch is subtle, packed with features, and perfect for any traveller who likes to stay active. Reap the benefits of easy-to-use timers and stopwatches, as well as timezones in 48 cities so your watch can keep up with you. This timepiece is highly durable, and extremely precise with its timekeeping. Certainly, one of our best world-time watches, and sports watches.

One the most popular women’s watches in our range, this Baby-G watch is packed with features and travel-ready durability. Keep 29 time zones at your disposal, along with a set of alarms and a timer to keep you on the move. The white and pink look is stylish enough to take anywhere, with a case and band inspired by streetwear.

Citizen Eco-Drive BU2082-56E Diamond Set Stainless Steel Mens Watch

This gorgeous Citizen watch is covered in diamonds and plated in gold; a luxury look if there ever was one. Around the bezel is a list of world cities, and a set of 24-hour time markers, both of which can be controlled using a crown under the typical watch crown. Once set to a reference city on the watch, you can add the number of hours marked above each city respectively to find the time in the next cities over. It's a fashionable, impressive travel tool. 

World Time Watches Wrap-up

That concludes our list of best world-time watches for 2023! These travel watches are seriously helpful if you're going to be swapping timezones often, like when you're on a tour. Even now that world travel has opened up, navigating travel during the COVID-19 pandemic isn't easy, so it's worth gearing up with the newest and best watches. 

If you think a world time watch is going to help you live out your travel dreams, we absolutely recommended one. And, we wish you the best of luck with your travels!

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6 of the Best Travel Watches Around Right Now

If nothing else, the last year or so has made foreign travel an adventure again, at least for those who enjoy navigating their way through vaccination regimes and test requirements. It feels long ago when instead the burning question was whether it’s cocktail hour at the destination yet.

For the well-prepared traveler, the answer is on your wrist, as one of the few really useful complications watchmakers offer is the ability to show two or more time zones at a glance. Simply put, a “complication” in watch parlance is any function on a timepiece other than showing the time, such as a stopwatch or moon-phase display. Of course, you can do it in your head or use a world-time app on your phone, but a GMT or worldtimer saves you the bother and looks considerably more stylish. 

However, as easy as it is for you to decipher, showing multiple time zones is a significant challenge for both the watchmakers and the designer, as there’s always a tradeoff between simplicity and utility. How do you want the second time zone to be set? Should it link to the date? Do the time zones need to be named? How do you make sure the “travel” time is sufficiently distinct from the “home” time? What about places with just 30-minute differences? 

Here is our edit of some of the best mechanical worldtimers you can get right now, from entry level to high-end. All should serve you well, wherever your travels—once they begin again in earnest—may take you.

The standard approach to a GMT watch is exemplified by the Explorer II from Rolex, which has a second hour in bright orange that runs on a 24-hour cycle: set this 24-hour hand for your second time zone, then read the hour off the bezel scale, and minutes as normal. 

The design is built entirely around the presence of the extra hand and the bezel, with the contrast between hour and GMT hands being a feature rather than a hindrance (whether that’s a good thing is a straightforward matter of taste).

It’s simple, effective, and, as it’s a Rolex, bomb-proof. And even if you’re not traveling across time zones, Rolex points out that it might be useful for distinguishing day from night, should you emerge from a storm in an Arctic high summer.

This new version retains the signature 42mm sizing (want a larger case? Look to the brand's rugged 43mm Sea-Dweller and 44mm Deepsea). Inside is the in-house caliber 3285 power plant, new in the Explorer II, and the same currently found in the GMT-Master II. 

The really good news is this 3285 automatic movement—powered by the natural movement of the body as you wear it—packs in the best that Rolex currently offers: Chronergy escapement, 70 hours of power reserve, blue Parachrom balance spring and Paraflex shock absorbers. What does all this mean? A much more accurate, efficient, and robust piece that keeps running much longer after you've stopped wearing it. 

By Carlton Reid

By Scott Gilbertson

Price:   £7,550 | Watches of Switzerland | Goldsmiths

The same solution seen in the Rolex is behind Bell & Ross’s BR03-93 GMT, but the design makes the GMT more subservient to the watch design, obviously derived from the modular format of cockpit instruments, an aviation-inspired look that Bell & Ross has come to dominate over its 30-year history. 

One difference here is that the bezel can be turned, giving the watch more flexibility in terms of the extra time zone (the bezel is rotated however many hours difference between home time and the third zone to see the time in that destination without having to set the watch). Some will welcome that, others will see it as a complication too far, but it’s a smart watch that delivers a design presence that Rolex doesn’t look for. Speaking of which, the popular colorways of red and black—the "Coke" look as opposed to the red and blue "Pepsi" style—will justifiably draw attention.

The sturdy 42mm watch also has 100-meter water resistance, a 42-hour power reserve, curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and a small, subtle rounded date window towards the 4:30 position. Yes, you get a black calfskin leather strap, but we prefer this ultra-resilient synthetic fabric option.

Price:   £3,550 | Selfridges

Breitling’s Chronomat UTC offers a brutally effective, if not especially subtle, solution to the demand for worldtimer watches: fit a completely separate mini, quartz-powered watch into the strap . 

It helps that the Chronomat is a hefty piece of kit to begin with—44mm by 14.45mm, so the extra bulk shouldn’t be an issue. The mechanical movement has 70 hours of power reserve, which is the length of time it continues to tick once you have removed the Chronomat from your wrist. It's also water-resistant up to 200 meters.

The “UTC" name references Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC , the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time and is not adjusted for daylight saving, making it effectively a successor to Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT, which is where worldtimers derive their alternative moniker from.

The Chronomat was inspired by the Frecce Tricolori watch that Breitling created for the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic fleet back in 1983, and is very much an all-purpose sports watch, which explains why the second time zone function was incorporated into the strap and not the watch itself.

Price: £7,990 | Jura

There’s an alternative solution that can be seen in Chopard’s latest travel watch, the L.U.C Time Traveler One Black, which is to show time everywhere in the world at once, via an arrangement of counter-rotating discs on the edge of the dial. 

Amazingly, it’s almost suspiciously easy to read—the number below the city is the time there—but it needs a sensitive designer to manage the hierarchy of information delivered. Going monotone, as Chopard’s watch shows, is a beautifully effective way of doing just that. 

It's actually based on the Time Traveler One launched back in 2016, but now with an added dose of modernity thanks to that monochrome color palette that extends to the 42mm ceramised titanium case (which has a hardness of 700 Vickers when 316L stainless steel has a hardness of 150 to 200 Vickers). On closer inspection, it's not black but myriad subtle shades of gray. This is the secret to the watch's legibility. 

One the outside of the dial is a city disc, marked with 24 locations around the globe. The crown at 4 o’clock lets the user rotate this city disc. When the chosen city for the local time is set at the 12 o’clock position, you can determine the prevailing hour in all of those 24 locations simultaneously.

Price: £13,600 | Chopard

TAG Heuer has just dropped three new 2022 Autavia models comprising two new chronograph models and this, a three-hand GMT model—a first for TAG's Autavia collection to mark the line's 60th year.

Fitted with an automatic movement that will keep running up to 50 hours after you've taken the watch off, the piece focuses on simplicity and legibility: numerals and hands coated with glow-in-the-dark Super-LumiNova on an uncluttered blue dial contained in a 42mm steel case that's water-resistant to 100 meters. 

The addition of easily interchangeable straps is another boon, with traditional stainless-steel or  leather straps as well as on-trend woven NATO bands, too.

Price: £3,500 | Watches of Switzerland | Goldsmiths

Not all globe-trotting GMT watches cost the Earth. Christopher Ward's C63 Sealander GMT has a pleasingly classic style yet costs a fraction of the other pieces here. You get a round stainless steel 39mm case secure to 150 meters, a power reserve that extends to 56 hours, and this piece is the first from the brand to use its new automatic movement that not only adds the display of a second time zone (indicated by the large orange hand), but also allows for a slightly more precise GMT setting than the previous version. 

It is available in black, white, green or blue polished lacquer dials, boasts an anti-shock system and is compatible with a range quick-change straps that includes this options made from recycled ocean plastic.

In the past, a criticism levied at Christopher Ward has been a tendency to add unnecessary information and clutter to its dials, as it did with its 2014 C900 Worldtimer, but here there are no such issues. It's smart and simple. 

Price: $950 | Christopher Ward

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Best watches for overseas travel and domestic travel Australia

Best watches for overseas travel and domestic travel in australia.

Thanks to COVID, Australians have suffered over two years of lockdowns, closed airports and cancelled travel plans. But now, the skies are filled with planes taking people to their long-awaited holiday destinations. There’s never been a better time to explore for overseas travel. 

But what’s the most important possession of every experienced sightseer? Their travel watch. The right watch will make your overseas travel plans a breeze - for example, you can keep an eye on different time zones, access the internet or look classy dining out in some of the world’s finest restaurants.    

Founded in Adelaide, South Australia, Watch Frontier offers many high-quality watches at competitive prices for the everyday traveller  - stocking brands like Fossil , Armani and Citizen . Wherever you’re planning on going - whether it’s the bustling streets of New York or the serene rice fields of Vietnam - we've got what you're looking for.

We’re also proud to offer Afterpay and ZipPay for every timepiece in our range. Not sure if it’s the right watch for you? We offer free returns - so you can make your purchase with confidence, no matter which timepiece you choose.

So what are the best watches for overseas travel? We’ve pulled together our top picks for your next holiday.

What to look for in a travel watch

When you’re hiking through the mountains of New Zealand or exploring the back alleys of Italy, the last thing you need is an uncomfortable watch. So choose a watch made from steel, bronze or titanium. These materials are both lightweight and gentle on your wrist. And opt for a watch height between 8 to 12mm - this makes it durable enough for everyday wear but not so large that you knock it on doors and walls. 

When it comes to comfy watches, straps matter. Not only are rubber straps lighter, but they’re also water resistant, scratch proof and hard-wearing. Alternatively, fabric or leather straps are also a good choice as they mould to the shape of your wrist.

Who has the time to worry about their watch when you’re trekking through the South African rainforests? Not you. That’s why you need a watch that can keep up with your rough and tumble overseas travel plans.   

Pick a watch with a quartz face. Not only is quartz virtually bomb-proof, but it protects your watch and keeps it reliable for years to come. And choose a watch with a steel case, sapphire crystal and a minimum of 100+ water resistance. This ensures that your timepiece will continue to look good and stay functional - whether you’re caught in another rainstorm in Paris or running with the bulls in Spain.

Extra features

The perfect travel watch is designed to make your life easier. Extra features such as Bluetooth connectivity, alarms, apps and weather forecast can turn a stressful holiday into a dream. 

A smartwatch can provide you with all the travel features you need to plan and navigate your next holiday. Most smartwatches include:

• Alerts and notifications
• Smart navigation
• Time-related extras such as alarms and stopwatches
• Physical activity trackers like pedometers
• Call and messaging capabilities 

At Watch Frontier, we offer a wide range of smartwatches to make planning your next trip easy. Check out our full range of smartwatches here .

Best watches for overseas travel

For the hybrid traveller 

Police Bromo Blue Chronograph Men's Watch PL15657JSBU/03P

With rugged good looks and a tough, yet functional exterior, the pl15657jsbu/03p is just as at home on the muddy terrains of Cambodia as it is at a lavish restaurant in Florence. 

Its unique navy blue colour and bold numbering make this timepiece perfect for the hybrid traveller - someone who loves to get dirty while hiking through the outback and still wants to look good hitting the town in the evenings. And thanks to its hardened mineral glass case, this watch will still look as new as the day you bought it - no matter what you throw at it.

Chuck in a few more features such as a 5 ATM water resistance, sturdy silicon straps and a long-lasting quartz battery, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate travel companion.

For the tech-savvy traveller

Reflex Active Series 5 Silver Mesh Smart Watch RA054015

Sporting Reflex Active’s signature style, the RA054015 features a generously-sized 1.3” touchscreen enclosed in a modern, sleek design. With a whole range of must-have overseas travel features - including a heart rate monitor, music playback and GPS connection - this smartwatch is just what you need to explore new cities and countries and look good while doing it.

And don’t panic about getting a flat battery. A quick two-hour recharging session is all you need to keep your RA054015 running for up to four days.  

Other features include:

• Weather updates
• Step counter
• Receive call notifications
• Sleep tracker
• Distance tracker
• Calorie counter
• Remote selfie camera
• Find phone feature
• Message notifications

For the luxury traveller

Bulova Classic Women's Watch 97L161

Travelling the world doesn’t have to be all mud and dirt - it can be luxury hotels and fine dining. And those looking for a high-class experience will need a high-class watch - that’s where the 97L161 comes in.

Inspired by Bulova’s classic design, the 97L161 is made from gold-tone stainless steel and cradles an elegant, delicate pearl white dial. Its flat sapphire crystal and slim quartz movement make this watch resilient to long travel hours and stylish enough for drinks at the hotel bar.

With a water resistance of 3 ATM and a case thickness of 5.5mm, not only is this timepiece exquisite, but it’s also practical and functional. Now you can enjoy that romantic kiss in the Moroccan rain without worrying about your watch. 

At Watch Frontier , we want to make the experience of buying a watch smooth, easy and stress-free. Couldn’t find the right travel watch for your next overseas travel adventure? There’s plenty more to choose from! Check out our full range here .

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7 Australian Watch Brands To Know

"I come from a land Down Under..."

Australia is the land of plenty, but when it comes to stylish watch brands, even a seasoned horologist would have some trouble naming more than a few.

Today that changes, as we forego the typical litany of Swiss, Japanese and German brands to show you some fine Australian watches from brands who are doing horology right.

Most Australian watch brands feature pieces that are designed in Australia with movements from Japan or Switzerland. Right in line with Australian watch tastes, they’re typically sporty yet classy, and also exceptionally good value for money.

Melbourne Watch Company

• The pieces look very elegant
• You can join their mailing list for 10% off your first order
• They give you a 2-year warranty
• They’re made with high-quality materials such as stainless steel
• They can be quite expensive

Melbourne Watch Company  hails from, you guessed it, Melbourne. They’re all about providing premium-grade watches that are accessible to both watch enthusiasts and casual collectors alike.

The Australian brand arrived on the international watch scene in 2013 after launching their first-ever timepiece (the Flinders) via crowdfunding. It was a new way of doing things in an old game, but the gamble paid off quickly with the brand’s elegantly designed timepieces garnering a strong contingent of backers.

The rest, as they say, is history – with Melbourne Watch Company adding three additional models to their line by 2014 and another two in 2015 in order to meet demand. Every timepiece from the brand is named after a defining aspect of Melbourne – think Hawthorn, Parkville, Portsea, Avalon and Carlton – and are all crafted with quality materials that balance aesthetics and affordability. Think surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, DLC coating, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and precision Japanese movements.

Melbourne Watch Company founder Sujain Krishnan says that being one of only a few Australian watch brands in the world is truly something special.

“We’ve certainly enjoyed a great ‘home court’ advantage in terms of our local sales, with many people telling us that they’re keen to support local businesses,” Krishnan explains.

• Timepieces made with a lot of precision
• Incredible attention to detail
• They ship their watches to more than 50 countries
• They’re a bit more affordable than other brands
• They do not offer exchanges

The only reason most will travel to Australia’s capital city of Canberra is to become a politician, look at flowers with Nan, or go have a vodka cranberry (or seven) at Mooseheads. Thankfully the sleepy city has one saving grace: the independent watch brand  Erroyl .

The local name, which began life in 2014 with the goal of bringing affordable luxury automatic watches to the discerning masses, has a robust focus on designing elegantly crafted pieces with precision.

This design ethos is reflected in their classic-looking watches which feature simple aesthetics on the surface but a lot more detail upon closer inspection. Their most popular watches to date include their Heritage and Regent models which have reached customers in over 50 countries from around the world. Not bhed.

• They include elements related to Australia
• Attractive watches that will grab people’s attention
• Timeless watches that will never go out of style
• Some clasps may be a bit tricky to unlock

One local watch brand that is embracing ‘Swiss Made’ is  Bausele . The watch company, the first to marry Swiss quality construction with a distinct Australian design, comes from the mind of founder Christophe Hoppe’s passion for watches and love affair with Australia.

As a brand, Bausele timepieces are inherently Australian and defined by a signature hollow crown. That’s not all though: every Bausele timepiece embeds an actual element of Australia into it, including red earth from the Outback, sand from one of the country’s finest beaches, or ‘Aussie diamond’: opal.

This unique approach to watch design has allowed Bausele to stand out amongst a sea of competitive Swiss and local brands. They even have a boutique in The Rocks, Sydney – an appropriate place for such a great Aussie brand.

Bausele also recently became the first Australian watchmaker to exhibit at  Watches & Wonders , the watch industry’s premiere trade show, as well as Geneva Watch Days.

Haigh & Hastings

• Their watches are active-inspired
• They have interchangeable straps
• Durable designs that won’t get damaged quickly
• Their product variety is limited

Haigh & Hastings  is a watch brand built on the dream of distilling the quintessential Australian spirit of sun, sand, sea and sport into timepieces.

As such, their range is extensive and includes active-inspired watches designed by Swiss watch designer Emmanuel Gueit. Punters can also expect automatic divers watches with a host of interchangeable straps, a city-inspired model and limited edition pieces inspired by Australia’s flight, military and racing heritage.

Creux Automatiq

• A brand that is inspired by architecture and luxury vehicles
• Unique pieces that will make anyone stand out
• The team is willing to assist you with services and repairs
• The watches are on the pricier side

One of the newcomers to the local watch game is backed by Dane Rumble, a recording artist-turned-jeweller-turned-watch aficionado who now calls Australia home. It’s called  Creux Automatiq  and it’s a fresh brand that borrows heavily from some of the world’s finest skeletonised designs.

The Ghost is the brand’s flagship timepiece, inspired by modern architecture and luxury vehicle design. A Swiss-made movement shows off a skeletonised date wheel which reveals all of the intricate moving parts that make up the automatic timepiece.

Rumble told DMARGE that being an Australian brand in the current market definitely has its advantages.

“This is due to our reputation for being an easy-going and friendly nation, plus we are known for being hardworking and forward-thinking. I’ve personally found people from the international watch community to be very welcoming and open to forming business relationships.”

• Collections inspired by air, sea, and land
• Signing up for the newsletter lets you unlock 40% off your first order
• The watches have excellent quality
• Some pieces may not look exactly like in the pictures

Panzera , a Sydney-based watch company, was founded in 2009 with a mission to “bring classically designed watches from yesteryear alive with modern interpretations.” Not only does the company produce watches with familiar silhouettes, but it sells them for a fraction of the cost of the models that they’ve been inspired by.

As with most watch companies, Panzera has collections covering land, sea and air, with a comprehensive of strap options for each. Much of the production for every watch is taken care of in either Sydney or Lugano, Switzerland, with many models being certifiably Swiss Made.

Nicholas Hacko

• The watches are 100% made in Australia
• The pieces are available in vibrant colours
• They use Guilloche titanium dials
• They can reach quite high prices

We’ve saved the best till last.  Nicholas Hacko , a legendary name among Aussie watch fans, is Australia’s only true master watchmaker and the creator of the most ‘Australian’ watch on the planet.

After being denied spare parts by major Swiss watch brands, Hacko was spurred to create his own watch. Now, in 2022, Hacko’s watches remain the first and only watches designed, assembled, adjusted and manufactured in Australia – a truly impressive feat.

Not only that, Hacko has broken new ground in many fields of watchmaking, becoming the first watchmaker to ever work with Timascus – an exotic titanium alloy famed for its vibrant colours – as well as pioneering guilloched titanium dials. Hacko is also entering a watch in the inaugural Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives watchmaking competition this year.

Impeccably crafted, imposing and impressive, Nicholas Hacko watches are the crème de la crème of Australian watchmaking. Short production runs mean that the watches tend to be snapped up pretty quickly, but if you can get your hands on one, you won’t just have a cool watch – you’ll be supporting the future of Australian manufacturing.

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10 Best Documentaries About Australia To Watch

• by Jonny Duncan
• October 4, 2023 November 22, 2023

These documentaries about Australia, often referred to as the “Land Down Under,” show a vast and captivating continent boasting a rich tapestry of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural diversity.

Documentaries about Australia offer you an immersive journey into this extraordinary country, where ancient indigenous traditions blend seamlessly with modern urban life.

From the rugged expanses of the Outback to the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s natural wonders are a source of endless fascination.

Documentaries About Australia

Whether you’re interested in its history, geography, wildlife, or vibrant cities, these documentaries about Australia provide an insightful and visually stunning glimpse into this captivating land.

Given the vast natural areas of Australia, many of these documentaries explore these natural areas.

First Australians (2008)

First Australians is a series that was first broadcast in 2008. It consists of seven episodes and explores the history, culture, and experiences of Indigenous Australians, also known as Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.

Each episode of “First Australians” focuses on different periods and events in Australian history, from the arrival of the British settlers in the late 18th century to contemporary Indigenous issues.

The series features interviews with Indigenous leaders, historians, and experts, as well as dramatic reenactments and archival footage.

First Australians is considered an important and groundbreaking documentary series for its in-depth examination of Indigenous history and its contributions to raising awareness about the rich and complex history of Australia’s First Nations peoples.

This is one of the best documentaries about Australia to watch for understanding the history and life of the First Nations peoples.

David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef (2016)

Sir David Attenborough takes you on an underwater journey through the Great Barrier Reef, showcasing its extraordinary marine life and the challenges it faces. It’s a three-part documentary series produced by the BBC in 2016.

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland and is the world’s largest coral reef system. It is renowned for its stunning underwater landscapes, colourful coral formations, and a wide variety of marine life.

Throughout the series, David Attenborough provides you with a close-up look at the reef’s incredible biodiversity, showcasing the many species of fish, corals, and other marine creatures that call the reef home.

He also discusses the environmental challenges and threats facing the Great Barrier Reef, such as coral bleaching and climate change, and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect this natural wonder.

If you have any interest in the Ocean and conservation efforts then this is one of the best documentaries about Australia for you to watch.

Australia: The Time Traveller’s Guide (2012)

Australia: The Time Traveller’s Guide was first aired in 2012 and is hosted by Dr Richard Smith, an Australian palaeontologist, and science broadcaster.

The show takes you on a journey through the history of Australia, using a time-travelling concept to explore different periods of the continent’s history. The series is divided into four episodes, each focusing on a different time period.

“Deep Time”: This episode delves into Australia’s ancient history, exploring the continent’s geological and natural history, including its unique flora and fauna.

“The First Australians”: This episode looks at the arrival of Indigenous peoples in Australia and their ancient cultures and traditions.

“A Nation Awakens”: This episode covers the early European exploration and colonization of Australia, including the impact on Indigenous peoples and the development of Australian society.

“The Rise and Fall of a Gold Rush Dynasty”: This episode focuses on the 19th-century gold rushes that played a significant role in shaping Australia’s economy and society.

Dr Richard Smith’s engaging narration and the series’ visual effects make it an informative and entertaining exploration of Australia’s rich and diverse history.

Australia with Simon Reeve (2013)

Australia with Simon Reeve is a four-part travel documentary series featuring the British author and television presenter Simon Reeve.

The series originally aired in 2013 and follows Simon Reeve as he embarks on a journey across Australia to explore its diverse landscapes, culture, history, and people.

During the series, Simon Reeve travels through various regions of Australia, from the bustling cities to the remote outback. He encounters a wide range of experiences, from meeting Indigenous communities to exploring the country’s natural wonders.

The series provides you with an in-depth look at Australia’s geography, wildlife, and the challenges and opportunities facing the nation.

If you want a good modern travelogue view of the country then this is one of the best documentaries about Australia for you to see.

The Kimberley: The World’s Last Great Wilderness (2013)

The Kimberley: The World’s Last Great Wilderness is a documentary series produced by the BBC in 2013.

The Kimberley is a region located in the northern part of Western Australia and is known for its rugged and remote landscapes, including vast wilderness areas, stunning coastlines, unique rock formations, and rich Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The Kimberley is considered one of the last great wilderness areas on Earth due to its pristine and relatively untouched environment.

This series delves into the unique ecosystems and wildlife that inhabit the region, as well as the challenges and conservation efforts aimed at preserving this remarkable natural heritage.

Australia: A Continent Adrift (2013)

Australia: A Continent Adrift is a four-part series that explores the geological and natural history of the Australian continent. The series is narrated by the Australian actor Hugo Weaving.

The documentary delves into the unique geological history of Australia, highlighting how it has drifted over millions of years from its origins as part of the supercontinent Gondwana.

It covers a wide range of topics, including the formation of Australia’s distinctive landscapes, the evolution of its flora and fauna, and the various geological processes that have shaped the continent over eons.

The series uses stunning visuals, scientific insights, and expert commentary to give a comprehensive understanding of Australia’s geological history. It also explores the impact of geological forces on the continent’s wildlife, climate, and people.

You can watch the full documentary for free on YouTube:

Amazing Quest: Stories from East Coast Australia

Another free documentary about Australia that you can watch on YouTube.

As the title suggests it’s about the east coast of the country and explores different people in the region and different areas.

Tip: Get the Lonely Planet East Coast Australia if you plan a trip there.

Amazing Quest: Stories from Australia

Another one from Amazing Quest and this time exploring other areas of the country including Arnhem Land, the Buccaneer Archipelago and Mount Dare Station.

Amazing Quest does great documentaries in general and is very informative and up-to-date in its research.

It’s also free to watch on YouTube.

First People: Aboriginal Australians

First People: Aboriginal Australians explores the history, culture, and experiences of Australia’s Indigenous peoples, specifically focusing on Aboriginal Australians.

The series looks into various aspects of Aboriginal history and culture, including their rich traditions, art, music, and their connection to the land.

Aboriginal Australians have a diverse range of languages, cultures, and traditions, and their history is deeply intertwined with the land and its natural resources.

Kakadu (2018)

This documentary showcases the beauty and biodiversity of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, home to stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.

These documentaries about Australia offer a wide range of perspectives, from its history and culture to its natural wonders and modern-day challenges.

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or contemporary life, there’s something on this list for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

For an overall travel guide for Australia if you’re planning to travel there get the Lonely Planet Australia guidebook .

For more on Australia take a look at my recommendation for books on the country with my list of the 30 best books about Australia .

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15 Best Travel Shows on Netflix Australia

Netflix Australia is the streaming service that just keeps on giving. While you can easily find a plethora of binge-worthy shows to watch with a press of a button, there are some that stand out more than others.

Surprisingly enough, Netflix still hasn’t created a travel section to help viewers narrow down their show search when they’re in the mood for something that will motivate them to explore the world.

This list of 15 best travel shows on Netflix Australia will make it easy for you to binge-watch travel content to your heart’s content, whether it be via food inspiration, fantasy style, or anything in between.

The choice is yours! Scroll down for more.

Table of Contents

1. Jack Whitehall

Since the series premiered in 2017, Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father has been a nonstop hit that provides its viewers with beautiful views, family drama, and good old-fashioned humor. 

The British comedy follows stand-up comedian Jack and his rather serious father, Michael, on a long-lasting trip across various countries where the two get to experience new things together. 

What gives this show life, aside from the amazing places you get to see, is the complicated relationship between father and son who were never close when Jack was growing up. Part of this was because his father was already nearing the age of fifty by the time Jack was born – and this drastic age difference adds to the amusement throughout the series. 

As the two travel across the continents, it becomes a constant battle about where they’ll be staying, what they’ll be doing, and especially what types of food they’ll be eating. Michael, being much older, is very set in his ways and has no interest in trying new things whereas Jack wants to try as many new things as possible.

These contrasting viewpoints make for some pretty hysterical scenes, but you will find that other scenes will pull on your heartstrings as the two build a better relationship in the process.

You’ll get to travel with them as they explore breathtaking places throughout Australia, the United States, Europe, and Asia while also fully immersing themselves in the areas’ cultures. 

2. Street Food

Based on this series’ not-so-subtle name, you can already guess the premise of Street Food – but the show actually has so much more to offer along its journeys. The series takes you to all parts of the world, many of which struggle from some type of poverty, and lets you explore some of the amazing food opportunities that await you there. 

This show is bound to get your stomach rumbling and your mouth watering as you watch street food vendors from around the globe do what they do best.

After you get to watch the cooking process, the series spends time focusing on the finished product, which is almost always displayed in a breathtaking fashion. 

What makes this series stand out in comparison to the many other traveling food shows is the time it dedicates to teach the audience about the local people and their traditions. You’ll not only admire the work of the chef but you’ll learn about the chef him/herself and the story of how they got to where they are today and the dedication it took to master their craft. 

Many of the stories you’ll hear are saddening, but being able to see how the chefs turned their life around is an amazing experience and adds to the beauty of the meals they create. 

3. Breakfast, Lun ch, & Dinner

Another food-based Netflix favorite is Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner . This show gained its popularity through its blend of celebrity guest appearances, exciting travel destinations, and delicious food. 

Known primarily for the iconic Ugly Deliciousness series, David Chang takes a different approach with this series as he covers a large variety of bases in every episode.

You’ll spend time admiring the food of the local people, exploring beautiful places around the world, and learning more about popular celebrities through the use of small talk. 

Chang wanted to win over his audience right away – and what better way to do it than to invite famous comedian, Seth Rogan, as his first guest appearance while exploring Canada.

Every place tv host Chang visits is a new adventure – and he makes sure to try a local dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner just like the title of the series suggests.

Just keep in mind that although the series’ name gives you the idea that its main premise is on food, casual conversation with celebrities definitely takes up most of the screen time. 

You’ll still get to see beautiful places from around the world and some tasty meals along the way, but at the end of the day, this is more of a hangout show than anything else. 

4. Conan Without Borders

Speaking of celebrities traveling the world, it doesn’t get much better than Conan Without Borders where this famous comedian takes you on an adventure filled with laughs, local culture, unique destinations, and so much more. 

For those of you who are familiar with Conan, you know that he has a way of making fun of things without coming off as rude – and that talent is relevant to the series. 

He visits parts of the world like Korea, Haiti, Italy, and Mexico while making jokes that are more focused on his lack of understanding than an attempt to insult the culture of a foreign place. 

This clever technique makes his show unlike any other travel show on Netflix – and guarantees that you’ll always have a good time when watching.

Plus, what makes the show even better, is that Conan dedicates screentime to more serious matters – like the struggles people are facing in third world countries – to teach the audience about major issues. You’ll meet a plethora of new people with every episode as Conan speaks with the locals to learn more about the area, culture, food, and more. 

Be prepared to laugh your head off and possibly shed a few tears as you travel the world with Conan and see places through his eyes. 

5. Dark Tourist

Although controversial, there’s no denying that the Dark Tourist series will take you to places you’ve never been before and introduce you to a world you may not have known existed. 

Tv host David Farrier deserves some credit for the bravery it took to travel to such dangerous parts of the world, but many viewers felt like he was attempting to copy the works of Louis Theroux. If you’re familiar with Louis Theroux and enjoy his work, you’ll definitely get a kick out of Farrier’s similar style – but may feel that Theroux was slighted in some way. 

Regardless, the series will keep you on the edge of your seat as Farrier winds up in some pretty dangerous situations in rough areas all around the globe.

As you explore places never shown on television before, you’ll learn some harsh truths about the major struggles that other countries are facing and just how extreme they can get. 

For example, one episode takes you deep into India where a known sex trafficking operation is taking place. Here, Farrier speaks with both the traffickers and the civilians to get a sense of what is going on. 

This is definitely not a show for the lighthearted and can be pretty devastating to watch at times as you learn about some of the unfortunate events that are taking place in the world – but it’s also a good way to stay informed about the world around you. 

6. Somebody Feed Phil

Known for his contributions to the creation of Everybody Loves Raymond , Phil Rosenthal is a simple man trying to widen his horizons by trying cuisine from around the world – and he’s taking you along for the ride. 

Phil is a pretty funny guy, and it shows in the series as he travels to new countries and tries dishes he never would have thought existed.

Phil grew up as a Jewish New Yorker and emphasizes how, because of this, he didn’t get to try many styles of food growing up – which is why he’s so eager to try as many new things as possible now that he’s older. 

This is what adds to his appeal as he is a more relatable food series host than most because he isn’t a master chef or food expert. He is simply an average guy trying new things in new places and telling you how he feels about them. 

So be prepared to find yourself loving every second of his series as you get to experience the world through his eyes and his tastebuds on an endless adventure that only keeps getting better. 

7. Restaurants on the Edge

Keeping with the theme of travel shows that’s main focus revolves around food, Restaurants on the Edge lands a spot as one of the best because of its interesting style and light-hearted approach. 

Unlike other restaurant renovation shows, there aren’t any aggressive interactions or stress-filled encounters but it is instead filled with understanding conversations and uplifting moments. 

Although you won’t be watching a drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you will get to be a part of something wonderful as you travel to beautiful new destinations. 

Three hosts take on different roles based on their expertise to help transform restaurants into thriving businesses, with Dennis Prescott as the chef, Nick Liberato as the restaurant guru, and Karin Bohn as the interior designer. 

Although the series is focused on restaurants, there’s an abundance of beautiful clips taken by drones as they circle around towering mountains, flowing rivers, and breathtaking vistas all around the globe. 

The problems with the restaurants, big and small, are looked at for only a moment with a clear focus on the ways things can be improved to create a successful business. 

This kindhearted approach is part of the reason fans have fallen in love with the show as well as that satisfying feeling of watching a local restaurant owner’s dream come true right before their eyes. 

8. Larry Charles’s Dangerous World of Comedy

You can thank Lary Charles’ creative brain for the unique creation of Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy where you get to explore the world with a focus on something other than food. 

Larry Charles dedicates this show completely to the comedic world and travels around the globe to learn how comedy differs in different areas and the impact it has on the community. 

He doesn’t stop there. While learning about the comedic aspects of the world, he also dives deep into some of the many major issues that countries face to inform his audience of the bigger picture. 

Watch as he travels into some pretty dangerous locations, like active warzones, where he speaks with the soldiers and civilians alike to understand their troubles and how comedy plays a role in their life. 

He also attends a variety of authentic stand-up comedy shows in different countries, which gives the audience some insight into its many differences compared to the typical work you see in the United States.

It is amazing to be able to hear some of the jokes being told, as they’re relevant to the area and provide the audience a break every once in a while from the rather serious segments of the show. 

9. Instant Hotel

Combining two of the world’s favorite things, Airbnbs and reality tv shows, Instant Hotel was an immediate success on Netflix Australia – and the competition is real. 

The basis of the show is to create a nail-biting competition between Airbnb hosts throughout Australia, which will ultimately end with one competitor claiming the title as the best in the country and winning a grand prize of $100,000. 

The creators of the show do a wonderful job picking competitive contestants that are willing to do anything to win and are happy to criticize others without a second thought.

The interactions between these interesting people are what really makes the show – but there’s no denying that seeing some of their beautiful rentals will have you searching on Airbnb for your next vacation. 

Bask in the drama as contestants visit each other’s Airbnbs and provide ratings for location, nearby attractions, comfort, interior design, quality, and more, which will ultimately provide an impact on the judges’ overall scores. 

If you love I nstant Hotel ’s action-filled first season, you’ll love the second even more – as the show tackles a smaller set of contestants to really put the pressure on their eye-catching vacation rentals. 

10. Stateless

Prepare for a whirlwind of emotions as Stateless takes you along for a journey through Australia’s detention camps. The fact that it is based on true events is shockingly disturbing. 

Created as an informative series, Stateless jumps between the viewpoints of four very different characters but the message remains the same. What’s happening here is not okay. 

The first person you meet is a woman named Sofie whose story follows that of Cornelia Rau, a person who was held captive in an Australian detention center for 10 months in 2004 – and you’ll learn about her life after imprisonment. 

Next up is Ameer who is used as a symbol for the thousands of men who suffered a similar fate in such camps. You get to travel with him from his home in Afghanistan on a trip to Pakistan that ultimately leads him here. 

The other two characters, Claire and Cam, are on the other side of the spectrum and give insight into what it was like to work in such camps and keep things under wraps. 

Overall, it is a moving series that emphasizes the severity of the detention camps in Australia in hopes to stop their heinous acts and gives an audience an idea of what is really going on behind closed doors. 

11. Sweet Tooth

To be fair, the storyline behind this quickly growing series is nothing more than fiction – but that doesn’t make the desire to travel to unknown places any less potent as you travel around a post-apocalyptic world. 

This a fantasy series that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of, and it’s not just because of the new era of children who are born with antlers or scaled skin. 

To put it plainly, something in the air has caused all new babies to be born as hybrids with a variety of different animal species – and because of this, havoc breaks loose. 

War breaks out, and the hybrid children that remain are forced into hiding where they must spend the rest of their days. That is until Sweet Tooth’s father passes away and he can’t help but hit the road to see the world. 

Sweet Tooth is a nice boy who just so happened to be born with some deer-like characteristics – and this makes exploring the world a very dangerous task. 

Luckily, he runs into a villain turned soft (by Sweet Tooth’s boy-like charm) who serves as his protector as they head out to explore unknown lands and travel around the country in this strange new world. 

You will be on the edge of your seat as they encounter dangerous situations and locals willing to help throughout their journey through deep forests and abandoned cities. 

12. The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

As the name suggests, The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals takes you around the globe as three very different hosts show you some of the coolest places to stay with a combination of luxury, affordability, and unique style. 

They travel all around the world, and each episode is located in a completely different country. You’ll get to experience three different kinds of vacation rentals picked specifically by the hosts themselves. 

Ortiz is the host that will take you to some of the most luxurious accommodations, whereas Batoon will take you to an affordable place without lacking quality. Franco will find the most unique place the area has to offer. 

All of the members involved in the production of the show do a wonderful job portraying both the vacation rentals and the surrounding area through the use of natural lighting, interesting angles, and the help of a drone. 

Although you won’t learn much about the local culture or the attractions in the area, it will definitely have you interested in checking out these beautiful locations for the scenery and accommodations alone. 

What makes this show stand out is its ability to reach a large variety of audiences as you get to experience a luxurious side and an affordable side of every place they visit. 

13. Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

Another unique travel show gem is undoubtedly Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip , as it shifts gears from the typical style and focuses almost entirely on antique cars. 

There is no lack of passion as Paul Hollywood shares his irrefutable love for cars of all makes, models, and years as he opens the show with a background on how this obsession came to pass and the impact it had on his childhood. 

Seeing the sense of pure happiness that Paul has with every antique beauty he finds along the way makes the show all that much more enjoyable.

It only makes sense that the first season takes place in Europe, where love for cars has always been apparent and celebrated unlike any other place in the world. 

You’ll get to explore many beautiful cities and countrysides throughout Germany, Italy, and France as Paul meets up with some proud antique car owners to get up close and personal with some one of a kind automobiles. 

Of course, stops are made long the way while in Italy to some of the original car dealerships of iconic companies, like Ferrari, where you get to experience the fast-paced thrill of driving 120 MPH on an open road. 

Even though the series is focused on stunning vehicles, you get to see many of the countries’ popular attractions along the way as Paul drives by them in a new kind of vehicle every time. 

14. Magical Land of Oz

There’s so much to learn about Australia’s diverse wildlife population, and the Magical Land of Oz is here to teach you just that. The 3-part documentary series dives deep into the varying ecosystems that make up Australia while also teaching its audience about the impact humans have on the environment. 

The first episode explores some of the many animals and plants that live on Australia’s mainland, whereas the second episode focuses entirely on life by the water. The third episode is all about the way we affect it all. 

What the series lacks in the narration it makes up for in the unique way it portrays the country’s rare species, and viewers are left amazed by the interesting creatures they never even knew existed. 

You won’t finish this series and become an expert on Australian wildlife, but you will get pretty darn close, as it manages to provide a plethora of information in such a short span of time. 

At the end of the day, the series should be used as a model for other countries as it describes how Australia is one of the few places where extensive pieces of land are dedicated solely to its wildlife and restrict human interaction almost entirely. 

15. Flavorful Origins

The beauty of Flavorful Origins is the way it represents the unfamiliar cuisine of China and leaves you questioning the Americanized version of Chinese food many people know and love. 

Originally filmed in Mandarin, the translated voiceover is not the clearest – but with the insanely detailed shots of decadent foods, it doesn’t have to be. 

All of your attention is focused on the natural ingredients as the camera zooms in to give you a close up of how fresh and tasty every part of a meal can be. 

The show is focused entirely on the Chaoshan region of China, which many people have never even heard of, and this adds to the curiosity to learn more about the cuisine here. 

You’ll find your mouth watering as you admire the carefully created dishes made up of seafood and vegetables and the process it takes to make them. 

Another interesting aspect is that each episode is no more than fifteen minutes long – so it’s incredibly easy to binge-watch or squeeze into a busy schedule. Just make sure to eat something before you start watching or your stomach will be screaming at you for food within seconds of its opening scene. Talk about a foodie’s dream!

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What leaders need to know about the australian digital id bill 2024.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - 2024/05/05: A protester holds a placard during the No Digital ID rally ... [+] organized by Australian right One Nation Party and Freedom Party in front of Parliament of Victoria in Melbourne. The One Nation Party of Australia and Freedom Party organized a protest against Digital ID Laws, expressing concern over the government's plan to implement digital personal identification. They argue that linking such IDs to records ranging from social security to financial and police, as well as establishing a cashless financial system controlled by the government, constitutes a significant intrusion into people's private lives. Their apprehension lies in the potential use of Digital IDs by the government to monitor and control individuals' spending, travel, communication, and speech. (Photo by Alexander Bogatyrev/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The Australian Government’s new Digital ID Bill 2024 and the Digital ID (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2024 mark a significant milestone in Australia’s digital landscape.

These pieces of legislation —which passed the Senate in March and the House of Representatives on May 16—pave the way for an economy-wide Digital ID system, promising to transform how Australians interact online. So, what should leaders know, and how will this impact their organizations?

Overview of the Digital ID Bills

The Digital ID Bill 2024 and its accompanying legislation aim to establish Australia’s comprehensive Digital ID system. This system will allow financial firms and service providers to apply and join the Government’s Digital ID platform, allegedly creating a more secure and streamlined ecosystem for users.

The legislation also introduces a voluntary Accreditation Scheme, encouraging Digital ID service providers to adhere to stringent standards set by Australian regulators to ensure high levels of security and authentication. Once the legislation receives Royal Assent—expected in the coming weeks—the laws will be enacted in November. By 2026, businesses will be able to join the Government’s Digital ID system, marking a significant shift in the digital landscape of Australia.

It must be said, however, that introducing a comprehensive Digital ID system brings significant surveillance and privacy concerns. Research helps us to explain why. In one study published by Public Administration Review , which examines public acceptance of digital surveillance technologies (DSTs) across nine EU countries, it is emphasized that citizens’ support for these technologies depends not only on how their data is used but also on the perceived trustworthiness of the security agencies operating them. The study concludes that the perceived benevolence, competence, and integrity of these agencies are crucial for public acceptance, especially for more intrusive surveillance technologies.

These findings underscore the importance of trust, ethical deployment, and transparency in implementing any digital surveillance system—including the proposed Digital ID system in Australia. Evidently, leaders must ensure that the Digital ID system is designed and operated in ways that prioritize the privacy and rights of individuals. This is particularly critical for workplace leaders who must navigate the increased surveillance capabilities and ensure that employees’ privacy is respected.

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Reacher season 3 casts a villain that looks like he ate reacher, the 79 best memorial day sales according to our deals editors, benefits of the digital id system.

The primary advantage of the Digital ID system is the enhancement of security in the digital realm. Users will allegedly benefit from a robust system that reduces the risk of identity theft and fraud. By consolidating identity verification processes, the system aims to create a seamless experience for users while maintaining high-security standards.

Additionally, public, private and third-sector organizations can streamline their operations, reduce administrative overhead, and improve customer trust by participating in a government-backed, secure digital identity system. For example, a bank participating in the Digital ID system would be able to verify a customer’s identity more efficiently, reducing the time needed for onboarding and minimizing the risk of fraudulent activities.

The Australian government has allocated $288 million to support the implementation and expansion of the Digital ID system, reported Government News . It is suggested that this funding will facilitate upgrades to the encryption of existing platforms like myGov and myGov ID, further bolstering the security and reliability of the Digital ID infrastructure. Suppose a healthcare provider integrates with the Digital ID system; this would enhance patient data security and streamline the verification process, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information.

Surveillance and Privacy Concerns

That said, while the benefits of a Digital ID system are clear, its introduction raises significant surveillance and privacy concerns. For leaders and policymakers, these concerns must be carefully balanced against the advantages of enhanced security and efficiency. A centralized Digital ID system means that a vast amount of personal data will be collected, stored, and potentially monitored by the government. This data includes not only basic identification information but also details about individuals’ interactions and transactions online. For leaders, particularly in the workplace, the challenge lies in ensuring that this data is used responsibly and that robust safeguards are in place to prevent misuse.

Suppose an employer uses the Digital ID system to track employees’ login times and access to company resources; while this can improve security and efficiency, it also raises concerns about employee privacy and potential misuse of data, as discussed by an MIT Sloan Management Review article (that I wrote).

The concentration of personal data in a single system raises the risk of privacy breaches. If the Digital ID system is compromised, the fallout could be significant, affecting millions of users. Leaders must therefore prioritize implementing state-of-the-art security measures—which are not cheap—and continuously update these protocols to defend against evolving cyber threats. Moreover, transparency about how data is collected, stored, and used will be crucial in maintaining public trust. For example, an online retailer using the Digital ID system must clearly communicate to customers how their data will be protected and used to gain and maintain their trust.

From an ethical standpoint, the introduction of a Digital ID system necessitates a careful examination of the balance between security and individual freedoms. Leaders must consider the implications of such a system on personal autonomy and privacy. Ensuring that participation in the Digital ID system remains voluntary and that there are robust opt-out provisions will be essential in addressing these ethical concerns.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of this system will depend on continuous efforts to balance security, efficiency, and privacy. Leaders must anticipate and address emerging challenges, such as evolving cyber threats and the ethical implications of increased surveillance capabilities.

For organizations, integrating with the Digital ID system will mean rethinking data management practices and reinforcing cybersecurity protocols. Leaders will need to foster a culture of trust and accountability within their firms, ensuring that employees are well-informed about the importance of data protection and privacy. It will be essential for companies to clearly communicate their data use policies to customers and stakeholders, maintaining transparency to build and retain trust.

Evidently, the broader implications of digital surveillance are just beginning to be considered, underscoring the need for ethical deployment and maintaining public trust. Leaders must today ask themselves: How can you harness the benefits of the Digital ID system while protecting individual privacy and rights, ensuring your organization remains a trusted entity in an increasingly monitored digital landscape?

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Adelaide man claims $150 million Powerball jackpot after sleepless night checking ticket

An Adelaide man has come forward to claim Thursday's $150 million Powerball jackpot , becoming Australia's biggest lottery winner in the process.

The middle-aged man contacted lottery officials on Friday morning after not sleeping Thursday night because he "just kept checking the ticket".

"I've never screamed so loud or jumped so high!" he said, according to Powerball operator The Lott.

"I actually had two tickets into last night's draw. I looked at the clock last night and saw it was getting late and thought the draw should have been done by then.

"So, I checked the first one and it came up with nothing, then I scanned the second one and it said $150 million."

The winning numbers were 18, 29, 34, 8, 4, 28 and 6, with a Powerball of 11.

Up to half of Australian adults were estimated to have an entry in Thursday night's draw.

The sales peak came at 6.19pm when 9,173 tickets were sold in a single minute (that's just over an hour before the draw's close at 7:30pm AEST).

In addition to the $150 million main jackpot, there were nine division two winners, who each took home $276,036.95.

The total prize pool across divisions two to nine came to $89.3 million.

The $150 million division one prize was the largest amount won by an individual Powerball player in Australian history.

The jackpot had previously reached $200 million in February, however the prize was claimed by two people , meaning they split the prize money.

Thursday's division one winner, who bought the ticket from a drive-through convenience store in Salisbury, told The Lott he intended to keep working despite winning the prize.

"I'll buy a house, want to travel the world and I've got a family and friends I want to help," he said.

Astronomical odds of winning the jackpot

Mathematician and author Adam Spencer said the odds of winning the Powerball draw were one in 134 million.

That means a person has a greater chance of being hit by lightning than winning the division one prize.

"First of all, you have to get seven correct out of 35. That is a one-in-6.8 million chance," Mr Spencer said.

"If you get through that hoop, you then have a one in 20 chance of getting the final ball.

"The total odds are one in 134 million."

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Australians are spending more on lotto tickets than ever before despite cost of living crisis

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Head of Bight, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Whale watching in Australia

Spot southern right, dwarf minke, humpback whales and even orcas as they make their annual migration along Australia’s coasts.

The Australian coastline provides bountiful opportunities to observe any number of whale species on their annual migration. Spectators on both the east and west coasts have the chance to enjoy their own whale show, twice a year, as the mammals travel to and from Antarctica for what should be known as ‘the world’s longest lunch’ - feasting on all types of fish, krill, and plankton. At the tail-end of  summer , they begin the long journey north to warmer waters for their breeding and birthing season, as young calves don’t yet have enough blubber on them to withstand the  winter  temperatures. Between May and November, you can spot southern right whales journeying to the temperate breeding waters off  South Australia  and  Victoria , while energetic humpback whales continue north to the  Great Barrier Reef  and the  Kimberley  and orcas congregate off the southern coast of the state of  Western Australia . 

Here are the best spots around the country to take in their majestic beauty.

Near Hobart

Humpback whale in Schouten Passage, Freycinet Experience Walk, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania © Freycinet Experience Walk

When : May - July, September – December 

Where : Legend has it that the residents of Hobart’s suburb of Taroona used to complain about being kept awake by the sounds of whales in the River Derwent. While whaling in the 19th century had a dramatic impact on the population, the whale numbers are recovering, and Tasmania’s east coast is still one of the best places to spot them on their annual migration. See humpback whales and southern right whales coasting through the clear waters of Great Oyster Bay off the Freycinet Peninsula, an area renowned for its pink granite cliffs and secret white beaches. Frederick Henry Bay is another great spot to grab a glimpse of the passing whales while still on dry land. Southern right whales and humpback whales often travel past the bay on the way to their breeding areas, but occasionally will stick around to give birth in Tassie, giving people the chance to see them from shore. You may also glimpse whales with their calves in Mercury Passage off Maria Island , a natural wildlife sanctuary.  

How : Try a three-hour tour with Bruny Island Cruises to see whales taking shelter in Adventure Bay. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys also operate cruises and day tours from Hobart.

Killer whale, Naturaliste Charters, Bremer Canyon, Western Australia © Naturaliste Charters

When : June – November 

Where : In Western Australia, the south coast is the best place for spotting whales. Humpback whales and southern right whales frolic in Augusta’s picturesque Flinders Bay (in the Margaret River wine region) from early June, and then watch Humpback Whale mother and their calves join bottlenose dolphins in Geographe Bay in Dunsborough in September. Further south, Albany’s rugged coastline makes another scenic grandstand as southern right whales take shelter in Albany's bays to mate and calve before returning south. Just under two hours east of Albany is Bremer Bay, home to one of the largest congregations of killer whales in the Southern Hemisphere. Head out on a  research boat to spot them. Visitors to Albany can also learn about whales at the historic Whaling Station , an interactive museum built in the headquarters of the last whaling company to cease operations in Australia. From June to November, humpback whales can also be spotted travelling north-west to Broome (a 2.5-hour flight from Perth). And while Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth is famous for its swimming with the whale shark experience, it also sees the highest number of humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere. Around 30,000 pass through Exmouth between June and November on their way to their birthing grounds off the Kimberley coast. A number of operators in the area offer small-group tours that allow you to swim with these incredible mammals. 

How : Naturaliste Charters offer ocean adventures that depart from Albany, Augusta, Dunsborough, Busselton and Bremer Bay. Ningaloo Coral Bay Boats run a four-hour cruise out of Coral Bay, and Live Ningaloo offer a swim with humpback whale tour departing from Exmouth. Whale Watch Western Australia offer tours all year round, departing from Perth, Hillary's, Bremer Bay, Augusta, Albany, Dunsborough, Busselton and Margaret River.

Near Sydney

Humpback whale, Sydney, New South Wales © Rachelle Mackintosh, faunographic.com

When : May - late November 

Where : Occasionally lucky Sydneysiders walking the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal track will catch a glimpse of passing humpbacks travelling north. The most common period is the last week of June and the first week of July. Then, in early September you’ll have another great chance of the mothers and calves passing by Sydney as they head back south. From land, Sydney’s best vantage point is The Gap at South Head in Watsons Bay. Outside of the city, head for Jervis Bay , a three-hour drive south of the city, where you're almost guaranteed a whale sighting in the calm, clear waters. The Shoalhaven Heads, Crookhaven Heads Lighthouse and Penguin Head at Culburra Beach offer great outlooks. Or hop onto one of the cruises leaving daily between May and November from Huskisson. Continue 3.5 hours further south to the coastal town of Merimbula on the beautiful Sapphire Coast , for both shore-based whale watching and charters. The town of Eden celebrates their arrival each year with the Eden Whale Festival , with live shows, a parade and local produce stalls. You can also see the same huge, graceful creatures from June in Byron Bay , playing just offshore from the Cape Byron Lighthouse. 

How : Book a three-hour Discovery Cruise with Whale Watching Sydney from Circular Quay out into Sydney Harbour , where humpbacks make their way up the east coast. Jervis Bay Wild offers eco-cruises that leave from Huskisson and travel around Jervis Bay. Merimbula Marina offers regular whale watching cruises from May through to November with 100 per cent success rate.

Near Adelaide

Southern right whale and calf, Great Australian Bight, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

When : June – September

Where : Victor Harbor, located 80 kilometres (49 miles) south of Adelaide , is a significant historic location for both the Ramindjeri people and the early colonial settlers alike who prized the area for its rich lands, sheltered waters and whales. Holiday goers now flock to the coastal destination to enjoy its clear turquoise waters and abundant wildlife, including the majestic southern right whales who come year on year to breed. Stand atop the steep cliffs around Victor Harbor’s Encounter Bay to watch these visitors frolic in the calm waters below. Or better yet, book a tour to see them play with their calves further out in the waters of the Fleurieu Peninsula . Further along South Australia’s jagged coastline in Ceduna, you can watch the whales do slow-motion somersaults from the viewing platform or beach.  

How : The Big Duck Tour offers both group and chartered cruises that depart from Victor Harbor, Granite Island Causeway and Adelaide. Ceduna Tours will take you to the head of the Great Australian Bight Whale Sanctuary where you can get up close to southern right whales in their breeding ground near the towering Bunda Cliffs.

Near Brisbane

Whale watching, Harvey Bay, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

When : May – November

Where : Queensland’s whale hot spot is at Hervey Bay , around 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of Brisbane . This tranquil spot is protected by K’gari  (formerly Fraser Island), affording humpback whales the opportune location to hang around a while, either to mate, breed or nurse. To increase your chances of seeing the precious baby whales, time your visit around the first week of September. Each year in July and August, the arrival of the humpback whales is celebrated at the Hervey Bay Whale Festival , with concerts, street parades and displays. A bit further south, on the Sunshine Coast , adventure lovers can experience what it feels like to be part of a pod when they head out with Sunreef Mooloolaba to swim with humpbacks. If you keep travelling north until you reach the Whitsunday Islands , you can also get quite a show of humpback whales who tend to move into the area between May and September, enjoying the shallow, sheltered waters while they nurse their newborn calves. For a truly unforgettable experience, book in with one of the specialised operators to swim with dwarf minke whales. It is the only place in the world where people can dive with these highly intelligent, curious creatures and it only happens for a brief period in June and July. The encounters are always whale initiated and controlled, as swimmers are dropped into the appropriate area of water with their snorkels and instructed to hold onto a rope. The curious whales will then almost always come in for a closer look and have been known to spend hours swimming back and forth around divers, making eye contact and even bringing their calves for a look.

How : See the playful antics of the humpback whales aboard the Spirit of Hervey Bay , while legendary guide Vicky Neville from Spirit of Hervey Bay is often referred to as ‘the whale whisperer’. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions is one of the few lucky operators on the Great Barrier Reef who takes tour groups out to dive with the dwarf minke whales. 

Near Melbourne

Whales, Warrnambool, Victoria © Visit Victoria

When : May – September

Where : Head to Logans Beach in Warrnambool , a three-hour drive out of Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, and watch southern right whales calve in a nursery close to shore. They stay here for several weeks, helping their babies build strength for the long journey back to sub-Antarctic waters. You can capture the mother-and-calf interactions from the viewing platform on the sand dunes. Also try Lady Bay in Warrnambool, where the new mums often come close enough to spray you with breakwater. Travel a further 1.5 hours along the Great Ocean Road to see rare blue whales in their last feeding month at Cape Nelson near Portland.  

How : Head to Logans Beach, located on Logans Beach Road off Hopkins Point Road, to find the specially designed viewing platform on the sand dunes. Bring your binoculars, and plan for multiple visits for your best chance at spotting the whales. Call the Visitor Information Centre beforehand for whale sighting updates.

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