Why We Chose a True GMT Movement
Mechanical watches often balance tradition with practicality. Nowhere is this more evident than in the GMT complication, a feature designed to help travelers keep track of time across multiple time zones.
For the Revival Edition, selecting the right GMT movement was one of the most important technical decisions in the design process.
The goal was simple: choose a movement that offered genuine functionality for travel while maintaining reliability and long-term serviceability.
Understanding the GMT Function
A GMT watch displays two time zones simultaneously. Traditionally, this is accomplished by adding a fourth hand that completes one full rotation every 24 hours.
This hand works in conjunction with a 24-hour scale, allowing the wearer to track a second time zone while maintaining the primary local time on the main hour and minute hands.
While the concept is straightforward, not all GMT watches function in the same way.
Office GMT vs True GMT
Modern GMT watches typically fall into two categories.
The first is often called an office GMT or caller GMT. In this configuration, the GMT hand is adjusted independently while the main hour hand remains fixed. This works well if you primarily stay in one location but occasionally need to track another time zone.
The second type is known as a true GMT or traveler GMT.
In a true GMT movement, the local hour hand can be adjusted independently in one-hour increments without stopping the watch. This allows the wearer to quickly change time zones while keeping the GMT hand locked to a reference time, such as home.
For travelers, this functionality is significantly more convenient.
Choosing the Right Movement
When designing the Revival Edition, the decision was made early to prioritize a true GMT movement.
This ensures that adjusting local time when traveling is simple and intuitive. The watch continues running uninterrupted, while the reference time displayed by the GMT hand remains unchanged.
The movement selected for the Revival Edition is the Miyota 9075, a modern automatic caliber that offers true GMT functionality along with reliable performance.
Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offering a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, the movement provides smooth operation and dependable timekeeping suited for everyday use.
Reliability and Practicality
Another advantage of the movement is its reputation for durability and serviceability.
For a watch intended to be worn daily, reliability is just as important as technical capability. The movement chosen for the Revival Edition balances these priorities, offering modern functionality without unnecessary complexity.
The result is a watch that performs well whether it is worn in a single city or carried across multiple time zones.
Designed for Travel
The GMT complication has long been associated with exploration and travel. From early aviation watches to modern tool watches, the ability to track multiple time zones has remained one of the most practical features in horology.
By incorporating a true GMT movement into the Revival Edition, Nexus Elgin sought to create a watch that remains faithful to that tradition while meeting the needs of modern travelers.
Join the Revival
Nexus Elgin is preparing to launch the Revival Edition on July 28, 2026.
Join the early access list to follow the project and receive updates as the brand continues to take shape.
