Timekeeping and machines – The DeSanders Horologie – Voyage GMT

GMT watches have been a popular category. Knowing another time zone seems to be more relevant nowadays, specially when we are so connected, technology it’s something else. Another object that technology made obsolete was the wristwatch, long gone are the days when you rotate a bezel and calculate the time on a different meridian, it is a cool exercise but an unprecise one.

But we are here for a shot of nostalgia, a way of saying that back in the day things were better, even if we know that is not true. That said, classic elegance with a touch of opulence has been lost over the years. Where gold watches were the norm, steel is now king. Sport watches dominate the scene, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t merit to a well-mixed old fashion, not everybody likes a Pepsi.

If you got my last analogy, then you are in for a surprise as we got a special one: the Voyager GMT from DeSanders. A unique value proposition that not only looks like nothing else I’ve photograph before but also on how comfortable it is to wear/use.

From Norwegian origins, DeSanders is not following up that Scandinavian minimalistic design, on the contrary, it is making something very ornamental. The quality and execution are flawless, from the centre of the dial to the unique hands, everything looks like it should. It feels like being inside a Jules Verne book next to a telescope. I am not sure that that makes sense but basically, the Voyager GMT transports you to a time when precision handmade objects were made, from paper weights to a key rings, everything had their own design language.

To me, the Voyager GMT is a surprise watch as I am not a fan dress brown dials but somehow, this one works. The colour scheme is warm and also tries to be fresh enough to be worn every day. Let’s begin on what could be one of the coolest GMT watches in 2025.

The specifications

One of the things to note from the beginning is that the Voyager GMT is not a worldtimer. It Is a GMT watch, the globe motif in the centre is decorative but what a decoration. The voyager is one of those watches that you cannot stop looking at and the main reason is the quality/execution. A northern hemisphere comes from the top and includes brushed surfaces, domed reliefs, and lots of lume, a lot. Once you passed the centre of the dial, you are greeted with the GMT ring and then the hour one. They can both coexist in different planes giving the watch quite a bit of depth.

Then, you come up to hands which are unique, we could easily call them squared observatory hands. Here is where the quality of the Voyager GMT excels, the hands fall nicely on each numeral, sort of like a Telescope indicator, it is beautiful and precise to behold and then, the PVD application makes it feel more special.

The case at 40mm feels right for this type of watch, specially with a 47mm lug to lug. The shape of the watch hugs the wrist and there is quite a bit of surfaces used, from polished to brush, the gold PVD seems to hold up well while giving sophistication to the watch. To be honest, this might be the version to go, the steel looks great, but we are here for the gold.

One of the characteristics that I enjoy of the Voyager is that it is powered by a Seiko NH34, this keeps the watch affordable and then DeSanders spending the money where it should, on the dial.

On the wrist

The Voyager looks great on 6.25-inch wrist, right at home. There is nothing I would add or take away, it is perfect. For a dress watch you might be thinking that it is a tad big, but it isn’t, it feel well proportioned and because of all the details on the dial, somehow it feels smaller.

There is no denial than the watch would look good in a more formal environment but again the warm of the dial with the added functionality, makes this watch one of a kind, the one you want to dress up to wear it.

At the office, the Voyager GMT worked well. Long are the days where you need to wear a tuxedo to feel formal, nowadays, it is all about how comfortable you are in your own skin and there is a lot of that among us watch enthusiasts.

Legibility was something that I was concerned but I am happy to report that is not something to consider. The mix of unique hands with great lume makes this watch something of a hidden gem, it is easy to distinguish at a glance.

One of the things that I enjoy from the brand is that they supply 3 straps with the watch, they all change the personality of the Voyager quite easily and bring it to life. it can be a sports chic piece or a casual one in seconds.

Conclusion

It is not easy to come out of your comfort zone and I believe that DeSanders are doing just that. An utilitarian/dressy proposition from Norway, it has a great ring to it.

The Vogayer GMT as a watch offers excellent value with a reliable movement where the focus is all about the design. Not only has a defined language but it also comes with and elegant approach that cannot be match by any sports watches out there.

The Voagaye GMT also comes in stainless steel- blue version, it might look more realistic in terms of the sea and the earth depicted of the dial but I believe that the rose gold is the way to go. It brings warmth at quality at every  angle.

The last point to highlight is the price, the Voyager GMT which is 663 USD,  an astonishing value proposition for a GMT watch with original design. When you actually make homework and decide that GMT should be your flagship or in your collection, well not many can do it as good as DeSanders.

For more information please visit https://desanders.no/products/copy-of-voyage-gmt-rose-gold-rootbeer

Technical Specifications

·         Automatic GMT movement

·         Hours, minutes and seconds

·         24h GMT hand, second timezone

·         TMI NH34 movement

·         Up to 41+ hours power reserve

·         40mm diameter, 14mm thickness

·         47mm lug to lug

·         Stainless steel with polished, brushed and sand blasted finish

·         PVD rose gold plating

·         Sapphire crystal glass

·         100m water resistance

·         Screw down crown

·         Lume, BGW9 blue on dials and C3 green on hand