How to Use an NH34 GMT Watch: A Simple Guide to Tracking Two Time Zones

The NH34 GMT movement makes it easy to follow more than one time zone at a glance. Once you understand how the hands and crown positions work, the GMT function becomes one of the most practical features you can have on a mechanical watch.


What Makes a GMT Watch Different

An NH34 GMT watch includes four key elements:

  • Hour & minute hands — your local time

  • GMT hand — a second time zone in 24‑hour format

  • 24‑hour bezel or chapter ring — the reference scale for the GMT hand

The GMT hand rotates once every 24 hours, which is what allows you to distinguish day from night in the second time zone.


Understanding the Crown Positions (NH34)

The NH34 uses three functional crown positions:

  • Position 1 — Winding

  • Position 2 — Date and GMT hand adjustment

  • Position 3 — Main time setting


How to Set Your Local Time

1. Pull the Crown to Position 3

Pull the crown all the way out. The seconds hand will stop — this is the hacking function.

2. Set the Time

Rotate the crown to move the hour and minute hands. Make sure you pass midnight to confirm AM/PM alignment.

3. Push the Crown Back In

Return it to Position 0 (or continue to GMT setup).


How to Set the GMT Hand (Second Time Zone)

1. Pull the Crown to Position 2

One click out — this position controls the GMT hand independently.

2. Rotate the Crown to Adjust the GMT Hand

Turn the crown until the GMT hand points to the correct hour on the 24‑hour scale.

Example: If your second time zone is 2 PM, align the GMT hand with 14 on the bezel or chapter ring.

3. Push the Crown Back In

Return to Position 1 and screw down the crown if your watch includes a screw‑down system.


How to Read a GMT Watch

  • Main hands → Your local time

  • GMT hand → Second time zone (24‑hour format)

Because the GMT hand completes one rotation per day, it clearly shows whether the second time zone is in AM or PM.


Using a Rotating Bezel (If Equipped)

If your GMT watch has a rotating 24‑hour bezel, you can track a third time zone:

  1. Rotate the bezel to offset the hours you want to track.

  2. Read the GMT hand against the new bezel position.

This is ideal for quick, temporary time checks.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mixing up 12‑hour and 24‑hour readings

  • Forgetting to confirm AM/PM when setting the main time

  • Adjusting the GMT hand without referencing the 24‑hour scale

  • Forcing the crown or skipping positions


Pro Tips for Everyday Use

  • Set the GMT hand to home time when traveling

  • Use the bezel for a temporary third time zone

  • Always set the main time before adjusting the GMT hand

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