The GMT display, which enables instantaneous time indication of two different locations, is one of the most practical functions to be found on a wristwatch. But, the DeWitt Academia Hour Planet Titanium Black DLC is no ordinary GMT timepiece.  It is a supreme example of the DeWitt Manufacture’s Haute Horlogerie credentials and it combines masterful watchmaking with Mètiers d’Art craftsmanship.

Aesthetically dramatic, the piece features an open-worked dial which has been reduced to its bare minimum in order to showcase the mechanisms which make this piece come alive on the wrist.

At the 9 o’clock location, a single elevated bridge emphasises the mesmeric motion of the balance.  At 12 o’clock, rhodium-plated hands indicate the hours and minutes, with a vivid red hand for the GMT hour indication. Here, the typography of the Arabic numerals gives this piece a resolutely contemporary spirit.  Every visible surface has been meticulously manually finished adding contrast and beauty to the exposé elements.  However, the stellar feature of this impressive watch is, of course, the exquisite globe at the 6 o’clock location which adds a three-dimensional aspect to this multi-layer artisan dial.

The DeWitt artisan workshop has given the little terrestrial globe their full attention, transforming it into a miniature work of art.  Upon its textured surface, the landmasses rise up and the lines of longitude and latitude reveal the deep blue oceans beneath them. In-keeping with the open-work of the dial, the globe also offers a skeletonised aesthetic.

The globe is transported by a chain comprising of 192 astonishingly tiny links, which enable it to complete one precise rotation per day.  Working in harmony with the red GMT hand at the 12 o’clock, it displays the selected time zone, while also incorporating a day/night indication.

Housed within a 46mm black titanium DLC case, the DeWitt Manufacture mechanical self-winding movement beats at 21,600vph, retaining a power reserve of 55 hours.  The modern architecture of the calibre can be fully appreciated through the sapphire crystal case back.  The signature DeWitt “Imperial Columns” are represented on the case side and on the sculpted bezel.

Very much a timekeeper for the discerning collector who has a penchant for travel, the DeWitt Academia Hour Planet Titanium Black DLC watch asserts a bold presence on the wrist and comes presented on a large scale alligator leather strap.