As the roar of the jet engine redefined global travel after World War II, a new breed of pilot emerged – masters of speed, power, and, crucially, time itself. Soaring across continents at unprecedented velocities aboard the revolutionary De Havilland Comet, followed by the iconic 707s and DC-8s, these Pan-Am pioneers weren’t just flying; they were navigating the very fabric of time zones. They demanded a tool as robust and reliable as their mission, and the Redwood Jetstream GMT watch (£289) stands as a worthy tribute to these airborne adventurers of the 1950s.
Channelling the grit, precision, and indomitable spirit of that golden age of aviation, the Jetstream GMT is reimagined with modern materials and engineered for today’s adventures, wherever your next takeoff point may be. At its core lies the rock-solid Seiko NH34 GMT automatic movement, a workhorse renowned for its reliability even in the most demanding conditions.
This fully mechanical marvel, part of Seiko’s trusted NH series, requires no batteries, drawing its power solely from your movement. With a smooth sweeping seconds hand and true GMT functionality, the Jetstream allows you to effortlessly track up to three time zones simultaneously, a vital tool whether you’re traversing oceans, coordinating international operations, or simply staying connected with loved ones across continents.
The Jetstream’s functionality is further enhanced by its mission-ready 24-hour bezel. More than just a nod to vintage aesthetics, this bi-directional rotating bezel allows for the quick and intuitive tracking of a third time zone. With its firm, deliberate clicks and no-nonsense construction, it’s a tool built to perform under pressure, echoing the unwavering focus of the pilots who inspired its creation.
Crafted entirely from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, the Jetstream GMT is built to endure. The 40 x 48mm brushed case, accented with crisp polished details, strikes a perfect balance between vintage proportions and modern robustness. Chunky lugs with practical drilled holes facilitate swift and tool-friendly strap changes, reminiscent of the original timepieces worn by the jet-age trailblazers.
Protecting the dial is a substantial 2.5mm thick domed sapphire crystal, complete with an internal anti-reflective coating. This ultra-hard, scratch-resistant glass not only evokes the bold curves of 1950s cockpit instruments but also offers unparalleled clarity and resilience, ready to withstand the rigours of both turbulent skies and rugged terrain.
Adding another layer of capability, the Jetstream GMT boasts diver-level water resistance, rated to an impressive 30 ATM (300 meters or 1000 feet). This remarkable feat is achieved through its oversized screw-down crown and caseback, both sealed with durable polymer gaskets, providing exceptional protection without compromising its vintage-inspired charm.
The dial itself features high-visibility Super-LumiNova C3 on its matte black or white surface, ensuring excellent legibility in all lighting conditions. Sword-style hour and minute hands, a lollipop second hand, and a distinct arrow GMT hand complete the classic aviator aesthetic.
Weighing a comfortable 83g (excluding the strap or bracelet), the Redwood Jetstream GMT is a meticulously engineered timepiece that seamlessly blends heritage design with modern functionality, ready to accompany you on any journey, across any time zone.
