There is no better travel companion than a watch, because it is something that is untethered from the modern lives we find ourselves in, what with our mobile phones constantly connected to the world’s network and all, and yet, it is still an integral part of travel, because what more reliable way to count down the number of hours you’ve been in transit, especially when you have nothing else on you?

Plus, a timepiece is a great way to mark the special occasions in your life, and you’ll find yourself looking at your watch and recalling the adventures you once shared with it. So, don’t hop on a plane or bus without having a reliable travel buddy on your wrist, and perhaps use this piece as inspiration for your next trip.

Casio AE-1200

This is for the most pragmatic of travellers, and for good reason. There is no beating the accuracy of quartz. Some watch snobs may scoff at this recommendation, but when you have a watch that accurately tracks time across 48 cities (Daylight Saving Time included), you can hardly blame anyone for wanting to travel with this watch. There is a reason why this timepiece has garnered a cult following since its release in 2012.

Plus, you get the added perks of wearing a digital watch, such as five alarms, a stopwatch, a timer, and all-around robustness for all types of rigours you’ll face during your travels.

A watch is supposed to be a tool, after all, and the Casio Royale, as true fans call it, fits that bill perfectly. Plus, it’s such a luxury to be able to switch time zones with just a couple of button pushes.

It may be on the slightly larger side, especially when compared to its other, more modern counterparts, such as the A500, but if it’s an adventure you’re after, then you can scarcely do better than this piece. So, while it may not fit easily under the cuff of your long-sleeve shirt, you’ll probably want to wear this watch where formal events are not part of the agenda anyway.

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Mount Elbrouz Limited Edition 829

This watch is a sleeper when it comes to travelling, because its world time complication isn’t limited to one display. In fact, you get two world-time sub-dials, each seen from a different perspective. On top of all that, you get a third sub-dial at nine o’clock, allowing you to track yet another timezone.

The sum of these complications allows you to track your local time, home time, and an extra timezone, presumably of another country you have business dealings in.

Timekeeping aside, the Geosphere collection was created to celebrate the spirit of adventure, namely those related to mountain climbing. And, as its namesake suggests, the case is totally devoid of oxygen, preventing fogging of the dial or oxidation of the components. So if traipsing into extreme environments is your cup of tea, then this timepiece would make for a great companion for your journey.

One plus point about Montblanc is that it loves adding hidden meanings behind every little detail, and if you look closely, you’ll see how the hemisphere dials contain seven dots, each for the highest mountains on the seven continents. And perhaps as a final reminder, the watch also features a lumed illustration of Mount Elbrouz on the middle case—in orange!

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Worldtimer

Since its launch somewhere last year, this watch has always been top of mind when it comes to travel, and that is because it features 24 time zones on one legible dial, making it a good choice if you have to keep track of several different cities while you travel. It is also a good alternative to staring at the flight map while you track your route across the world.

And unlike the Montblanc Geosphere that belongs on the highest peaks of the world, this watch belongs more in the depths of our seas. But that is just a fancy way of saying that this watch will withstand what you will typically ask of it during your travels, especially if said travels involve a swim in the ocean (specifically, up to 600 metres).

It being a high-end watch also means that it’s a versatile timepiece to lug along on your trips, no matter if it’s for business or pleasure. It runs on the accurate Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8938 movement, too, that features an equally robust power reserve of 60 hours.

Panerai Luminor GMT Ceramica PAM01460

Continuing the theme of deep waters is this GMT timepiece, which is synonymous with the Italian Navy thanks to its dependability. First impressions come in the form of stealth black cool, and at 40mm in diameter—tiny when compared to Panerai’s usual offerings—this watch will fly under the radar in most cases.

In line with its utilitarian roots, this dial is straightforward enough for those looking for simplicity. There’s just one 12-hour GMT hand on top of a date window and a seconds sub-dial. Add on the minimalist design of Panerai’s usual offerings, and you have a no-frills timepiece to tell the time between two time zones.

What makes this a good travel companion, besides its 300-metre water resistance, is that it is designed for a bit of rough and tumble. Not only does it sport its usual crown guard (goodbye, doorknob anxiety), this particular version is also made out of ceramic, making it a lightweight, and thus, comfortable wear. The material’s scratch resistance is a welcome trait for all typical travelling needs as well.

So, while we’re all a little wary of subjecting our watches to the occasional ding, there is a certain peace of mind knowing that the timepiece on your wrist can handle most accidental hardships you can throw at it. After all, a watch with stories is best enjoyed when it lives to tell the tale.