In the world of horology, some brands simply build watches, while others forge instruments designed to endure the most demanding conditions. Elliot Brown, founded by friends Ian Elliot and Alex Brown in 2013, falls firmly into the latter category. Their mission is clear: to create wearable, affordable, and unequivocally tough timepieces ready for any challenge life – or indeed, the elements – might throw their way. This unwavering commitment to robustness has seen them collaborate with esteemed organizations such as the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces, Mountain Rescue England & Wales, and Land Rover, a testament to the trust placed in their engineering prowess.
Among Elliot Brown’s impressive lineup, the Holton stands out as a flagship dive watch, a testament to their dedication to creating timepieces that meet the exacting standards of professionals. Developed in close collaboration with a specialist branch of the British Armed Forces, the original Holton was built for purpose, and the Auto GMT collection takes this already formidable foundation and elevates it for the modern traveller. By incorporating an independently adjustable 24-hour hand and a high-grip 24-hour bezel, the Holton Auto GMT transforms into the ultimate companion for navigating multiple time zones with ease and precision.
Maintaining the robust DNA of its predecessor, the Holton Auto GMT features the same confidently sized 43mm case and a reassuring 200-meter water resistance, ensuring it’s equally at home exploring the depths or traversing continents. The collection is available in three distinct, military-grade finishes, each exuding a purposeful aesthetic: the stealthy matte gunmetal grey PVD coated stainless steel, the ruggedly handsome sandblasted stainless steel, and Elliot Brown’s signature NIVO – Night Invisible Varnish Orfordness – a unique finish renowned for its exceptional durability and low reflectivity. Each variant is paired with complementary straps, securely fastened using Elliot Brown’s signature screw-in strap bars, a detail that speaks volumes about the brand’s commitment to uncompromising build quality.
Powering this travel-ready instrument is the Seiko NH34, a Japanese-made automatic calibre celebrated for its reliability and performance. This robust movement features 24 jewels, hacking seconds (allowing for precise time setting), hand winding capabilities, an independent 24-hour GMT hand, and a practical date complication. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour, the Seiko NH34 provides a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and offers a dependable power reserve of at least 40 hours, ensuring your Holton Auto GMT keeps ticking even after a brief respite from the wrist.
The attention to detail extends beyond the movement and case finishes. The black dial provides a high-contrast backdrop for the clear and legible indices and hands, crucial for quick and accurate time reading in any situation. The sapphire crystal offers exceptional scratch resistance, protecting the watch face from the bumps and scrapes that often accompany an adventurous lifestyle. With a case diameter of 43mm, a length of 52mm, and a thickness of 14mm, the Holton Auto GMT strikes a balanced presence on the wrist, neither too imposing nor too subtle. The 20mm lug width allows for easy strap changes, further enhancing the versatility of this exceptional timepiece.
Elliot Brown has spent over a decade honing each model in their collection, ensuring they can withstand the toughest environments imaginable. It comes as no surprise, therefore, to find these extraordinarily capable watches gracing the wrists of military personnel, first responders, extreme athletes, and adventurers across the globe. The Holton Auto GMT, priced at $855, embodies this ethos perfectly, offering a rugged, reliable, and travel-ready companion for those who demand a timepiece as capable and adventurous as they are.
