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Sherwood Phileas GMT Takes Enthusiasts On A New Time Travelling Journey

Following the Sherwood Commander with a scintillating sunburst blue, black and forest green dial, Founder Glynn Reynolds has taken it up a notch. The up and coming British microbrand has tickled horophiles pink, by releasing the new Sherwood Phileas GMT in green and red dials.

Within close proximity of Robin Hood territory, a stone’s throw away from Sherwood Forest, this one part dress watch, one part diver, adds in true GMT functionality, delivering a traveller style piece that’s as sharp as an arrow, encapsulating the true spirit of adventure.

In Brief

With a background in graphic design alongside first rate Photoshop skills (and a fascination with watches!) Glynn Reynolds, much akin to Chrono Hunter, wanted to revolutionise the timekeeping industry.
A love affair with horology stretching back well into his teens, he launched his Instagram account in 2019.
In 2023, this quest to strive for perfection led the Nottinghamshire based gentleman to unveil his first timepiece, the dive, slash dress watch combination, the Sherwood Commander in stainless steel.
Taking aesthetic cues from his locality, Sherwood Forest, the man from Mansfield was driven by a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising more than £30,000.
A labour of love and with more drive than a Ferrari Formula 1 car, he pumped most of his savings into the moulding, design and production process of an initial prototype.
For 2024, globe trotters and enthusiasts alike will be as merry as Maid Marian, Friar Tuck and Little John with the new 40mm Sherwood Phileas GMT with green and red dials, double domed sapphire crystal, Miyota 9075 movement and stainless steel case.

As legendary entertainer Bruce Forsyth said, “didn’t he do well”.

This is exactly the case for Glynn Reynolds, Founder of Sherwood Watches. But this is no one man band. Let us explain for a second. He has come a long way from when this fascinating hobby gripped him, starting his collection with an array of Casio watches.

Fast forward a few decades and he is now taking us all around the world. Sure, we all know about the successful Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Baltic Aquascape or A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone in platinum.

But stay with us for a minute or two. Forget Marvel or X-Men. This evolution follows the original Sherwood Commander that aimed to deliver enough robustness (and it should with 200 metres of water resistance) to transcend from azure-coloured waters to flexing at all manner of special occasions.

Be it indulging in a bit of a baccarat with a smart tux or traipsing down South Beach…if you want to be a high roller, why not consider the new Sherwood Phileas GMT. Before we deep dive like a Rolex Deepsea Challenge into our review, let us consider how this new iteration came to being, before looking at the “true” inspiration behind their watches.

Are you ready to take the plunge?

The Name’s Bond…Commander Bond

As Martin Luther King declared in 1963, “I Have A Dream”

But some don’t turn into reality. This is not thankfully the scenario with Glynn Reynolds’s plan which came to fruition, and with it the inception of the Sherwood Commander at the beginning of 2023.

Commander-in-Chief: Daniel Craig being bestowed title of honorary Royal Navy Commander, Source: LPhot Lee Blease

With a tip of the hat to James Bond, the artist formerly known as Commander James Bond CMG RNVR, based on the Ian Fleming series, this is not really a desk diver per se, like the new Christopher Ward C65 Seconde Seconde drop.

But it is without doubt a piece you can wear while frolicking among the seven seas while swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and a host of water sports without having to concern yourself with water damage. Oh, this is as tough as Tyson Fury…any day of the week.

Sherwood Commander in stainless steel with blue dial.

Add in colourful dial clarity on the triumvirate of green, blue and black faces, stainless steel case, distinctive rotating bezel with 20 minute timing sections and Robin Hood inspired tinges, (note the shield at 12,) then you’ll begin to understand the real identity and ethos behind Sherwood watches.

Did we mention the double pusher milled clasp adjustment system, great for on the fly, brushing as well as polishing finishes on the bracelet with 316L stainless steel? It is travelling to depths others could only dream of, fast gaining respect in the microbrand community. So does this brand have a licence to thrill? You bet.

Staying true to the Commander’s dimensions and design codes, like the Patek Philippe Nautilus or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, there needs to be only minor tweaks to make this stand out over time. And of course here we are talking about a true GMT complication.

As they say, it really is all in the name.

Home Is Where The Watch Is

Residing within touching distance of Robin Hood country, Sherwood Forest, this is where Glynn Reynolds calls home. Moreover, he is based moments from the Major Oak tree and it is these cues that can be seen across his design philosophy.

Guarded by fences and propped up by numerous wooden stilts, it is considered to be one of the most historical landmarks in the UK…not forgetting Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and The City Ground! According to Nottinghamshire County Council, it stretches over 28 metres, has a trunk diameter of 33 feet, around 10 metres, and is believed to be around one thousand years old.

The Great Oak in the heart of Sherwood Forest. Source: Tree Of The Year

And its weight? A whopping 23 tonnes.

Situated near Edwinstowe, Sherwood dates back to 958 AD while the Major Oak is the age-old hideout of none other than Robin Hood, based in the middle of the 450 acre Sherwood Forest. While the forest was made popular by King John and Edward I, legend has it that he hid inside, using its colossal branches as shelter.

As Scottish poet Robert Burns proclaimed;

At length his lonely cot appears in view,

Beneath the shelter of an aged tree;

Th' expectant wee-things, toddlin, stacher through

To meet their dad, wi flichterin noise and glee.

In this case, little did he know those highly anticipated items were the watches produced by Glynn Reynolds

A True Calling

The beauty that lies within the Sherwood Phileas GMT is off course is its brand new complication. But first, a little enlightenment, education and entertainment.

Look, watchmaking is about design, but it heavily relies on achievements. Take the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, the first timepiece to fly to the moon. Known as reference ST 105.012, it was flexed by none other than Buzz Aldrin.

Or how about Cartier’s inaugural wristwatch, the Santos-Dumont inspired by the founder’s friend, Brazilian aeronaut and inventor Albert Santos-Dumont.

Now hang on a sec.

The OG…Rolex Reference 6452 with bakelite bezel

You may be wondering who was the first to add the GMT function to a novelty? The answer is Rolex…specifically the GMT-Master reference 6452 from 1954 when the Queen and Prince Phillip were on a whistle stop tour of Australia, and the first synthetic diamonds were produced by H.Tracy Hall.

History lesson over, what’s crucial is it did not possess a completely independent 12-hour hand that one could amend. So the legend has it, there were no hands on this! In this way, in order to read time across multiple time zones, aviators needed to alter the rotating bezel.

For timekeeping folk, the fine-tuning of the 12 hour hand is deemed by many in the community to be a true GMT, oozing as much style as the rebirth of vintage clothes at London Fashion Week 2024. This is further supported by the notion that a host of cost effective GMT watches only possess the caller format.

But if you are looking to buy a watch and don’t know the difference between a caller/office GMT and a true GMT, hold on to your horological skates.

Help is at hand.

True GMT Function:

Watches with a true GMT function typically have a dedicated GMT hand that moves independently of the standard hour hand. As a result, it allows users to display a second time zone simultaneously.

There is usually a 24-hour scale on the bezel or dial, enabling easy reading of both local time and GMT.

What Is The Importance of True GMT?

Travel Convenience: For frequent travellers, this method makes it easy to keep track of time in your local time zone while adjusting to local time. This is especially key for business trips, essential TED talks or when dealing with a flurry of international calls.
Coordination Across Time Zones: True GMT watches are ideal for professionals who need to coordinate with colleagues or clients across different regions, cities, such as in finance or aviation.
Ease of Use: Compared to standard two-time zone novelties that may require manual adjustment, true GMT watches allow the GMT hand to be set independently, making it simpler to switch between time zones without losing track of local time.

Examples of True GMT Watches

Rolex GMT-Master II aside which also has a third time zone via the bezel…the icing and horological cherry on the cake, there are other brands offering this concept, including:

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT
39mm Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT (An ideal entry-level number)
Tudor Black Bay Pro

In short, true GMT watches are valuable tools for anyone who frequently navigates multiple time zones. Their practical design and functionality make them not just timepieces, but essential accessories for modern lifestyles, ensuring that you stay connected to time, no matter where you are travelling globally…exactly like Phileas Fogg.

Many top Swiss luxury watch brands use this due to its complexity over caller GMTs from Rolex to Tudor. And now of course Glynn Reynolds has got in on the act thanks to Sherwood Watches.

Caller GMT Function

This refers to a feature that allows the wearer to easily track local time in conjunction with a home time zone. In layman’s terms it is referred to as an office GMT but is most suited for allowing independent correction of the 24 hour hand on the dial.

This type of GMT functionality is particularly useful for individuals who need to manage time across different locations, such as those in telecommunications, international business, or travel.

Main Features

Dual Time Zone Display: These typically have an additional hand or rotating bezel that indicates a second time zone. This allows users to read both local time and the time of their "home" or reference location simultaneously.
User-Friendly Adjustment: It allows the user to adjust the local time without affecting the home time setting. This means that when you travel to a new time zone, you can easily change the local time while keeping the GMT reference unchanged.
24-Hour Indication: The GMT hand usually moves in 24-hour increments, which helps distinguish between AM and PM in the second time zone. This is particularly useful for travellers or those coordinating with others across different regions.

Practical Applications

Travel and Business: Caller GMT watches are perfect for business travellers who need to keep track of their home office hours while working in different time zones. They provide a clear visual representation of time differences.
Telecommunications: For professionals in global communications, a Caller GMT feature helps in scheduling calls and meetings across various regions, ensuring timely coordination.
Everyday: Even for those not travelling frequently, a Caller GMT can serve as a helpful tool for keeping in touch with family and friends in different parts of the world.

Popular Caller GMT Examples

These types of watches with functionality, cater to various tastes and budgets:

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 7 GMT: Known for its sporty design, it provides a clear indication of both local and GMT time.
Citizen Eco-Drive GMT Models: These solar-powered watches offer eco-friendly options with reliable Caller GMT functionality.
Seiko 5 GMT (SSK005)
Archimede Pilot 42
Monta Atlas GMT

Delivering an abundance of practicality and stylish tools for anyone needing to navigate multiple time zones efficiently, the user experience is enhanced, making it easier to stay connected with the world, for business or personal reasons.

What was originally designed for pilots, a true GMT is a weapon of choice here for the new Sherwood Phileas GMT. At the end of the day, it is down to personal choice with pros and cons thrown in. Be it jaunty jetsetter or busy office exec, true GMT watches are great for those who are constantly travelling for business or pleasure where changing the time zone is essential.

Add with these complications usually starting at a few thousands pounds straight away, it’s testament to Glynn Reynolds, as to what he has implemented.

On the other hand, office/caller GMT watches are ideal for enthusiasts who rely on a second time zone. If you are more of a man of action than G.I. Joe and can’t help itching that thirst for wanderlust, a true GMT will be arguably your best option.

However, if you are in and out of meetings as busy as a bee while rooted to one particular timezone, or have their nearest and dearest in a different country, a caller GMT should satisfy your timekeeping needs. Mind you, they remain interchangeable, subject to the purpose you are buying it for.

School Of Horology…Fact Number 26

The first true GMT was introduced by Glycine.

Source: Glycine

No, this is not an ice cool offshoot of the Zenith Extreme Defy Glacier. Introduced in 1953, the Airman had the capability of monitoring two 24 hour time zones simultaneously. This was largely in part down to its rotating 24 hour bezel and dial that showed the time 24 hours a day.

Personality Of The Sherwood Phileas GMT

I specifically chose green as a signature colour. As for the red accent, this is because I’m a lifelong Nottingham Forest fan”

Glynn Reynolds, Founder of Sherwood Watches

Ah the beautiful game.

First off the bat when bringing out the presentation box (more on that in a tick) is the robustness of this. When compared to titanium, renowned for its super lightweight properties, this carries more weight. It’s a sturdy number bar none which you can instantly feel.

I did say I was coming back to the packaging and it has been well thought out in a fetching piano lacquered, forest green box with gold opening clasp. On the inside, there is a bold, dare we say almost tangerine orange faux leather interior with four folding stitched triangles with the timepiece sitting prominently in the centre.

Classic design meets contemporary watchmaking, all tied into the Phileas Fogg theme, symbolising travel and precision. Oh yes, he was one counting the amount of steps he took! As obsessed with routines as Howard Hughes, it is this level of detail that’s reflected in this new execution.

Aimed at travellers and those with a thirst for adventure, it has the ability to track secondary time zones, enabling it to be your ideal accompaniment wherever the journey may take you. Not quite the Michael Palin of watches, but you get the picture.

The specs are pretty much the same when it comes to the original Commander, but it now comes with that added GMT hand, alongside an understated not in your face, half-moon lumed tip for that touch of pzazz. Incorporating more charisma than George Clooney sipping a Nespresso, it is this function that steals the show.

With a miniscule bezel insert, the real estate on both red and green dials can factor in all aspects featuring all markings that sit pride of place in the centre. With a case diameter of 40mm and thickness of 13.8mm (A 41mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual is only 11mm as a point of reference), it may be a tad on the chunky side for some…but not all.

However, we are merely splitting horological heirs here.

Nonetheless, it is a wearable piece that is home to a fully fledged dive bezel, 200 metres of water resistance and double domed sapphire. On to the caseback which at the time of writing is closed with an image of the Major Oak Tree, Robin Hood’s choice of hiding spot in the middle.

This is supposedly going to be replaced with an open view later on. Circling around, we see the following;

316L stainless steel
200M water resistant
British design
Sapphire
Automatic

But there’s no concealing the care and finish of the Sherwood Phileas GMT. Available on either a leather or stainless steel strap, the sides benefit from high polishing while there is brushing on the upper lugs. The crown is just as sturdy as the overall feel so there will be no problems around taking it out to the first or second position.

This is especially important if you are looking to change time zones. The unidirectional bezel is solid incorporating 5 minute pips with a 20 minute timing section for symmetrical purposes. The best bet is to set the dive bezel with both varieties of dashes at noon. Yet, this gives it a distinctive way of setting this which is a big tick in our book.

The Jubilee style bracelet with single links is a nice touch with a solid clasp with 1 cm adjustment, taking in a number of positions which when we examined it was five in total. You will also find the brand logo engraved adding to the overall look.

There are applied indices with polished edging, arrow tipped second hand, blending into the Robin Hood symbolism and rectangles positioned at 3 and 9. And the date aperture? This resides at the 6 o'clock position just above the small square. But we arent done yet.

Note the heraldic inspired shield at 12, reminding us of the similarly placed Portuguese Order of Christ brand logo on the dial of the Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul which we had the pleasure of reviewing. When out and about, this does have a sunburst type feel to it but the central ring with recessed numbers is the main focus of the new Sherwood Phileas GMT.

Rounding off is the sword shaped hands, and no expense has been spared, right down to the selection of lume colours. The green dial has C3 Superluminova while the red has BGW9 for good measure.

Comfortable, ergonomic, fit for travellers and well thought out with the super slim bezel insert, it has a weight to it, but all is not lost. Don’t get us wrong, there is presence on the wrist but in a good way, that for some, may look a tad bigger in terms of design. This is especially given it has a 1.5 mm increased case thickness over the original Commander at 12mm.

But This does not detract from what Glynn Reynolds has delivered on the Sherwood Phileas GMT. We are referring of course to its excellent clarity, generous dial real estate, a duo of new coloured watches and that all integral true GMT function.

Regardless, you can definitely travel the world (and the seven seas) with this strapped on your wrist.

Official Specs - Sherwood Phileas GMT

Case Diameter	40mm
Case Thickness	13.5mm
Caseback	Display
Dial Colour	Red/Green sunburst
Crystal Material	Sapphire
Lug To Lug	48mm
Lug Width	20mm
Water Resistance	200 metres (20ATM)
Lume	Swiss Supernova C3 (Green Dial) Swiss Supernova BG W9 - (Red Dial)
Bracelet material	Stainless steel/leather (for both green dial and red dial declinations)
Weight	175 grams

Miyota 9075 Movement

Having brought the affordable true GMT to the market in 2022, the Miyota 9075 has gone from strength to strength. This packs more of a punch than the Hulk, especially if you consider the price point of the Sherwood Phileas, at significantly less than £500.

“I have always wanted a true GMT, but until the Miyota 9075, they were out of my reach.”

Glynn Reynolds, Founder of Sherwood Watches

Increasingly seen in the microbrand sphere, according to the Japanese brand, the precision of this calibre provides accuracy of -10 ~ +30 seconds daily. Allegedly, it takes around 15 to 20 times to wind the crown for the second hand to move while turning the crown around forty winds ensures the movement has maximum juice.

Adjusting the normal hour hand not to mention the date which flips backwards after manoeuvering the hour hand across the date line is a doddle, with the added bonus of the second, 24 hour and minute hand that still runs along smoothly. Consequently, this is ideal for travellers who want to rapidly set the local time when away or in a different time zone.

Watches like the Sherwood Phileas GMT that currently housing the Miyota 9075 movement include;

Bulova Classic Wilton GMT

Jack Mason Strat-o-timer

Zepplin Atlantic GMT

Traska Venturer GMT

Official Movement Specs

Movement Name	Miyota 9075
Power Reserve	42 hours
Vph	28,800 (4hz)
Movement Diameter	26mm
Height	4.92mm
Rotor Style	Ball bearing
Hand Wound	Yes
Number of Jewels	24
Rotor Direction	Clockwise
Hacking	Yes

Where Can You Buy A Sherwood Phileas GMT

Orders can be placed directly on their site here;

PRE-ORDER EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ALERT

Can you hear the klaxon sound? You have just under two weeks to bag yourself one of their variations before the end of the month at an exclusive price. This is outlined below;

Strap Variation	Dial Declination	Price (As Of October 2024)
Leather	Red	£395 (£545 from the 28th)
Stainless Steel	Red	£425 (£545 from the 28th)
Leather	Green	£395 (£545 from the 28th)
Stainless Steel	Green	£425 (£575 from the 28th)

What’s Our View?

It appears through the horological grapevine that the Miyota 9075 is really becoming the go to alternative movement if you are looking to buy a watch with a true GMT. What Glynn Reynolds has managed to achieve for well under a grand is tribute to his attention to detail.

If you are looking to enter the market or want to get lost down the horological rabbit hole, this could be for some a great starting point. Ok, so he may be a graphic designer that was his first calling before getting into the industry. Nonetheless, he has utilised this to great effect in the Sherwood Phileas GMT.

We are talking about everything instilled in his debut novelty, the Commander…but with a little added Emmys type sparkle via the new complication. Named after the intrepid explorer, Phileas Fogg, taken from the 1872 novel by Jules Verne “Around The World In Eighty Days” this one is without doubt akin to Glynn Reynolds himself…exact.

Well we don’t know about the latter’s perfume routine or specifics surrounding his shaving water temperature per se. But if it’s anything to go by, both men have been around the world (and back) in the pursuit of absolute perfection.

Conclusion

We may not have eighty days like Mr. Fogg but time is definitely up for now.

A simple but shrewd move on the new Sherwood Phileas GMT is replacing the Miyota 9039 found inside the Commander with an upgraded Miyota 9075 movement. Furthermore, the nod to Sherwood Forest and surrounding areas is evident not only in the Robin Hood shield but the arrow within the brand logo.

These design cues have been carefully considered to elevate the place where Glynn Reynolds calls home. As for the red and green dial colours, both are diverse hues that provide a touch of differentiation on the wrist.

Take the Omega Seamaster 300M Diver, 41mm Breitling Navitimer (A17326361L1A1) or Hublot Big Bang Unico in green ceramic for starters. This is in stark contrast to traditional black and white albeit popular accents, that saw Daniel Craig nearly break the internet when he rocked a never before seen Speedmaster in New York.

Besides, for around £150 more than a Moonswatch, there really is no competition at this price point. As Boy George recounted from Karma Chameleon in 1983;

“Loving would be easy if your colours were like my dreams

Red, gold, and green, red, gold, and green”

Heck, even the Sheriff of Nottingham cannot fail to be impressed by this timekeeping bounty…

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Images: (Unless otherwise stated) Sherwood Watches/Chrono Hunter

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