September 24, 2025
SevenFriday has entered the travel watch market with its first GMT model, the PG/01, priced at $1,580 on a leather strap and $1,600 for the steel bracelet version. For a brand known for its polarizing, avant-garde designs, adding a practical complication is a notable move. For the discerning buyer, however, the question is straightforward: does the PG/01 offer compelling value for its mid-range price tag?
The Verdict: Pros and Cons
To assess its value, it’s best to break the watch down into its core strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- True GMT Functionality: The watch is powered by a Miyota 9075 automatic movement. This is a “flier-style” GMT, allowing the local hour hand to be adjusted independently—the preferred setup for frequent travelers and a premium feature in this price bracket.
- Unique, Matured Design: While still instantly recognizable as a SevenFriday with its TV-shaped case, the PG/01 is more subdued and minimalist than its siblings. It successfully combines the brand’s distinct identity with a cleaner, more refined aesthetic.
- Modern Verification: The caseback includes an NFC chip linked to a smartphone app, allowing owners to verify authenticity. This is a modern touch that adds a layer of security and value.
Cons:
- Legibility Challenges: The raised black-on-black hour markers on the main dial can be difficult to read in anything but direct light. Furthermore, with lume only on the hands, telling time in the dark is largely guesswork.
- Underwhelming Specs: A water resistance of 50 meters is passable for daily wear but feels insufficient for a watch intended for travel.
Market Context and Positioning
The ~$1,600 GMT market is fiercely competitive, with many microbrands offering higher specifications like superior water resistance and brighter lume. The SevenFriday PG/01 doesn’t compete on a spec-for-spec basis. Instead, its value proposition lies in its exclusive design. You are paying for a unique aesthetic and brand identity that you simply won’t find elsewhere, backed by a capable and reliable Japanese travel movement.
Final Recommendation
The SevenFriday PG/01 GMT is not for the buyer seeking the ultimate utilitarian tool watch. If maximum legibility, ruggedness, and water resistance are your priorities, your money is better spent elsewhere. However, this watch is an excellent choice for the style-conscious individual who loves the SevenFriday aesthetic but wants more than a simple time-only piece. It’s for the person who values design as a primary feature and wants a conversation-starting travel watch with a genuinely functional complication. For that specific customer, the PG/01 offers a unique and compelling package.
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