Made with pride in Belfast
Nomadic Watch Company, founded by Peter McAuley in Northern Ireland is creating welcome waves in the watch community. The Celtic favorite garners its inspiration from the local maritime history of Belfast and the adventurous spirit of exploration. The Nomadic brand pays homage to the last remaining White Star Line ship with its name. Nomadic's mission is simple in theory but difficult in practice as they aim to blend heritage with modern watchmaking, aiming to produce all components locally in Ireland, except for the Swiss movements. Their first model, the Maraí 401, was for all purposes, a success, setting the stage for the introduction of their take on a modern field watch, the Turas 914. Drawing its inspiration from Ernest Shackleton's 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, the model has a lot to live up to. We put it on wrist and think it's a worthy companion, to say the least.
NOMADIC Turas 914 Review - Design and Comfort
The Turas 914 is a striking piece, reflecting the rugged spirit of exploration it seeks to honor. Since the first impressions are, in fact, last impressions, it is important to mention that the watch is impressive in its visual appearance and its build quality. However, what the eye sees and what the wrist feels can be two different stories. At 39mm in diameter and 11mm thick, this watch strikes a perfect balance between presence and comfort on the wrist. This is a sweet spot for enthusiasts, and the watch is perfectly suited to even creep toward the 36mm mark in the future, in our opinion. But the 39mm x 11mm case also helps remind you of the tool made to accompany you through the journey, not hidden from it.
The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel with a polished bezel, offering a robust yet refined look. The black bark-like dial, contrasted with white Flieger-style hands and numerals, ensures excellent readability. This is where the watch really shines. At its core, a field watch is supposed to be both durable and extremely legible. The stick indices mixed with the Arabic 12-3-6-9 make for an easy reading experience, while the yellow sweeping second hand provides incredible contrast against the black dial. Blue SuperLuminova BGW9 on the hands and indices provides superior visibility in low-light conditions, making it practical for both day and night adventures. All this is topped off by the text not often seen on a watch dial housing a swiss movement; 'Made in Belfast'.
The Star of the Show: Dial Clarity
The dial of the Turas 914 is the standout feature, further emphasizing clarity and functionality. The applied indices and hands are both white with black borders and are designed for quick and easy reading, a critical aspect for a watch inspired by the harsh conditions of Antarctic exploration. The slightly digital-looking font for the numerals adds a modern twist to the classic design, further enhancing legibility through the use of visual interest. Normally complications are welcomed, but in this case, the exclusion of a date window is a thoughtful touch, adding practical functionality without detracting from the overall aesthetic. Again, a field/exploration watch is meant for practicality and legibility, no additional frills are necessary.
On the Wrist: Proportions and Comfort
Coming in at just 11mm thick and with a 47.5mm lug-to-lug measurement, the Turas 914 sits comfortably on the wrist without feeling bulky. The 20mm bracelet width, combined with the MicroGlide adjustment system on the bracelet, ensures a secure and personalized fit. This makes the watch versatile for various wrist sizes and preferences, enhancing overall comfort for extended wear. Whether you're navigating city streets or on a hike, the Turas 914 adapts effortlessly to your lifestyle, providing both style and substance. It is positively both forgettable during tasks free from the watch's assistance, but noticeable under a cuff and a quick glance from the wearer.
A Modern Take on Classic Styling
The Turas 914 pays homage to many vintage exploration watches while incorporating modern elements like the aforementioned indices and Arabic numerals. The black textured dial with white accents and the classic three-hand configuration evoke a timeless aesthetic, and can even be a substitute pilot's watch. The domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating enhances durability and clarity, ensuring that the watch face remains pristine and legible in various lighting conditions.
Add all this to the incredibly well-finished polished bezel, brushed stainless steel case, and brushed bracelet, and you've got a winning combination on the wrist. It looks great if we do say so ourselves. The exhibition case back, showcasing the engraved lifeboat and the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, adds a touch of elegance and a nod to the watch's historical inspiration.
Functionality and Performance
Underneath its classic exterior, the Turas 914 houses the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, known for its reliability and precision. With a power reserve of up to 41 hours, this movement ensures that the watch remains accurate even after a day or two off the wrist. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities, further emphasizing its versatility and robustness. Given that many field and exploration watches are rated for only 50m of water resistance aka meant for dry land with a chance of rain, it's a nice plus that the Turas can handle the water as well.
The Turas 914 is not just about looks; it's built to perform. The screw-down crown and solid case construction contribute to excellent water resistance for its class, while the hacking seconds feature allows for precise time setting. This combination of aesthetics and functionality makes the Turas 914 a reliable companion for any adventure, be it on land or in some water.
Final Thoughts
Needless to say at this point, but we're fans. The NOMADIC Turas 914 is a testament to the brand's commitment to blending heritage with modern watchmaking. Its design, inspired by the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, combines vintage charm with contemporary functionality and the specs to make any enthusiast happy. With its excellent dial clarity, comfortable proportions, classic styling, and reliable performance, the Nomadic Turas 914 is a worthy addition to any watch collection, especially for those who appreciate a watch with a story and a spirit of adventure. While there are many great watches out there, this one makes a strong case for one of the best everyday and field watches you can buy. We liked it so much, we added it to our list of favorites in 2024. Well done, Nomadic. Tip o' the cap to ya, in our best Northern Irish accents.
At a price of $1265, Nomadic is asking a premium for the Northern Irish manufacturing and assembly, but we're ok with that. Watchmaking isn't cheap, and for smaller companies without access to large conglomerates with wholesale prices, its even more expensive. There's a price to pay for local sourcing, manufacturing, and labor, and if the added price helps Nomadic continue to rebuild a lost art in their backyard, we support it.
Again, Nomadic’s philosophy is deeply rooted in storytelling, with each timepiece designed to echo tales of historical voyages and intrepid explorers. For more details and to see the full range of Turas 914 models, visit Nomadic Watches.
We hope you enjoyed our Nomadic Turas 914 Review, and until next time, thanks for stopping by.
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