Nodus Watches, a company founded by watch enthusiasts with a passion for exploration, has unveiled the latest iteration of their Contrail GMT watch: the Contrail GMT Terra. This timepiece is designed specifically for the globetrotting adventurer, boasting a combination of stylish design and functional features that cater to the needs of frequent flyers and intrepid travelers.
The Contrail GMT Terra builds upon the legacy of its predecessors, offering a refined and versatile aesthetic. The core design elements have been meticulously crafted to address the feedback from Nodus’ well-traveled team. The watch features a 316L surgical-grade stainless steel case. This material is known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, ensuring that the watch can withstand the elements, from humidity and saltwater to everyday bumps and scratches. Measuring 40.5mm in width and 11.8mm in thickness, the Contrail GMT Terra is a well-proportioned watch that should sit comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The case features a short lug-to-lug length, making it suitable for those with smaller wrists.
Courtesy of Nodus
A hallmark of the Contrail GMT Terra is its clear and legible dial.
Nodus has achieved this through a thoughtful segmentation of the dial’s information. A medium grey sub-chapter ring sits flush with the dial, containing the minute track. A contrasting black chapter ring, positioned at a slight angle, houses the fixed 24-hour time scale for easy reference. Large polished applied indices are filled with BGW9 Super LumiNova®, a luminescent material that provides exceptional visibility in low-light conditions. The watch also features brushed and polished hands, which are also coated with BGW9 Super LumiNova® for optimal nighttime readability. The minute hand extends all the way to the minute track, ensuring precise timekeeping at a glance.
One of the most striking features of the Contrail GMT Terra is its luminous bezel. Taking inspiration from Rolex’s GMT Master II, the Contrail GMT Terra’s bezel utilizes color to differentiate between day and night. Nodus has implemented a luminous material on the bezel for the first time, addressing a shortcoming in previous iterations of the Contrail platform. The bezel is protected by a sloped sapphire glass, ensuring exceptional scratch resistance and clarity.
Courtesy of Nodus
The Nodus Contrail GMT Terra is powered by the Miyota 9075 automatic GMT movement. This movement is known for its precision and functionality. It features a jumping local hour hand, a second-time zone hand, and the ability to track three separate time zones simultaneously – a crucial feature for any world traveler. The watch’s construction allows for a thin and comfortable case without sacrificing water resistance. The Contrail GMT Terra is water resistant up to 200 meters, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
The Contrail GMT Terra is completed by a new generation of flatlink bracelet. The bracelet features fully articulating links that are predominantly brushed with highly polished bevels. These links taper from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the clasp. The bracelet is secured by a proprietary NodeX™ clasp, which allows for quick and easy on-the-fly adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit throughout the day.
Courtesy of Nodus
The Contrail GMT Terra dial is a masterpiece of functional design. Its textured surface, in stunning black, evokes the rugged beauty of natural landscapes. The dial's layout is carefully considered, with contrasting textures and colors enhancing legibility. The raised, polished indices provide depth and a touch of refinement against the textured background. Even at a quick glance, the wearer can easily distinguish the primary time, making it an effective tool for travelers who find themselves navigating multiple time zones.
Nodus has addressed a longstanding request with the Contrail GMT Terra - a fully luminous bezel. Protected by a sloped sapphire insert for scratch resistance, the bezel glows brightly with BGW9 Super-LumiNova®, providing an eye-catching display in low-light environments. The use of color to differentiate day and night hours pays homage to the design language pioneered by Rolex. This thoughtful implementation makes it easy to keep track of both your local time and a secondary time zone, a crucial feature for the modern explorer.
The surgical-grade 316L stainless steel case of the Contrail GMT Terra is where form truly meets function. The watch boasts a comfortable 40.5mm case diameter, suitable for a wide range of wrists. The combination of brushed and polished finishes adds visual interest and a touch of refinement. Attention to detail is evident even on the caseback, where stylized vapor trails – signifying the Contrail’s travel heritage – are deeply etched. The result is a case that embodies strength, durability, and understated style.
Courtesy of Nodus
The Contrail GMT Terra’s updated flatlink bracelet is a testament to Nodus' commitment to comfort and practicality. The fully articulating links conform naturally to the wrist, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. The predominantly brushed finish, with its highly-polished bevels, adds a sense of refinement that allows this watch to transition seamlessly from casual everyday wear to more formal occasions. The integrated quick-release spring bars enable swift strap changes, accommodating those who want to mix up their look by swapping in leather or other materials.
The Nodus-designed NodeX™ clasp deserves special mention. This clasp is a feat of engineering. It offers on-the-fly adjustments for those moments when heat, altitude, or activity levels may cause the wearer's wrist size to fluctuate. Finding the ideal fit is as easy as pressing a button.
The heart of the Contrail GMT Terra is the Miyota 9075 automatic GMT movement. This robust movement not only offers the convenience of automatic winding, but also features several traveler-friendly complications. The independent jumping hour hand is a standout, allowing for quick adjustment of the local time zone without disturbing the minutes or seconds hands. This means you can hop across time zones without missing a beat.
The Nodus Contrail GMT Terra is much more than the sum of its parts. It is a watch born from a love of travel and a passion for exploring new horizons. Nodus, founded by Wes and Cullen, is a brand with a clear mission: to create watches that are both functional and inspirational. The company's ethos is evident in every detail, from the thoughtful design elements to the carefully selected materials.
Courtesy of Nodus
The Contrail GMT Terra is the type of watch that goes beyond simply telling time; it sparks curiosity. It encourages you to get out there, to explore the world on your terms. Whether you're tracking time zones for a business trip, or simply keeping tabs on loved ones in a faraway land, this watch is a reminder to savor the journey and make the most of every moment.
The Nodus Contrail GMT Terra reminds us that adventure awaits, no matter your destination. It’s a watch that’s ready to go wherever the road, or the next flight, takes you. For the traveler seeking a timepiece that’s just as capable as they are, the search ends here.