Dial + Arms
You gained’t discover any normal chronograph sub dials right here, and I welcome that change. The Traska forgoes arms, and in place makes use of clear discs with printed numerals on the disc. The left disc counts as much as half-hour, whereas the precise disc is the operating seconds indicator. A small purple line is seen by the disc that you should use to trace the time. I did discover this purple line indicator to be a bit laborious to see, maybe a barely bolder line would make it extra shortly glanceable and fewer purposely appeared for. Upon exhibiting my 5 yr previous the watch to get his take (what any good watch reviewer will do), the very first thing he famous was “wow cool, it’s spinning” – I feel he’s onto one thing. As for the hour and minute arms, you’ll discover some extremely polished rectangular arms. They’re well-crafted, however in any other case unremarkable. It’s the sub dial discs which can be doing the heavy lifting right here, and that’s A-OK with me.
The dial isn’t simply in regards to the discs although, there’s much more to love. Utilized indices for the arms and emblem are well-crafted. Every index is handled with BGW9 Tremendous Luminova and glows that signature teal shade when the lights exit. The applying of lume isn’t tremendous heavy and the area within the indices are comparatively small so the glow isn’t significantly shiny and doesn’t final all that lengthy. I’d put the lume efficiency someplace within the center floor – not dangerous, not nice. There’s additionally a round date show at 6 that encompasses a extremely polished bevel. Textual content is saved to a minimal, with the Traska phrase mark at 12, and “AUTOMATIC” rendered in a light-weight, small, all-caps kind at 6.
Motion
Beating away inside, you’ll discover one in every of Seiko’s NE86 automated chronograph actions. Traska’s web page for the watch goes in depth about why they selected this explicit motion, and it’s a very good match. Automated chronographs are likely to lean on the thicker aspect, so any incremental financial savings may end up in a way more wearable watch. The NE86 is comparatively skinny and has some good options like a column wheel and vertical clutch. The column wheel makes for a nicer really feel when actuating the chronograph, whereas the vertical clutch permits for much less put on on the mechanical elements. The chronograph options embrace operating seconds on the precise sub dial, 30 minute counter on the left sub dial, and a chronograph seconds hand within the heart. Traska additionally states that they regulate their actions to -10 to +20 seconds per day. When absolutely wound, the motion will run for 45 hours and preserve itself topped off through the rotor throughout common put on.
Strap + Wearability
Included with the watch is a very nice hardened stainless-steel bracelet. The bracelet begins at 21mm and tapers right down to 16mm on the clasp. Coordinating with the ending on the case, you’ll discover brushed surfaces and polished bevels. There’s a bigger center hyperlink that’s flanked by two smaller hyperlinks. The bracelet encompasses a good quantity of articulation, permitting for a cushty sporting expertise. The clasp is a little bit of a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, it’s fairly giant and thick, however, it has 6 completely different micro-adjust positions inbuilt that permit you to dial in your match with zero instruments.
General, I discover the watch to be very wearable. Sure, watches are imagined to be wearable. That’s type of the entire concept of sporting a bit clock in your wrist. Wearable to me implies that a watch is comfy with out getting in the best way, and the Traska chrono definitely doesn’t get in the best way. The 21mm lug width shouldn’t be as normal as say the traditional 20mm, however you’ll find a wide range of different straps that this one will work on. The gray colorway with purple accents lends itself to a wide range of completely different strap choices, so the flexibility is there too.
Conclusion
When trying round on the competitors, there’s not an entire lot within the $1600 vary for an automated chronograph. You may snag a Hamilton for almost one other $1000 on high, go down market to the land of mocha-quartz chronos, or go even larger into the world of luxurious and decide up one thing like a TAG Heuer chronograph. If one factor may be mentioned in regards to the world of watches, you’ll don’t have any drawback discovering a wealth of choices with a vast finances. That’s to not say the Traska is “finances” in any sense of the time period. I admire the eye to element, spectacular spec checklist, and refined sense of design that was put into the watch. There’s positively loads to love, and never a ton of competitors throughout the $1650 asking worth. The Chronograph from Traska is accessible from March 1st, 2026. What do you consider this chronograph? Tell us within the feedback. Traipse
