If you’re a fan of Nodus, you know they’re all about being an innovative design lab with well built timepieces. You can read all about Nodus and their history from an earlier review I did on the Nodus Duality. Cullen and Wes don’t mess around with their products and offerings. Since day dot, Nodus’ design, assembly and regulation are all conducted in their facility in Los Angeles, California. The Nodus Contrail is no different.
The Nodus Contrail (version 1) was released back in 2020. Back then, I wasn’t as into the microbrand scene as I am now, but I remember the Contrail leaving an impression on me. The whole idea of a American designed and assembled tool-ish watch with modern design elements wasn’t something that came up often. You had Raven, Oak & Oscar, Weiss, etc. But, they were all expensive pieces compared to what Nodus was putting up. That was a competitive advantage and still is, the value proposition that Nodus provides.
Besides, I was looking for a more affordable alternative to the Sinn 104 back then and the Nodus Contrail fitted the bill. Oh, and it’s smaller than the 104.
Case size: 39mm (40.5mm with bezel)
Lug to lug: 47mm
Thickness: 12.8mm
Lug width: 20mm
Case: 316L Stainless steel, mostly brushed with polished chamfers
Dial: Gritty, sand texture dial in Laguna Yellow
Crystal: Box sapphire crystal (inner AR coating)
Movement: Miyota 9015
Water Resistant: 20bar / 200m
Strap: Steel H-Link bracelet (tapers from 20mm to 18mm)
Case & Bezel:
The Nodus Contrail’s case is best described as tool-ish, but with a flair. The case is mainly brushed, though there is a subtle chamfer on the top of the case running all the way to the lugs. Contrasting this with the Sinn 104 case, it feels like they rounded everything, and took away all the sharpness, leaving us with the Contrail case. The tear-drop lugs is a really good example of this “flair” that Im referring to.
Aesthetically, I’m a huge fan of how the case looks, but on the wrist, it’s a little thick. Again, it’s mainly due to the lack of sharp edges and more linear lines. It’s nice to look at, but man it’s thick. One thing the Nodus Contrail does perfectly, is how thin the caseback is. There’s no unnecessary thickness, which allows the tear drop lugs to hug the wrist quite nicely.
The Nodus Contrail comes with a 60-click 12-hour bi-directional bezel, in glossy sapphire. As always, the bezel is always generously lumed. The bezel insert is slightly larger than the case. You might not like the slight protrusion, but personally, it’s hardly noticeable. The screw-down crown is large, and comes with heavy knurling which allows easy operation.
Dial & Hands
The sand textured dial on the Nodus Contrail is special, especially in the Laguna color. It’s got a gritty vibe up close, but it feels extremely natural, almost like the texture of a rock. Surprisingly, the laguna yellow doesn’t make it dressy at all. Yes, it’s a pop of color, but it’s extremely understated. It’s one of those dials that doesn’t scream “I’m here”, but rather, allows you to discover on your own pace.
The indices and the hands non-obtrusive, thin, and clean. The applied lume on the indices are slightly off-white, almost cream-like, which is a match made in heaven with the laguna yellow. After all, Nodus is all about design, and you can see their thought process in all their pieces.
The dial on the Nodus Contrail is simply gorgeous. I’m genuinely not a fan of textured dials because I think they look tacky on most watches. The Nodus Contrail doesn’t. Why? Because Nodus paid attention and made sure all other components played secondary to the dial.
Bracelet
The bracelet on the Nodus Contrail was replaced with a single pass Tudor-style strap immediately. Two reasons. First, the bracelet on the Contrail suffers the same pain as the Nodus, the claps is too thick and big. The links themselves are solid and thin, and hugs the wrist nicely, but it’s ruined by the big ol’ clasp.
If you’ve got larger wrists than my skinny 6 inch wrists, then you’ll be perfectly fine with the clasp. Otherwise, the H-link bracelet from Nodus is always a joy to wear. Personally, the Contrail Lagune belongs on some sort of tanned strap. It’s the perfect pairing.
Comfort & Wearability
Look it’s not a large watch by any means, but it’s just about at my max limit. On the wrist, paired with a nato strap, it actually wears quite comfortable. The fact that the caseback doesn’t protrude at all makes the thicker case so much more bearable. I’m pretty picky with comfort, and the Nodus Contrail passes the test. It’s not the most comfortable watch I’ve ever had, in fact it probably doesn’t come close. But, for it’s dimensions, it isn’t half bad.
When on the wrist, I get a feeling of adventure with the Nodus Contrail. I feel like I’m supposed to be hiking with it, or doing something that takes me outside the comfort zone. It’s a tool watch through and through, but that gritty, sandy Laguna yellow dial, it keeps you looking at it.
Who is the Nodus Contrail for?
I personally fell into the category of wanting an affordable alternative to the Sinn 104. Having handled a Sinn 104 myself, the Nodus Contrail isn’t far off as an alternative. It’s clearly not an homage, and it gives me similar vibes, albeit more adventurous and fun.
If you’re looking for a micro that is affordable, well built, and has a cool dial, then certainly give the Contrail a shot. You’ll have a hard time finding the version one given they’re now discontinued. However, the Contrail is still part of Nodus’ catalogue and I believe they’re up to their third iteration. Look through their future releases!
Closing thoughts on the Nodus Contrail
Design: It’s a tool watch with flair, the gritty dial will have you staring at it during your adventures
Comfort: Heavy & cumbersome on OEM bracelet, decently comfortable on a nato strap.
Price: It had a pre-order price of $525 USD back during it’s release, it’s not a bad buy. You’re essentially paying for the dial, although the built quality is excellent as well.
