Belfast just isn’t excessive on the checklist of cities we affiliate with watches. However the capital of Northern Eire performs a pivotal half within the story of the younger Nomadic Watches. The model’s title pertains to town’s well-known shipbuilding business. Moreover, Nomadic’s dwelling base is visually built-in into the design of its watches. I used to be completely happy to study extra about Nomadic and, extra particularly, its dive watch, the Maraí 401. I had an opportunity to go hands-on with the Crimson Daybreak model of the retro-styled diver. It’s time to seek out out if watchmaking and Northern Eire are an important match.
Whereas watchmaking and Belfast don’t essentially go hand in hand, the Northern Irish capital does have an extended historical past of commercial craft and innovation, significantly in shipbuilding. One in all Belfast’s iconic shipbuilding corporations is Harland and Wolff. It’s well-known for constructing the legendary RMS Titanic, its 401st ship. The corporate additionally constructed the SS Nomadic, the Titanic‘s passenger tender that gave the watch model its title. Moreover, the long-lasting Samson and Goliath cranes, landmarks within the Belfastian skyline, impressed the model visually when it developed the Maraí 401.
The story of the Nomadic Maraí 401
The primary era of the Nomadic Maraí 401 got here out in 2021. Yearly since then, model founder Peter McAuley has more and more improved the watch. The title Maraí comes from the Irish phrase which means “sea fare.” The quantity 401 refers back to the Titanic, so the model and mannequin title join on to Belfast’s shipbuilding historical past.
Resulting from fixed enhancements, the Maraí 401 is a vintage-inspired dive watch that ticks all the suitable containers relating to specs and supplies. Moreover, the worth may be very reasonably priced at €1,149, making this a tempting supply for folks searching for an reasonably priced every day wearer. I used to be intrigued by the watch because it appeared prefer it supplied good worth for cash. Nevertheless, the world of small watch manufacturers may be very aggressive, so I used to be curious to study extra in regards to the construct high quality and expertise the aesthetic in individual.
The look of the Nomadic Maraí 401
Let’s kick issues off with the design of the Maraí 401. When you do some subject analysis on the earlier generations, you not solely run into the previous specs that you would be able to examine to the brand new ones but in addition some articles evaluating the sequence to Tudor’s Black Bay line. The Basic Black and Gold and Crimson Daybreak fashions actually have visible hyperlinks to the Black Bay. Nevertheless, the Emerald Abyss, Pitch Black, and Deep Ocean Blue variations are much less visually harking back to the favored Black Bay line.
I feel the Maraí 401 sequence matches a broader dive-watch mould that we see so much these days. Consequently, it’s not a very unique design, nevertheless it feels very acquainted and comfy. Due to this fact, it’s onerous to disregard that the Maraí 401 will enchantment to a big viewers, particularly contemplating that the acquainted seems are paired with spectacular specs. In all honesty, that’s what made me curious after seeing the photographs.
A formidable set of specs
Let’s check out the specs. The Maraí 401 Crimson Daybreak’s 40mm chrome steel case measures 48mm lengthy and 11.5mm thick with a 20mm spacing between the lugs. These dimensions make it a watch that may match varied wrist sizes comfortably. The case profile is good and slim, and the gently downward-flowing lugs finish abruptly with a steep slope. This offers the case an excellent mixture of traditional total shapes with some trendy particulars. The just about totally brushed case additionally enhances the good tool-watch look. The one polished components are the chamfers of the case sides, the screw-down crown, and the perimeters of the bracelet hyperlinks.
The unidirectional chrome steel bezel contains a burgundy ceramic insert, which options white numerals and a full set of hash marks. I really like the burgundy shade, and total, it seems extra retro than the flashy ceramic bezel inserts we frequently see. The bezel is mixed with a matte black dial with vintage-inspired gilt-tone particulars. The gold-colored minute monitor, indices, and handset give the watch retro vibes. Moreover, the indices and the hour and minute arms are full of vintage-style Tremendous-LumiNova. Lastly, the seconds hand is yellow, referring to the massive Samson and Goliath cranes within the harbor of Belfast.
The totally different design particulars of the Maraí 401
The mixture of colours and vintage-inspired particulars does certainly give off Black Bay vibes. However let’s put that apart for a minute and give attention to some particulars that stand out. Total, the visible steadiness of the totally different parts feels very good. The width and measurement of the bezel are spot on, and the flat sapphire crystal retains the watch good and slim at 11.5mm thick. I used to be much less impressed by the design of the arms. The minute hand is an extended pencil-style one, whereas the hour hand is a brief baton-style hand that feels reduce off.
Sadly, the arms really feel a bit characterless, which is a missed alternative. Particularly in a watch with a well-known aesthetic, the handset is a key aspect in making a distinction. Referring to Tudor once more, the model’s snowflake arms stand out instantly, setting it other than its larger brother. I really feel that Nomadic may have executed a greater job of creating positive the arms outlined the character extra. Moreover, the yellow seconds hand is a pleasant hyperlink to Belfast, however its shiny yellow shade clashes with the opposite vintage-inspired arms and indices. In a watch design, a hyperlink to the model’s story is good, nevertheless it mustn’t intrude with the visible steadiness.
The Sellita SW200-1 with a customized rotor
Contained in the 200m-water-resistant case, you’ll discover the Sellita SW200-1 motion. This well-known computerized caliber operates at a 28,800vph frequency and has a 41-hour energy reserve. Nomadic has paired the trusted motion with a customized copper-tone rotor, which is seen by the sapphire window of the show case again. The propellors of the SS Nomadic and RMS Titanic impressed the rotor design. It’s one other good, characterful trace to the model’s Belfastian roots, and I recognize that.
The Maraí 401 comes fitted with a three-row chrome steel bracelet. It has an Oyster-style design however with much less curvy hyperlinks, giving it a flatter really feel total. The bracelet feels to be of fine high quality and makes use of hyperlinks fixed with screws. One factor to remember is that Nomadic makes use of Loctite to maintain the screws in place, so it’s good to be cautious when eradicating the screws and hyperlinks. Moreover, the bracelet contains a toolless micro-adjustment system within the clasp. The milled clasp additionally feels qualitative and comes with a push-button launch.
Carrying the Nomadic Maraí 401 Crimson Daybreak
Translated to the wrist, the Nomadic Maraí 401 Crimson Daybreak wears like a appeal. I really like the watch’s measurement and its slim profile. Mixed with the qualitative bracelet, it makes for an important every day watch. Throughout my time it, I used to be critically impressed by how simple it was to put on. Many modern-day divers from larger manufacturers are thicker, and when you get a considerably slimmer dive watch, it’s a breath of contemporary air. The good factor is that folks with varied wrist sizes can benefit from the Maraí 401, so hats off to Nomadic for making a watch that could be a pleasure to put on.
Concerning the design, my ideas didn’t change in comparison with what I discussed earlier. Total, the design feels comfy and is straightforward on the eyes. The mixture of a matte black dial and a burgundy bezel is nice. With the gilt-tone particulars, the watch is charmingly engaging too. Nevertheless, the dearth of originality additionally brings some combined feelings. The unique parts, such because the yellow seconds hand and the customized rotor, hyperlink properly to the model’s story. That mentioned, I might have beloved to see a handset with extra character. That may boost issues visually and set the watch other than its apparent visible inspirations.
Ultimate ideas on the Nomadic Maraí 401 Crimson Daybreak
With the Maraí 401, Nomadic Watches has created a sequence that vastly appeals to folks searching for a familiar-style dive watch. If you’re beginning your watch journey and trying to find an reasonably priced watch with classic appeal, a dependable caliber, nice construct high quality, and a snug sporting expertise, the Maraí 401 may very well be an important choose.
Now, I need to say that nice competitors at this value level makes it robust for a model like Nomadic to face out. It’s up in opposition to large manufacturers, akin to Mido, Certina, and Hamilton, a number of famend smaller manufacturers, together with Baltic, Unimatic, Serica, and Yema, in addition to a big selection of even smaller microbrands additionally attempting to make it. However with a give attention to its Belfastian roots, Nomadic has a special story to inform than lots of its opponents. I’ve to credit score the model for that as a result of it very nicely could also be a narrative that resonates with folks.
On high of that, Nomadic has created a great-quality product. What the watch lacks in originality it makes up for in construct high quality and luxury. So if you’re into the seems of the Maraí 401, I feel it’s best to test it out. Total, I used to be pleasantly shocked by the Maraí 401 Crimson Daybreak and what it provides for its €1,149 value. Along with the watch, you get a neat waxed canvas watch roll, a spring-bar device, a mini screwdriver, and a pocket pocket book. All in all, it’s a pleasant set that makes this Maraí 401 an excellent providing.
For extra data, go to the official Nomadic Watches web site. Tell us what you consider the Maraí 401 within the feedback part.
