Refinement and nostalgia – The Traska Seafarer

Supercompressors have my admiration when compared to regular divers, these machines from the past look special, sort of like a mix of forgotten golden era with futuristic looks. They were also the first type of watches that pull me out of the ordinary, the ones that made me think different, those that dragged me to this obsession that I disguise as a hobby.

There is no need to go back and explain the history and technical capabilities of supercompressors, not because they are not relevant today but because we are here for the looks and what they make you feel while wearing it. That said the new Seafarer from Traska is a true tool watch with 150 meters of water resistance, is not only a pretty face.

Traska is very interesting brand in several fronts, their design is clean, pleasant to the eye, even if everything if looks are subjective. There is nothing brash or loud about their watches and when pastel tones are applied to the dials, they bring a unique proposition backed up with high quality watches, they do not disappoint.

Coming back to the briefly mentioned Seafarer, we are lucky to have the black version, and please allow me to elaborate why we have this variant. I was offered to review any colour and as highlighted above, one of Traska’s trademarks is the use of different pallets, meaning that the unique Burnt Orange or the Steel Blue were on the cards, closely followed by that hypnotizing Stone Grey but then, I’ve decided the Charcoal Black as the winner. The main reason was versatility, I think the other ones look outstanding ( I still wonder if I took the right decision) but the white dots, hands and markers against the black matte surface looks like nothing I’ve worn so far, it is probably the most legible watch I’ve seen this year.

Enough teasing and let’s get into the review and join me to discover the third iteration of the Seafarer.

Specifications

The dimensions of the Seafarer are spot on for my 6.25 Inch wrist, it measures 38.5mm in diameter with a lug to lug of 46mm, very compact and easy to wear. The case is what Traska already got us used to, well finished with rounded edges making it pleasant to the touch. There are also good details such as bevels on the lugs and polished surfaces transitioning well from the case to the bracelet which is magnificent (more on this later).

The case has the signature signed crowns at 2 and 4 o clock, they operate the internal clicking rotating bezel and the time functions respectively. The feeling of the internal rotating bezel is very good, it gives the ability to adjust it precisely, and another feature of the 3rd generation of the Seafarer is that the bezel crown also screws down, giving another level of under-water reliability.

The dial of the Seafarer is one of the key features, everything looks from a space age although is meant to be for water. The round markers are connected to the chapter ring by a simple line, but that also creates the effect of the rotating bezel feeling well integrated in the design, even if they are separated by quite a margin. The lollipop seconds hands tip has a similar diameter as the rest of the indicators and mixed with the ‘sausage’ 3,6,9 and 12 markers (this last one is double), the overall look of the dial can be described as busy, but instead, it is very good-looking and intuitive to read, in my eyes it is very symmetrical aided by the lack of date.

The hands are also in full white with BGW9 Superluminova, it is a torch and hope the pictures gave justice. I like the fact that the watch has a consistent lume application , everything is evenly spread and glows with the same intensity, is not an easy thing to do specially at the price point that Traska operates.

The watch is powered by a reliable Miyota 9039 which is a great addition to the Seafarer and keeps the price point down at 535 GBP, an immense value. The movement is also manually regulated in 4 position to give the Seafarer a better performance than its competition.

On the wrist

There is no surprises wearing a watch with these dimensions, it just works and then we have the fact that the Seafarer is 9.5mm thick without the box double domed sapphire crystal, it just disappears on the wrist.

Part of the wearing experience for me has been how well a case is machined, if it feels great then it’s a daily object. The attention to details in terms of finishing from any Traksa watch have always been outstanding, there are no rough surfaces, and it is also aided by the proprietary coating applied to the bracelet and case, the watch would look pristine for years to come.

The bracelet is also part of the experience, and even if the nerd inside me would like to put it on a grey nato strap it is impossible with a bracelet this good. Having drilled lugs is an added benefit but as said, the bracelet folds as an accordion, includes a milled clasp, six macro adjustments with the push/pull of a button and even perlage on the underside for a touch of class, the nato never stood a chance.

I wore the Seafarere everywhere, gym, office and at home, there is not a single scratch on the case or bracelet. The watch feels good for any occasion, it is never out of place and this result is partially the black dial. It is an elegant watch due to the monochromatic scheme, not as brute as a typical diver, but it is still a true tool piece, I would say it is the coolest looking watch in my box.

Conclusions

It is hard to imagine parting away with this watch, it brought me so much joy and wore it almost every day. Also, it is a looker, I believe the photographs can show up beauty up to to certain point but when you have on the wrist, new details start to emerge.

What I like about Traska and the Seafarer is the attention to details and there are plenty of them. Is not a watch that has been put together by just adding parts from here and there, it is completely its own design and looks like nothing from the past, it is a Traska Supercompressor, its own design language.

Am I still sure that black is the right colour for the Seafarer? absolutely, the raw nature and versatility have won me over, it is one of those watches that just feel right, a great all-rounder, a true GADA.

Traska is always pushing the limits, little by little and this new Seafarer with its dial design, colours and improved waterproof capabilities it’s in my eyes a winner. To me is not about bringing something new to get people excited, to me it’s all about refinement, small touches that make something good even better, the Seafarer is just that, a better Supercompressor.

Technical Specifications

Case Width 38.5mm

Thickness 9.5mm

Lug-to-Lug 46mm

Lug Width 20mm

Crystal Sapphire

Strap Bracelet

Water Resistance 150m

Lume Super-LumiNova BGW9

Movement Miyota 9039