Foreword:

I would like to share a review published on a Facebook profile of "Pan Zegarek" (Mr. Watch), who had an opportunity to spend a couple of weeks with 3 versions of Vespera GMT. Originally published as 3 separate posts - here blended together for the brand blog.This is not a sponsored text... 

Bart

Part 1. Aesthetic and Practical Impressions

Nadir Watches has already managed to “stir things up” on the Polish watch market when, on January 28th, 2024, it presented its very first timepiece "urbi et orbi". A distinctly designed watch - built to perform in harsh terrain and during expeditions. The price of the first edition, along with its compact construction, was encouraging enough that Nadir quickly drew attention and buzz. The success led the “brand” to keep the momentum going, and after a year and a half, we are now seeing the next evolution of the Vespera.

Although the model’s name might suggest that “version two” is just a facelift, that would be an oversimplification. Yet, looking at the new Nadir, it’s also hard to say that it’s a completely different watch. The case looks familiar, the details too - giving you a sense of déjà vu.

So what is the new Vespera?

In my opinion, it’s a very successful development of the original idea, taking a distinct step toward what we already associate with Nadir - a more outdoor adventure-oriented direction.

This is emphasised - or rather shouted - by the additional complication featured in the watch. Greenwich Mean Time! GMT! Could there be anything more desirable for a modern globetrotter, a self-proclaimed Indiana Jones, caver, or diver than this very complication? Personally, I’m not a huge fan of an extra hour hand on the dial, but I’m also far from jumping off cliffs in a wingsuit. Therefore, this is a watch clearly defined when it comes to its target audience.

In this new release, Nadir has introduced a completely new colour palette. The inserts of the internal bezels surrounding the dial, in all three versions, are now fixed — they no longer rotate. They’ve gained a livelier tone: the insert can be green, yellow, or black. In the first two cases, the colors of hope and optimism have been paired with a black dial, while the third of the trio features a moon-colored dial.

The crown at the 2 o’clock position is gone - the new Nadir has matured. It no longer wants to be a gadget accompanying the journey; it wants to be a full-fledged participant. It’s like a true traveller who takes only a photo of a loved one and a flint on the adventure of a lifetime. The indications on the dial have become more pronounced, making the watch highly legible.

A great piece of news is that the element defining the new Vespera - the wide stripe running from the centre of the dial toward 3 o’clock - has remained in the “colourful” models. In the black-and-silver version, this interesting stylistic element has disappeared - for reasons unknown.

The colour consistency is completed by the finishing of the leather and fabric straps, which echo the tones used on the dial.

I won’t hide the fact that I’m a fan of Nadir, and it’s hard for me to stay fully objective, but honestly, I can’t really find any flaws here. It’s a very well-executed watch, but not a boring one. It’s striking, but not flashy. It’s versatile, yet clearly drawn toward the unknown.

Part 2. The Exterior

Nadir Watches stands out in our local - and still relatively modest - watch market. But it doesn’t try to make noise, chase trends, or gain popularity through controversies or scandals among watch enthusiasts. Instead, it has chosen its own path and is steadily finding its place among strong players such as Balticus, Błonie, Gerlach, or VC.

Today, however, I’d like to draw special attention to the way this outdoor adventure-styled watch is presented to us.

The packaging of a timepiece is something most conscious collectors - and even some watch gatherers - instinctively set aside in a closet. The box, warranty card, manual, and proof of purchase form a part of the set, equally important as the watch itself.

The Nadir Vespera GMT arrives very solidly packaged, which should please every watch freak. After removing the transport film, we see a grey cardboard box with a large Nadir inscription and the brand’s logo. There’s no doubt about what we’re dealing with.

The real fun begins once we get to the main box. I have to admit — the Vespera GMT pleasantly surprised me. The watch is not packed in a dull, lacquered “cube,” but rests inside a large rectangular box. It’s an elegant black package, with its lid covered in glossy lacquer and decorated across the entire surface with a repeated pattern of the brand’s logo. A contrasting element in the centre of the lid is the silver Nadir inscription, accompanied by a large brand emblem.

The first impression is very positive

The box opens by folding down the front panel, which is held closed by a magnet. If you think that opening it reveals the watch right away, you’re mistaken. The manufacturer is playing a bit of a game here. After opening the lid, you first encounter a black foam insert with a centrally cut-out hole. Inside it is the warranty card, featuring the same pattern as the outer box. Only after removing this precisely fitted foam do you reach the main compartment where the watch rests.

There’s plenty of space provided for it, and as soon as you open this section, you can admire the Nadir Vespera GMT in all its glory - before it even reaches your wrist. I really like this solution.

It allows you to take in the entire watch as a whole — to notice all its design touches and details, and to enjoy that first, most exciting moment right after opening the box, before even touching the watch itself.

But that’s not all — the spacious box hides yet another surprise. Beneath the level where the watch comfortably rests, there’s an additional compartment. Inside it lies a beautiful travel case — a high-quality four-watch leather roll, made of finely tanned leather, closed with a strap, and embossed with the Nadir logo.

To sum up, the manufacturer has put a great deal of effort into ensuring that the Vespera GMT is surrounded by appropriate quality. They’ve made sure the customer feels appreciated and special. The entire presentation - the packaging, the craftsmanship of the accessories, and the thoughtful unboxing experience - should satisfy even the most demanding clients.

Part 3. Nadir GMT in Numbers

In my previous text, I mentioned that the Nadir GMT has matured. Undoubtedly, the GMT complication has strengthened and emphasised the adventurous character of the new Vespera. Nadir has also lost its “characteristic” line running across the dial from the centre of the hands toward the date window at 3 o’clock — for now, only in the silver-dial model.
Apparently, there are already other GMT versions on the horizon that will also lack this distinctive element.

As befits a proper microbrand, Nadir Watches listens to the voices of the market - and reacts.

Personally, I like this design feature, though there are also opposing opinions and Nadir Watches takes them into account.

The Nadir GMT has introduced several changes to the case structure - most notably, its proportions. Above all, the Vespera GMT is now taller. Compared to its predecessor, it has grown by 0.8 mm. It may seem like only about 6.5% more than the first version, but one should still be cautious around door frames and garden furniture edges.

The reason for this change lies in the new, more domed sapphire crystal covering the dial. The glass is not only more curved but also slightly wider — now 34.5 mm, which is 2 mm larger than before.
This small adjustment has optically enlarged the watch, which, attention!, still retains the same 42 mm case diameter.

The new, larger crystal is like a pair of beautiful, wide-open eyes - this clever design move has had a surprisingly positive impact on how the whole watch feels. It enhanced the dial’s visual appeal, let more light into the interior of the Vespera, and made the Nadir GMT seem larger, even though the case itself hasn’t grown in diameter.

The proportions of the Vespera GMT have also changed due to wider lugs — now 22 mm, again, those almost mythical 2 mm more than before.

The Nadir Vespera GMT now looks much more muscular. The first version was slimmer, resembling a bodybuilder during a cutting phase. Now, after the definition came the mass — but the kind that’s well-built and balanced. It has gained muscle in all the right places.
Thanks to this, it’s easy to tell the new version apart from its predecessor - not only because of the additional GMT hand on the dial.

It’s also worth highlighting that the watch has become even more practical. The earlier model offered 100m of water resistance. The GMT version, like a seasoned poker player, saw that and raised the stakes to 200 meters (20 ATM).

The heart of the watch is the Miyota 9075 premium automatic movement - a robust, reliable, and affordable mechanism providing a 42-hour power reserve. The movement is powered by wrist motion, and the spinning rotor is occasionally audible — though it doesn’t cause any noticeable vibration on the wrist.

Summary — the “3 and 3”

Pros:

• GMT complication
• Excellent new colour palette
• Great legibility of the dial

Cons:

• More muscular case
• Small crown at 4 o’clock
• Audible rotor noise

Author: Pan Zegarek