Traska Launches a New and Improved Venturer GMT

It has been a little over two years since Zach introduced the first iteration of Traska’s Venturer. A multipurpose sports watch which boasted incredible specs for your hard earned money. While the first model retailed for $585 and was equipped with a time and date Miyota 9019, the new version retails for $720 and is equipped with a “true” GMT Miyota 9075 caliber. That’s a meager $135 extra for a completely different movement which offers a new type of functionality: traveling like a pro. What’s more is that the brand added a tool-less micro-adjust clasp and gave the case a gentle facelift whilst improving its overall construction and finish. What’s not to like here?

There are many ways to discuss watches. It could be its design, value, or the use of a unique movement. To be fair, many of us like to talk about value. We all like a good deal and the thing about micro and independent brands is that the “deals” get better and better each day. More specs, better construction, improved finish. Things just keep getting better. And you might find that the new Venturer GMT may very well be one of the best value GMTs out there right now by just looking at the spec sheet: a true GMT caliber, box-style domed sapphire crystal, tool-less micro-adjust clasp, 150 meters of water resistance, generous application of BGW9 lume, and a case and bracelet made of hardened steel. This makes the Venturer GMT a true travel companion and a proper tool watch. 

Traska was one of the first two brands to release a GMT powered by the Miyota 9075 (the other brand being Jack Mason and the Strat-o-timer). This was a point of interest to many because they did so while Citizen (Miyota’s parent company) hadn’t released its own version of a GMT using their own caliber. And even if you won’t get wowed by the mechanical prowess of the 9075, you might appreciate the fact that we can now get Rolex GMT Master II functionality for 15 times less. This matters because aesthetically, the Venturer GMT might not be your jam—perhaps you would prefer something that looks more vintage or you’re not keen on a second crown at the 10 o’clock. However, there is a way in which Traska puts its watches together that could make it worthy of your attention. 

Getting a good movement is one thing and making a well-proportioned watch is another. Luckily, the Venturer GMT comes with the sort of dimensions that will work for many wrists: a diameter of 38.5mm, a lug-to-lug of 46mm, a thickness of 10mm and lug width of 20mm. This means that the Venturer GMT wears flat and comfortably on my 6.25”/16cm wrist (I tried on a prototype earlier this year) which is important for a watch that we want to travel with and take on all sorts of adventures. The comfort is aided by the well machined and finished Oyster-style 3-link bracelet and the aforementioned adjustable clasp. Getting the right fit is therefore as easy as it has ever been. 

Besides its great specifications, the Venturer GMT is also (subjectively) a handsome piece of horology that comes with a quality of finish which we only typically find on more expensive watches. The polished case sides have a mirror finish and the brushed surfaces a satin touch. The screw-down crown is sized with easy operation in mind, and the scissor clasp is milled, not stamped. All of this is to say that a lot of attention to detail went into designing and making the Venturer GMT which makes the $720 price tag feel comparatively low for what you’re getting. 

Lastly, you should know that Traska released the Venturer GMT in four colors—Carbon Black, Arctic White, Steel Blue and Bottle Green—this past Sunday, November 5th with limited stock. You can learn more about the Venturer GMT by visiting the brand’s website here.