Side by side

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsNodus Contrail GMT

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Vanguard Steel
Gruppo GammaVanguard Steel
MSRP $790
Contrail GMT
NodusContrail GMT
MSRP $900

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Vanguard Steel42mm
Contrail GMT40.5mm
Power Reserve
Vanguard Steel42h
Contrail GMT42h
Water Resistance
Vanguard Steel100m
Contrail GMT200m
MSRP
Vanguard Steel$790
Contrail GMT$900

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
GMT
Diameter
42mm
40.5mm
Thickness
12.6mm
11.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
46.6mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
Box
Dial Color
Forged Carbon
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Miyota 9075 GMT
Jewels
25
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$790
$900

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel

The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is praised for its aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. However, some owners dislike the distorted sapphire crystal and the absence of minute markers, with one noting difficulty in replacing the crystal due to hand fitment. The watch features a Miyota 9039 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day, and is offered with two strap options. On balance, owners value the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive aged aesthetic and dial design, despite some reservations about the crystal.

From video reviewers

Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.

Nodus Contrail GMT

The Nodus Contrail GMT is praised for its excellent case and bracelet quality, impressive finishing that suggests a much higher price point, and brilliant proportions, making it a well-executed flier-style GMT. Owners and reviewers highlight its slender 40.5mm case, comfortable flat-link bracelet, and 200 meters of water resistance. The Miyota Caliber 9075 movement is noted, with one source reporting accuracy regulated to +/-8 seconds per day. Some find the red Contrail name on the dial and red numerals on the roulette disc difficult to read, and the small crown and large guards may be tedious for some. One user questioned the bidirectional bezel's lack of a 60-minute index despite the existing 24-hour scale. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Nodus Contrail GMT highly for its value and build quality at its price point.

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