Side by side

Nodus Contrail GMTvsRolex Explorer II

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

Contrail GMT
NodusContrail GMT
MSRP $900
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

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.

Rolex Explorer II

Owners widely praise the Rolex Explorer II for its high-contrast, legible polar dial and understated, classic toolish aesthetic, with some noting excellent accuracy around +/- 1 second per day. The bracelet is described as incredibly comfortable, and the lume is clean and stunning. However, the 42mm case size is a point of contention, with some finding it too large or flashy, while others appreciate its practical, tool-y nature or consider it a comfortable everyday wear. The bezel is noted as easily scratched, and some dislike the magnified date window for its readability at angles and aesthetic clutter. Availability at authorized dealers varies, with some experiencing long wait times and others finding immediate availability. Overall, owners rate the Rolex Explorer II highly for its legibility and understated tool watch aesthetic, despite some reservations about its size.

At a glance

18 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Contrail GMT40.5mm
Explorer II42mm
Power Reserve
Contrail GMT42h
Explorer II70h
Water Resistance
Contrail GMT200m
Explorer II100m
MSRP
Contrail GMT$900
Explorer II$10,600

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Diameter
40.5mm
42mm
Thickness
11.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.6mm
Lug Width
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
Oystersteel
Finish
Brushed and polished
Water Resistance
200m
100m
Caseback
Solid
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
Box
Flat
AR Coating
Yes
Dial Color
Black
Indices
Applied
Index
Lume
Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A
Chromalight

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9075 GMT
3285
Power Reserve
42h
70h
Jewels
24
34
Complications
None
GMT, Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$900
$10,600
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