Everything you need to know about Traska and some of their top models
Time+TideThe Florida-based independent watch brand Traska is making four of its five models available for immediate shipping this Sunday, August 13, at 11am EST. With prices ranging $595-$635 USD ($908-$970 AUD) and a total of 28 options available, there is probably a Traska for everyone. Founded in 2018, Traska built a solid reputation for offering well-priced and solid sport watches. From using premium Miyota movements, sapphire crystals, and hardened steel, there’s a lot to love here in addition to unique colour palettes for the dials and the option of date and no date movements for two of the four models. The models in question span three types of popular watch categories—diving, exploration, and everyday living—meaning you could create the perfect three-watch collection by just looking into Traska. Without further ado, let’s check out the collection!
The everyday watch: The Commuter
The past couple of years have been marked by a renewed interest for small everyday watches which a broader sample of the watch enthusiasts community can afford. The Commuter is Traska’s answer to this demand. Small, elegant, and robust, the Commuter has all attributes for a GADA timepiece or, at the very least, could be anyone’s everyday watch. Measuring 36.5 x 44 x 8.75mm, the Commuter can fit most wrists and is comfortable to wear. Those who prefer a perfectly symmetrical dial will be happy to know the Commuter comes in a no-date version powered by the Miyota 9039 caliber. And those who prefer a tad more functionality would be happy to learn that a date version powered by the Miyota 9019 is also available. Both versions come with a dial showcasing a sunburst effect, applied hour markers, diamond-cut baton hands, a boxed and double-domed sapphire crystal, and 100 metres of water resistance thanks to a screw-down crown and case-back.
The Commuter retails for $595 USD ($908 AUD) and comes in the following four colors: Slate Gray, Sterling Silver, Aegan Blue and Mint Green.
The field & exploration watch: The Summiteer
Field and exploration watches never ceased to be popular. And because of that, it’s hard to come across a brand that can make a version of it that doesn’t depart too much from the most iconic references—whilst looking different. Traska found the right balance with the Summiteer. To make sure anyone could sport one, the brand offers it in two sizes. First a 36.5 x 44 x 8.75mm version for those looking for vintage-sized exploration watches. Second, a 38.5 x 46 x 8.75mm version for those seeking more modern dimensions. Both models are powered by the no-date Miyota 9039 caliber and come with 100 metres of water resistance (screw-down crown and case-back,) a boxed double-domed sapphire crystal, 3D printed Arabic numerals at the cardinal points and lots of lume everywhere else. The resolutely exploration watch vibe comes from the sword handset combined with a 3-6-9 dial configuration.
The smaller version retails for $600 USD ($916 AUD) and the larger one for $615 USD ($939 AUD) and both come in the following four colours: Charcoal Black, Sage Green, Midnight Blue and Sandstone Yellow.
The classic diver: The Freediver
Most of the time, watch brands come to market with one model. Less often, after a successful debut, said brands revisit their first creation and upgrade it, keeping it part of their permanent catalog. Traska is one of these rare brands that has continuously updated its debut model, the Freediver. The latter is the brand’s quintessential dive watch and comes with the appropriate dimensions to claim this title: 40.5 x 48 x 10.5mm. It’s neither too large nor too small, boasts 200 metres of water resistance, and comes equipped with either a dateless Miyota 9039 or a Miyota 9015 caliber with date. Being a diver, the Freediver showcases a legible handset complete with lots of lume, applied markers with pronounced surrounds, and a 120-click unidirectional bezel topped with a piece of ceramic and a fully-graduated dive time scale. The Freediver comes with generous applications of BGW9 lume on the hands, markers, and dive scale on the bezel.
It retails for $635 USD ($970 AUD) and can be had in one of the following four colours: Carbon Black, Arctic White, Sun-Bleached Orange and Mint Green.
The edgy diver: The Seafarer
Last but not least, Traska offers its own version of the super-compressor style dive watch with the Seafarer. Being more compact at 38.5 x 46 x 9.5mm, it is perfect for those looking for a lighter dive watch, however one not deprived of great specs. 3D printed blocks of BGW9 lume for the hour markers, an effective and minimalist handset, 150 metres of water resistance, and an inner-rotating dive bezel operated by the second crown at the 2 o’clock. Note that both crowns screw-down as well as the case-back, offering both functionality and peace of mind that no water, dust, or dirt will find a way inside the case.
The Seafarer retails for $635 USD ($970 AUD) and comes in the following four colours: Charcoal Black, Stone Grey, Sun-Bleached Orange and Mint Green.
Final thoughts
If any of these four models caught your attention, I recommend heading over to Traska’s website now to secure one before they sell out. All four models in all configurations are available for immediate purchase and shipping on Sunday, August 13, at 11am EST. Of note is that all are shipped on a three-link bracelet made of solid links and end links, screw pins, a double-pusher deployant clasp, five holes of micro-adjustments, and perlage finish. Of further note is the fact that all models come with a case and bracelet made of hardened stainless steel making them non-scratchable, and the cases show a predominance of brushed surfaces except on the case flanks which display a mirror polish. With prices well below $1,000 USD, all of these four models offer tremendous value.