There are so many brands in the world of watches. Consequently, it’s not only hard to keep up sometimes, but it’s even harder to find personal favorites. Sometimes it’s about design, sometimes it’s about name and heritage, and sometimes it’s about pushing technical boundaries. As a young brand, Traska adds something very important to its appeal. Thanks in part to its transparent, personal approach, the company founded by Jon Mack has gained many fans. With a strong focus on constantly improving its current collection, Traska has managed to create some of the best affordable watches currently available. But with the introduction of the new Traska Chronograph, Mack is also very open about the decisions that led to this first all-new addition to the collection in several years. It’s a step in a new direction. Let me explain why.
Witnessing Traska’s journey over the past few years has been interesting. For me, it all started with an image of the Traska Venturer. How could it not? As a fan of GMT watches, I always keep an eye out for new ones, and the Venturer caught my eye immediately because it is not your standard travel watch. The Venturer features an inner rotating 24-hour bezel, which instantly sets it apart. As I explained in my review, the Venturer I tried was part of the sixth generation of the brand’s GMT. It shows the dedication Mack and his team have for continually improving their products. Funnily enough, though, the Venturer was not the first Traska model I reviewed. That was actually the brand’s Commuter, which I labeled the best affordable daily wearer I have come across recently. It is yet another model that has undergone multiple iterations since its introduction in 2021.
Adding two new models to its lineup
As I expressed in both reviews, I love Traska’s slow-and-steady approach. It is the same strategy that has made Rolex the iconic brand it is today. One of the main things the Genevan brand is praised for is its constant design evolution rather than revolution. It’s a long-term strategy that Traska also chose, and I firmly believe it will create a strong fan base for the brand. But there is more to it than just consistent progress. If you have seen any of the brand’s communication, you will know that it’s all very open and personal. Mack explains exactly why certain choices for products have been made and what the results of those choices are.
While that might not seem extraordinary when it comes to updates, it is when it comes to new products. That’s where the new Traska Chronograph comes in. If you follow Traska, you might have read about two new models that the brand is adding to its collection. It started with the announcement of a jump-hour watch, which Mack is currently finalizing. While that is ongoing, the brand also announced the brand new Traska Chronograph. These two watches mark a new direction because they are inherently different from the existing collection and required Mack to reconsider its approach to watchmaking.
The story of the Traska Chronograph
For the Traska Chronograph, Mack wrote an extensive story on the brand’s website. It’s an interesting account that not only explains the choices that had to be made but is also a perfect example of involving enthusiasts in the development of a watch. That approach is not unique to Traska, as many small brands involve their fans in the development of their new models. However, if you read Mack’s explanation, you will understand exactly why Traska has managed to stand out in the vast landscape of young, small brands. It’s the approach to development that shows the brand’s uncompromising eye for detail, which has gained it many fans.
So, what is the story of the Traska Chronograph? As with every chronograph, it all starts with a movement. While the temptation to use a Swiss caliber was present, Mack opted for a different route and chose the Seiko NE86 to keep the watch as thin as possible. Besides being 0.3mm thinner than other affordable counterparts, it also features a column wheel and a vertical clutch for smoother, better performance. As Traska has used Japanese movements to great success in its other models, there was no doubt that this was a perfect, reliable option for the new Chronograph.
The Seiko NE86 is the starting point
If it all started with the caliber, then let’s talk specs. This automatic chronograph movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 34 jewels, and offers a 45-hour power reserve. As mentioned, it features a column wheel and vertical clutch and has a standard accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day. We know the official numbers are on the safer side, so actual performance is likely to be better. On top of that, Traska regulates all its movements to improve performance. Lastly, and most importantly, the caliber has a 28.6mm diameter and 7.62mm thickness. These measurements defined the starting point for the development of the watch’s design.
For this, Mack worked with Max Resnick, whom we at Fratello know well. He has worked with our colleague Thomas van Straaten on the creation of both the VPC Type 37HW and Type 39VM. Mack and Resnick started working on the aforementioned jump-hour watch, and the chronograph would follow suit. Remarkably enough, the chronograph was ready first. The design choices showcase a clever visual approach that makes the watch appear significantly slimmer than many of its peers. On top of that, it also wears a lot better than many of the affordable yet chunky chronographs out there.
The design details of the Traska Chronograph
So, let’s go over the details. This watch has a 39mm diameter, 46.5mm lug-to-lug, and 13.75mm thickness. While the last measurement is substantial, we need to break it down to understand why it is somewhat deceptive. The actual steel case has an 11.8mm profile, with the box-shaped sapphire crystal accounting for the remaining 1.95mm. The case itself, then, is actually fairly slim. Additionally, with the bezel featuring concave cutouts and the case back absorbing some of the caliber’s thickness, Mack and Resnick managed to keep the case’s visual thickness, including the bezel, limited to 8mm. Additionally, the actual perceived mid-case height is only 4.75mm.
This breakdown shows that every detail was properly considered. On top of that, it indicates a significant difference between perceived and actual thickness. As a result, the Traska Chronograph feels rather slender compared to other competitors. What also helps is the new flat-link bracelet that tapers nicely from 21mm at the end links to 16mm at the folding clasp. You might think the width of the end links is strange, but it was deliberate, as the extra millimeter adds the right visual mass to create the desired visual impact and balanced proportions.
The level of finishing has improved significantly
A closer look at the case and bracelet also reveals an improved level of finishing. While the finishing of the Commuter and Venturer was already impressive at their respective price points, Traska upped the game for this new Chronograph. The mix of polished and brushed surfaces adds significant visual detail, making the watch look like a proper luxury piece that competes with models far above its US$1,695 price point. Two of those beautifully finished elements are the rectangular pushers, which immediately give the watch a contemporary relevance compared to pump-style pushers.
The bezel features a tungsten insert that complements the dial’s gray tone nicely. Traska chose tungsten for its scratch resistance, and it also adds a nice flair to the watch. As you can see, the insert doesn’t feature a normal tachymeter scale. The white tachymeter scale is compressed to a range of 200–50 units per hour. This range is less extreme than we usually see and, therefore, is more applicable to measuring things in “normal life” rather than in the world of racing.
A chronograph with rotating discs instead of hands
If we then turn our focus to the dial, you will see that it’s not typical either. Above the gray backdrop are two transparent discs with printed white numerals and hash marks. The discs rotate over a printed red line that indicates the elapsed minutes (at 9 o’clock) and running seconds (at 3 o’clock). As a result, there are no sub-dial hands, like a traditional chronograph would have. As you can see, the two registers are oversized for a distinct aesthetic and to ensure that all the info is easy to read.
To help with the latter, each has a mostly silver surface to neutralize the white markings on the discs and a smaller dark gray section to ensure you can read the elapsed minutes or running seconds at a glance. Finishing the look is the red central chronograph seconds hand with a very straightforward shape to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the dial information.
In addition to the two registers, the date is neatly integrated at 6 o’clock. As you can see, all of this results in a chronograph that is surprising in its details but feels very natural in its overall presence. On top of that, the mostly monochromatic color scheme with red details gives the watch a contemporary feel. It reminded me of the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium that uses similar colors and is one of my favorite recent chronographs.
Wearing the Traska Chronograph
It’s a long story with all the details, but as most of you will agree, putting the watch on your wrist is where the real test lies. And that’s where the details also matter. The flat-link bracelet is easy to size thanks to screws in the links and a toolless micro-adjustable clasp. And just like the case, it gets the brand’s proprietary hardening treatment to prevent scratches.
After sizing the bracelet, I was ready to go. In all honesty, I was a bit hesitant about the rotating discs. While I love the idea of doing something different, and the integration of the two large, rotating discs is nicely done, would they distract from the usual practicality that we all want from a chronograph? The answer is a resolute “no.” By creating a clean design and using a monochromatic color scheme, Traska made it all feel very natural.
Additionally, the watch is nicely proportioned, sits incredibly comfortably on the wrist, and feels very well made. It shouldn’t come as a surprise after reviewing the Commuter and Venturer, but I would say that this is even a step up from those two models. I could feel that the watch had been crafted with a lot of attention to detail, without compromising on practicality or quality.
It simply feels and looks far more luxurious than its price point would suggest. The same goes for operating the chronograph. You can start, stop, and reset the chronograph incredibly smoothly without losing the nice, defined clicks. Once you start the chronograph, you can see both discs turning, but it’s far less lively than you would expect. I would even go so far as to say it is surprisingly comforting.
Final thoughts on the Traska Chronograph
After wearing the watch for a few days, I got a good idea of the work that went into creating this new Traska Chronograph. I have to give Jon Mack and Max Resnick a big compliment for creating a watch that feels very much like a classic chronograph without actually being one. Do I think it would have had the same impact if it had regular registers using hands?
In all honesty, I think it would. The watch is simply too good on all fronts to need this uncommon approach to the sub-dials. The overall aesthetics, dimensions, caliber, and build quality make for an awesome chronograph under €2,000. Those feats immediately set it apart from competitors, regardless of the design. In full transparency, you can call me old-fashioned, but I prefer the classic approach to a chronograph.
However, if you read Jon Mack’s exploration of options, you will understand that Traska deliberately chose this design solution. It makes it a Traska watch, slightly different and unusual. But it does that without losing the classic chronograph aesthetic. The result is an impressive first new addition to the brand’s catalog in three years. It’s a watch that will undoubtedly impress fans worldwide. The brand will offer the Traska Chronograph at the mentioned price of US$1,695, starting on March 1st, 2026, at 11:00 EST/ 17:00 CET on the brand’s official website.
At that price, it is very hard, if not impossible, to find a better chronograph. Most of them are bigger, chunkier, use less impressive calibers, and aren’t as well designed or crafted with the same quality. This watch is not just a new benchmark for Traska; it is also the best chronograph your money can buy at this price point. It really is that simple.
Jorg Weppelink
2026-02-23 06:00:00