Nodus Contrail GMT vs Islander Republic GMT Watch Review

I love GMT watches, but I'm also very picky about them. Recently, I named the Nodus Contrail GMT as number one of the Top 11 GMT Watches for its excellent design and affordable price. However, that was before Islander released an updated version of its Republic GMT. The two watches share many visual similarities and also have similar specifications. The Islander is also less expensive than the Nodus, but which one should you choose?

I purchased the Contrail directly from Nodus earlier this year, and Islander graciously loaned me the just-released Republic to review (I will be sending it back soon).  Since I had both watches side by side, I thought a comparison was in order. If you're not already familiar with them, I recommend reading the individual reviews linked above.

Details of the Nodus Contrail GMT and Islander Republic GMT

Both watches feature attractive brushing and polishing on the cases. Nodus applies additional brushing to the case sides, but Islander applies a more dramatic, polished chamfer to the insides of its lugs.

Both feature signed crowns that are easy to grip. Nodus applied slim crown guards, while the Islander has a symmetric case.

The hands on the Contrail are made of brushed and polished steel, while Islander paints the Republic's hands white with black centers.

Both watches feature a color-matched date wheel (which I love), with Nodus also including alternating colors (roulette-style). Nodus locates the date at 6, with a metal surround. Islander, not wishing to disturb the 6 o'clock numeral, hid the date at the 4:30 location.

The Contrail's dial is a blue sunburst that is lighter in color than the satin blue dial on the Republic. Both also feature applied metal hour markers in polished metal. The Islander markers are thicker, with pilot-style 12-3-6-9 markings.

I found the white minute markers on the Islander easier to read, and the 24-hour chapter ring is taller and also bi-colored, which helps with legibility.

As microbrand customers demand these days, both watches have liberal applications of bright Super-LumiNova. Nodus fills the hands, hour markers, and bezel with BGW9 Grade A blue lume, providing excellent low-light visibility throughout the night. It's a functional choice that matches the clean aesthetic of the watch.

Islander went a more interesting route with its lume. In addition to BGW9 on the hands and markers, it uses green C3 for the bezel as well as the dial logos. The GMT hand also uses orange lume to help differentiate it.

Wearing the Nodus Contrail GMT vs Islander Republic GMT

The Islander is half a millimeter smaller in diameter than the Nodus and lacks crown guards, but its lugs are thicker, so both watches appear visually similar in width.

On paper, the Nodus is only slightly over 1mm thinner, but on the wrist, it feels like a more noticeable difference. The Nodus has a slimmer side profile to its case, especially at the lugs (which are drilled).

The Contrail's bezel also has a slight slope and a boxed crystal, while the Islander's bezel and crystal are both flat. The Islander's case has a more dive watch feel, and reminds me slightly of an Omega Planet Ocean. 

Nodus Contrail GMT and Islander Republic GMT bracelets and replacement straps

The bracelets on both watches feature many of the features that informed collectors look for. Screwed links make sizing both watches a breeze, requiring only a small screwdriver (which Islander includes). They also both have clasps with on-the-fly quick adjustments.

The Nodus clasp uses the brand's proprietary Nodex adjustment system. It doesn't extend as far as the Islander clasp, but the adjustment release button is hidden when not in use, giving it a cleaner look. Additionally, unless you extend it all the way, the mechanism remains hidden.

The Islander's clasp extends using two additional buttons on the side of the clasp. Not as clean, but it can be extended while on the wrist, and it features a ratchet mechanism, allowing it to be shortened without needing to push buttons.

Both claps are milled and feature attractive finishing. Islander's bracelet doesn't taper as much as the Nodus (18mm vs 16mm), but the clasp is shorter, and the edges aren't as sharp.

The Nodus bracelet also features female end links, which visually shorten the height of the watch. Its bracelet is a brushed 3-piece H-link style, while the Islander has a 5-link bracelet with brushed and polished links.

20mm lug widths on both mean that there are lots of great strap options. I've been wearing the Nodus on the Deployant FKM Rubber strap.

The Islander looks great on our new Deployant Sailcloth.

Here is a list of some of the straps that would fit and we think look great with this watch. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations.
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-Hook and Loop Elastic
-Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Pro Diver
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Epsom Leather
-Elastic
-Seatbelt

Nodus Contrail GMT and Islander Republic GMT Movement

The same Miyota 9075 movement powers both watches. It's a slim Japanese-made movement with a high beat rate, and most importantly, a traveler's GMT function.

Nodus says that it regulates the Contrail to +/-8 seconds per day. Islander doesn't list an accuracy spec, but Miyota lists it as +30/-10 for the 9075. I did not measure the accuracy on either watch.

Nodus Contrail GMT and Islander Republic GMT Conclusion

I have a friendly relationship with the owners of both brands, so it's too hard to choose a winner here. The specs and appearances are very similar, but each watch has its strong selling points that should be factored into your selection.

You should choose the Nodus Contrail GMT if:
-You prefer a watch that is thinner and wears smaller
-You're looking for a versatile style that can dress up in a pinch
-Movement accuracy is important to you

You should choose the Islander Republic GMT if:
-You prefer a diver-style case with wrist presence
-You like a pilot-style dial with more distinctive hands and markers, and love lume
-Price is an essential factor

Both brands are also run by great people, on either coast of the US. Since I already purchased the Contrail before the Republic was released, I plan to keep it. If I were in the market today for one of these watches, however, I would have a tough time choosing which to buy!

Specifications

Shop Replacement Straps for the Nodus Contrail GMT and Islander Republic GMT:

Deployant FKM Rubber

Ribbed FKM Rubber Pass-Through

Elastic Straps

Deployant Sailcloth

Ridge FKM Rubber

Vented FKM Rubber

Premium Sailcloth

Epsom Style Leather:

Full Grain Epsom Style Leather:

Slim Ridge FKM Rubber:

Deployant FKM Rubber

Deployant Sailcloth

Hook and Loop Elastic