Nomadic Cior 928
Another Belter From The Belfast Brand
Peter McAuley set out with a unique challenge—designing a watch for his mother that he would also be proud to wear. Rather than simply downsizing an existing model, the Nomadic team approached the project from the ground up, resulting in a thoughtfully crafted 36mm fully integrated sports watch with universal appeal.
Available in a range of striking colours, the new model strengthens Nomadic’s position as an emerging player in the industry. As a Belfast-based brand, evolution is key, and they recognise the need to push forward rather than stand still. The Nomadic Cior 928 represents an important step in that journey, offering a refined and versatile timepiece that stands out in an increasingly competitive market.
If It’s Good Enough For His Mother…
Offering a sub-40mm option is a must for any brand looking to thrive and shake things up! The 36mm Nomadic Cior 928 could be something quite special from the Belfast gang. ”Cior” means “Search” in Gaelic—a nod to adventure, challenges, and the thrill of pushing boundaries and discovering the unexpected!
The dial features a recessed central section adorned with the Nomadic logo, adding a subtle yet refined layer of detail. The sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock is also recessed, enhancing the depth of the design. With sleek baton indices and hands filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova, the dial remains clean, highly legible, and effortlessly elegant. A well-integrated date window at 3 o’clock, with a colour-matched background, further demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into this timepiece.
The Cior 928 draws inspiration from a trailblazing Irish aviator whose fearless spirit and refined elegance set her apart. Born into privilege but drawn to the skies, she defied expectations, making aviation history with her record-breaking solo journey from Africa to Europe in 1928.
Uncompromising in both style and ambition, she soared through the clouds, draped in luxurious fabrics and adorned with pearls, effortlessly merging sophistication with daring adventure. Her legacy continues to inspire, proving that boldness and grace can coexist at any altitude.
If It’s Good Enough For His Mother…
Although the Cior 928 seems to be aimed at women (it’s under the women's section on the Nomadic site), I feel this is a mistake. This size will be perfect for anyone with smaller wrists, but there are colour options that may appeal more to women than men. Currently, there are six options at three price points: £1250.00 for the Emerald Abyss, Rosé Horizon, Black and Rose Gold. The Prestige models are £2,750.00 for the Starry Night, Mother of Pearl, whilst a Red Valentine edition is £2,500.00. Some are sold out already, but I imagine most will be back in stock and form part of the core collection.
With a water resistance of 100m, this watch is well-suited for an active lifestyle. At its heart is the Sellita SW-260-1, delivering a reliable 38-hour power reserve. The 316L stainless steel case and integrated bracelet showcase a refined finish, featuring vertical brushing that enhances its sleek profile. A polished fixed bezel adds a striking contrast to the brushed surfaces, elevating the overall aesthetic. Measuring 37mm lug-to-lug with an 11mm thickness, the case maintains a well-proportioned presence. The integrated bracelet tapers down to 16mm at the butterfly clasp, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist.
My Thoughts
This is a smart move by Nomadic, positioning the Cior 928 as a strong contender against the likes of the Christopher Ward Twelve and the Tissot PRX. Sometimes, wearing a smaller watch is a refreshing change, and the Green Abyss version we received genuinely surprised me. There’s something undeniably fresh about this release, and Nomadic feels like a brand that’s only heading in one direction—up.
I always enjoy seeing what brands are working on, and we’re fortunate to get early glimpses of upcoming releases. Initially, when I saw photos of the Cior 928, I wasn’t overly impressed. But now that I’ve had it in hand, I’ll gladly admit I was too quick to judge. This is a fantastic-looking watch, and while it’s a bit small for my wrist, I have no doubt these will fly off the shelves.