Rooted in Heritage and Adventure
We all love a hands-on review, and when a brand comes up with a new piece (for them), all we ask is to send it over, and we’ll give it the Watch Brothers treatment. Nomadic did just that with their latest piece, the Nomadic Fior 555 GMT. Sure, we have seen many GMT watches, but this is Nomadic’s first venture and something that the founder, Peter McAuley, had been keen to add to the range.
I have a soft spot for their Turas 914, which we had earlier in the year, so let’s see how Nomadic have dealt with the GMT
A Connection to Belfast’s Spirit
You can’t deny the heritage behind the brand, the shipbuilding that they are so proud of, and with every watch from Nomadic, there is a nod to that. This release merges contemporary design with Belfast’s storied shipbuilding legacy, a city celebrated for its innovative engineering and daring spirit.
It’s All In The Name
Taking its name from the SS Nomadic, the last remaining vessel of the White Star Line, the Fíor 555 symbolises a quest for new adventures while honouring a deep connection to heritage. Nomadic want to focus on delivering quality tool watches at an affordable level. The name “Fíor” translates to “true” in Irish, symbolising authenticity, while “555” represents Belfast’s geographical coordinates (54°34′ North, 5°55′ West), grounding the watch in its origins.
Crimson Dawn
Pitch Black & Grey
Shipyard Yellow
Emerald Abyss
In mid-September, the Nomadic Fior 555 GMT launched aboard the historic SS Nomadic, the vessel that inspired the company’s name. Now preserved as a museum piece in dry dock, the SS Nomadic once served as a tender to the Titanic, which famously sank on April 14, 1912. Interestingly, both ships were designed by Thomas Andrews.
In their YouTube launch video, Nomadic showcases master watchmaker Michael Rowan, based in Belfast, alongside his son Johnny, who resides in Melbourne, Australia, highlighting the watch’s global connection and heritage.
There’s a choice of 4 colour-ways, Shipyard Yellow, Pitch Black & Grey, Emerald Abyss and Crimson Dawn. As well a special 5th version with an 18kt gold PVD on the dial and bracelet, there is something for everyone. We were sent the Pitch Black and Grey to play with for a week or so and try and get a real feel for it.
We’re All Connected By Time
The inspiration for the Nomadic Fior 555 GMT video comes from Nomadic’s Master Watchmaker Micheal Rowan, whose son lives in Melbourne, Australia. It highlights how time connects us, and the video shows how the bond between them is so important. Peter aimed to ensure the timepiece would immediately signal its association with Nomadic.
This is reflected in the watch’s distinctive design elements scattered throughout. One notable feature is the vibrant yellow GMT hand, reminiscent of the iconic yellow cranes from Harland and Wolff that tower over the skyline of Belfast.
At its essence, the Fíor 555 is driven by the Swiss-manufactured Sellita SW330-2 caliber. This dependable movement offers a power reserve of 56 hours and operates at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour. Its GMT function allows for effortless monitoring of multiple time zones, making it an ideal companion for those on the go.
The watch boasts a 41mm casing that measures 12.5mm in depth, expertly crafted from a blend of brushed and polished 316L stainless steel, creating a harmonious mix of durability and elegance.The domed sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating, guarantees both resilience and clarity, while the impressive water resistance of up to 200 meters ensures that this timepiece can withstand diverse conditions, whether on shore or in the water.
My Thoughts
Let’s face it: Nomadic isn’t breaking new ground here. The GMT concept isn’t new, and this model resembles many existing options on the market. That said, for Nomadic, this is their debut offering, and they’ve crafted a truly attractive timepiece. The quality of the case and bracelet finishing is surprisingly good for the price point. Overall, the well-designed watch provides a comfortable fit on the wrist. The Nomadic Fior 555 GMT integrates seamlessly into the existing collection, and I’m confident collectors will warmly embrace it.
Nomadic consistently produces excellent watches, with my personal favourite being the Turas from earlier this year. The Fior 555 mirrors the high craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from this Irish brand. At a price of £1595.00, I believe this will be another hit for them.
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