[REVIEW] Traska Summiteer, 36mm, Sage Green Dial

As many of my fellow watch enthusiasts can attest, awaiting the arrival of a newly purchased watch can be gruesome. During this time it's not uncommon to constantly read reviews of said watch, look at photos, peruse Youtube for more reviews, and, just generally, build up the watch in question in ones mind to biblical proportions. It's this last point that often hurts the most after receiving, handling, and wearing the watch for some time; that the watch you built up in your head actually doesn't compare to the one on your wrist.

This chasm between the two versions (the one in your mind vs the one on your wrist) is simply non-existent in the case of the Traska Summiteer. I will explain.

Despite having mentally built up the watch in the days prior to its arrival, the Traska Summiteer did not disappoint.

First things first: the exact version I am reviewing is the 36mm Summiteer with a Sage Green dial.

Not much needs to be explained in regards to the 36mm case. If you are a fan of more traditionally-sized watches, than this will not disappoint. For me, 36-37mm is perfect sizing, and the Traska, consequently, fits my wrist perfectly. If you prefer slightly larger sizes, Traska also has a 38mm version.

Traska has covered the case and bracelet with a proprietary scratch-resistant coating. After a few weeks I have not noticed any new scratches, even on scratch-heavy areas such as the bracelet clasp. Sinn also does something similar, but at 3-4 times the price. It's great to have on a daily-driver type watch such as this.

The bracelet itself is next-level comfortable. Female solid end-links give way to fully articulating solid links. This combination allows the bracelet to hug your wrist as tightly or loosely as you desire. The taper to the bracelet (from 20mm down to 16mm) only adds to the comfort. Finally, the perlage-finished milled clasp is a somewhat standard double pusher and has 4 micro-adjustments. Combining all of this creates, honestly, the most comfortable bracelet I've ever worn.

The dial is very much inspired by the Rolex Explorer. The classic 3-6-9 dial, along with the other long baton-like hour markers and long triangle at 12, create a very cohesive piece that lends itself to a rugged vibe, but also an has an air of sophistication. Admittedly, I didn't get the latter impression until I saw the watch in person. If you are a fan of Explorer-style dials, you will also be a fan of this one. There are a few different dial color combinations (mine is a sage green dial with an orange seconds hand), so one should be able to find something that he or she enjoys. Although I am more of a black dial or blue dial guy (both of which Traska offers), green and orange are my oldest sons two favorite colors, so I personally have an attachment to my particular dial variant. The domed sapphire crystal also lends itself to an older aesthetic.

If I must (and this is admittedly being very picky) I would prefer a slightly larger crown. And that's it.

I had high expectations before I received my Traska Summiteer. I anticipated wearing the watch, testing the 36mm waters, and ultimately selling it to help fund a 36mm Rolex Explorer. What happened, however, is that I have grown to love my Traska so much that I don't think I'll be able to sell it. Quite honestly, I don't feel the same pull to the Explorer that I once did. The Traska is such an excellent daily-driver type watch that that's exactly what it's become for me: my everyday watch.

If anyone (who has made it this far in the review) has any questions, I would be happy to answer in the comments.