Nautica Tide Temp Compass Launched in Malaysia

Thanks to collaboration with Nautica Malaysia and their authorized distributor company, I've received a new-yet-to-be launched unit tagged with model number NAI210000G or better known as the Nautica NSR103TTC. 

It will be retailing at RM949 in Malaysia. There will only be 9 units in Malaysia and they can be viewed at the retails outlets in the end of this review below. This is limited edition for Malaysia market and is within the 2015 Spring collection. Available only in Black-Yellow combination. 

First Look 
Solid. That was my first thought when I held the Nautica NSR103TTC for the first time. The unit assigned to me has yellow straps (yay!) and comes with contrasting black-yellow face. The watch is large - at least 45mm diameter (I later found out it is 46mm diameter and 14mm thick) and the strap is a nice 22mm width. 

3-press button and one screwed in crown were the visible feature apart from the very intriguing watch face with 4-hands that adds to the complication (a term used to describe a watch beyond the simple display of hours and minutes. In short, it provides the user a more complex functionality, which adds to the watch's allure)

At first sight, it does not look like other chronograph watches - and the function to be able to check temperature, tide and a compass is a misnomer as I usually relate these features to a digital watch instead. It was strange to see this on an analog watch. Strange, but a welcomed sight and will be noticed due to the bold yellow color (no complains on Yellow here for the extrovert me)

The Nautica "Sail" logo on the screwed-in crown

The watch face size sits nicely on my wrist and at the size that I like. For some of you that may like the large casing diameter watch, 46mm is at the same size as the Seiko Monster Dive Watch (about same price) or the more expensive Bell&Ross or the Tag Heuer Aquaracer. 

Back of watch noting the Model Number, Material of construction and water resistant to 100m. Unmistakable "Sail" logo dominates the back casing

This comparison will give you a good idea how big the watch is if you own any of them. For me, it is about the same size as my 920XT (at 48mm). The size doesn't bother me as I am used to wearing large-face watch - maybe due to failing eye-sight. 

Temp-Tide-Compass

Daily Use
I was asked by a few person if I am wearing a new watch - being a predictable person that I am, it is easy to see if I am doing something differently. Naturally the timepiece became a conversation starter. A hotelier commented that I am "loyal" to my company due to the color of the watch. Can't blame her for trying. Another asked if I ever get confused with that many dials on the watch face and asked if it does more than just "tell time". 

Buckle-type system to secure the strap

The strap is flexible and secure the TTC neatly on my wrist and sufficient holes to cater for all (men's standard) wrist size, even with a wetsuit on should you bring it for snorkeling or diving (it has 100m water resistant function). Very important that the screw-in crown are screwed in to ensure complete seal, otherwise water will enter and it will be the end of life for the watch.

Screw-in back casing adds to the water resistant confidence

Conversation aside, I found myself showing off the features that tracks the Temperature, Tide and showing the Compass needle moves as I turn my body. The outer bezel works too, which meant the graduation of the degree could be used for simple map reading and navigation. Swanky!

Textured strap on the inside that contacts the skin

Tide - Temperature - Compass
The Nautica TTC has 3-dedicated press buttons to activate each of the functions. Pressing the lower left button activates the Compass. Red button on upper right does the Temperature and the lower right completes the Tide tracker. Calibration is possible for both the Compass and Tide function which is included in the manual. I've calibrated both the Compass and Tide function and can confidently share it is "almost" accurate as long as I use it correctly. 

Lower left - compass

Lower right - Tide

Upper right - Temperature

The Temperature accuracy is effected by the skin-watch contact and you can get better accuracy if you leave it on a surface to measure it after it reaches equilibrium. Not an issue as the digital temperature watches recommend the same - or has higher sophistication to account for the skin surface temperature.
As comparison, I wore the watch in a room set to 18degree C and it reads 25deg C. After removing it and leaving it on the table overnight, it clocked in at 22deg C. Obviously the air-condition may not had been able to go as low as 18deg C. In the name of testing, and as the unit are able to go as low as -5deg F (that is -20.5deg C for us Metric people), I will leave the watch in the freezer one of these day and report back here.

Temperature

The Tide Tracker is unique. The watch face is divided into two-halves where the Tide is tracked. On the left side tells you it's a declining tide and on the right is increasing tide. So, if the Red-dial moves around the left side of the watch, it indicates declining tide. The Red-dial will moves with time from the "high to half to low" to gives you an idea where the tide is; useful if you need to know (like me before the race so I know the sea condition). It doesn't tells the "depth" though. Detailed instruction to calibrate available in manual and I've mine came correctly set (against the tide chart from Port Klang). 

The Red Dial pointing to the tide to be on the increase (right side of watch face) and naturally moving towards "high tide"

The compass function is a no brainer - but just do not place electronic nearby/next to it when in use. I experimented with my phone next to it and the needle were biased from the expected north. Accuracy wise, not too bad as it co-relate with my phone compass and a map reading compass I have. 

Point To My North

Is It Worth Your Money
If you are in the market to get a watch that tells you more than just time, this is a good choice without going "digital". It live up to the Sports theme it made up to be as it allow both formal and informal usage as a watch that will suit many occasions - I wore this to my team's meeting for a change. Again, this retail for RM949.00 and in my opinion, worth the money for the features and persona. 

Sexy from the side. 14mm thick

The Nautica TTC (NSR103) comes with mineral glass (standard) and with Japan movement. It runs on battery (not mechanical) and the strap is synthetic rubber. Rated at 12ounces or 340grams (same as one side of my Skechers GoRun!) and 100m Water Resistant. With ability to do Temperature measurement, tracking Tide and showing you where North is. Add that to the everyday wearable factor be it in office or out in the trail, I would say it has good value for money. 

Putting it all together

Technical Specifications
Brand/Model : Nautica NAI21000G or NSR103TTC
Dial Window material : Mineral Glass
Display : Analog
Clasp : Buckle 
Case Material/Diameter/Thickness : Stainless Steel 46mm / 14mm
Strap Material/Width : Synthetic Rubber 22mm
Strap Details : Textured on inside. "Nautica" branding on outside
Bezel Material/Direction : Stainless Steel Multi-direction
Number of Dials : Four (Hour-Minute-Second and Red-multifunction dial)
Date Display : Yes
Movement : Japanese Quartz
Bezel Function : Compass degree and 24-hours indicator
Water Resistant : 100m (please ensure crown are securely screwed in)

Official Press Release:
NEW YORK, NY - For immediate release - Nautica Watches charts a new course with the launch of the NSR 103 Tide, Temp Compass. As the name suggests, this new sport watch gauges temperature, tide cycle and geographic direction in a colorful design that’s true to the brand’s heritage. Bold color accents on the dial and the temperature pusher set the stage for a fashionable yet functional time piece that gets you going in the right direction. A fourth hand functions as the compass needle, temperature and tide-scale indicator. Temperature and tide calibrations are aligned in concentric circles on the dial. The temperature is registered in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, while the tide scale measures high, low and half tide. The bi-directional turning top ring carries the compass markings so it’s easy to set to the north position as indicated by the compass needle. The 46mm case is rugged but not overbearing and set on a water resistant synthetic rubber strap. Sport meets function and fashion in the new NSR 103 Tide Temp Compass, a ready-for-adventure timepiece that’s perfect for the active sport watch enthusiast.

ABOUT NAUTICA Founded in 1983, Nautica® is a leading global lifestyle brand ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories to a complete home collection. Nautica® products are refined casual classics inspired and energized by the water that are always crisp, clean and distinct. Today Nautica® is available in more than 75 countries with 265 full price Nautica® branded stores and over 3,000 Nautica branded shop-in-shops worldwide. In 2003, the Company was acquired by VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel and footwear with more than 30 brands. The company’s five largest brands are including The North Face®, Vans®, Wrangler®, Timberland® and Lee®. Other brands include 7 For All Mankind®, Bulwark®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, Ella Moss®, JanSport®, Kipling®, lucy®, Majestic®, Napapijri®, Nautica®, Red Kap®, Reef®, Riders®, Splendid® and Smartwool®. For additional information, please go to www.nautica.com and www.vfc.com.

ABOUT NAUTICA WATCHES Introduced in 1994, Nautica Watches for men and women combine distinctive styling, bold colors and unique design. Inspired by water, the Nautica brand reflects an authentic, active heritage and spirit. Nautica watches embody the best of classic, American style with the latest in technical innovation. For more information, please visit www.nauticawatches.com

Note: This Nautica TTC is sponsored by Nautica Malaysia via their official distributor. Expected to be launched on May 1, 2015 and retailing at RM949, available at :

1. Watch Engine 1 Utama - T: 03-7722 1002 
2. Hang Thai, Bangsar Shopping Village, KL - T : 03-22828832 
3. Time Galaxy, Sunway Pyramid, Selangor - T: 03-5631 8533 
4. Swiss Time, Imperial Mall, Miri, Sarawak - T: 085-422993 
5. Swiss Time, Bintang Mall, Miri, Sarawak T : 085-429928 6. CP Time, Imperial City Mall, Miri, Sarawak T : 085-426993.

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Nautica Malaysia or their Authorized Distributor Company.