DeSanders Voyage
One of the most unique and compelling takes on the NH34 powered GMT comes from Norwegian brand DeSanders. And let me tell you that this is completely unlike anything I have ever faced in the sub 1000$ category. This raises the question: is the Voyage as good as it seems, or will it be a disappointment on wrist?
DESIGN
No doubt that this is a spectacular looking watch. The dial consists of layers upon layers of goodness. A wavy pattern at the bottom, makes up a great base that you get to enjoy at the correct angle. In the middle, you get Earth from a North Pole perspective, with DeSanders’ homeland of Norway towards six o’clock. Directly surrounding the globe, you find a two-tone GMT track. The hour and minute tracks come on separate rings. Pretty spectacular.
The dial is followed up by some fantastic hands with “boxes” to frame in the time. Incredibly cool when they point directly at a number, still pretty cool in between.
You might think that all the thought went in to the dial? No, not at all. The case is full of facets and angles that perfectly harmonize with the complex dial.
A tour de force design-wise.
MOVEMENT
Initially, I was set back by the choice of an NH34 movement. While I thoroughly enjoy the movement, it felt strange in an 800$ dressy timepiece. My opinion, however, has shifted. Any Swiss GMT would push the price well over 1000$ and that’s just too expensive for most people. The NH34 keeps the watch reasonably priced, while it’s both reliable and a bit precise.
BUILD QUALITY
Quite possible what I was most worried about before I got to properly check out the Voyage. This thing could have sucked. It could have looked fantastic from afar, while being jangly and dusty and unimpressive up close. Honestly, though, I have absolutely no complaints. The dial is pristine, the case work is impeccable, and it feels just as good as you would demand at this price point.
STRAP
The DeSanders Voyage comes shipped with three different straps. Two of which are leather straps, with the third being of a sailcloth variety. I tend to choose the sailcloth one, but all are good choices. The straps come equipped with each their own butterfly clasp of high quality.
X-FACTOR
Have you ever seen anything like this one at close to this price? Neither have I. The combination of a groundbreaking design and great build quality, means that I have no worries recommending this GMT to fellow enthusiasts. It is a bit more expensive than most other NH34 powered watches, but I think that it also is quite a bit better than most of them.