Hands-On With Three New And Improved Nezumi Aviera GMT Models
I was all ears when news broke that Stockholm-based brand Nezumi would be releasing optimized versions of its Aviera GMT. About a year ago, I had the chance to go hands-on with the second generation of the popular Swedish brand’s travel watch and thoroughly enjoyed that. Back then, I reviewed the Aviera GMT as part of the brand’s Adventure Pack, a stylish trio of tool watches that could be perfect travel companions. This time, we get a third-generation trio of Aviera GMTs, each featuring an optimized case and crystal. On top of that, two of them are limited editions that take a step away from the Rolex Explorer II look that defined the Aviera up until now. This is more than enough reason to find out more.
Last week, I returned to Fratello HQ after spending two weeks in beautiful Croatia for some much-needed time off. As soon as I got back to the office, the new Nezumi Aviera GMT models landed on my desk. It always makes for a pleasant return to work when I have some great watches to welcome me back! At first glance, the regular Aviera looked just like the one I reviewed last year, so I immediately gravitated toward the two limited editions. The first has an off-white lume dial, and the second is a black DLC version with a few colorful details. But after I read the provided info about the three new models, I knew there was more to the story of the regular Aviera. It made things even more interesting.
The story of the new Nezumi Aviera GMT
Let’s kick things off with a look at the new design of all three versions. The biggest change is an optimization of the case and the sapphire crystal. The previous version had a 40mm case with an equally sized bezel. For the third generation, Nezumi kept the diameter the same but gave the case a slightly smaller 39mm bezel. The 47mm lug-to-lug length has carried over from the previous generation.
The second-generation Aviera’s case had a 12mm profile, excluding the 1.5mm-thick domed sapphire crystal. For the new Aviera, the Nezumi designers reduced the thickness to 11.35mm and added a vintage-shaped 1.95mm-thick sapphire crystal. This brings the total thickness to 13.3, shaving off 0.2mm.
That might not seem like a lot, but the magic is in the feeling you get when seeing and wearing the watch. The combination of the thinner case, reduced bezel, and differently shaped crystal works miracles. It creates an inherently different watch that also wears a lot better.
Some things have stayed the same
Nezumi still uses the Miyota 9075 caliber inside the Aviera GMT’s case. This automatic movement operates at 28,800vph and offers 42 hours of power reserve. Many microbrands use the Miyota 9075, as it is one of the few widely available flyer-style GMT calibers. I have had the pleasure of reviewing multiple watches with it, and thankfully, it seems to be reliable. For a travel watch, it also makes perfect sense since the local-hour hand is independently adjustable.
According to Miyota, the official accuracy is -10/+30 seconds per day, which is nothing remarkable. But from experience, we know that it typically runs more accurately with some slight adjustments. A great example is the Nodus Contrail, which is regulated to ±8 seconds per day. This shows the caliber’s great potential and makes it the perfect GMT movement for affordable watches from smaller brands, like the Nezumi Aviera.
The three versions of the updated Nezumi Aviera GMT
Let’s take a look at the three latest offerings. The first is the regular-production model (ref. AA3.102) that’s in line with the previous generations. The case features a fixed stainless steel bezel with an engraved 24-hour GMT scale in black. It also houses a matte black dial with cream-colored numerals and indexes.
The syringe-style hour and minute hands and a thin seconds hand also contain cream-colored lume, which glows blue. An oversized arrow-shaped GMT hand completes the set and features yellow lume that glows green.
Finishing the look is a Jubilee-style bracelet with a folding push-button clasp. This well-made Colin 2.2 bracelet feels sturdy and wraps nicely around the wrist.
Pleasingly, the clasp features a toolless micro-adjustment system, making it easy to size the bracelet perfectly. I have to say that Nezumi did a great job updating this standard Aviera, making it objectively better than its predecessor.
The two limited editions
The first of the two limited-edition models (ref. AA3.302) has a cream-colored full-lume dial matched with black numerals and markers and a black skeletonized handset. This creates a completely different aesthetic, stepping away from the Explorer II styling cues that characterize the regular black-dial model. The watch comes with the brand’s off-white Malta rubber strap that matches the dial color.
From the moment I saw this new version, I was impressed by its looks. It is a simple colorway, but it works extremely well. Plus, the full-lume dial is an absolute treat in the dark, glowing a pleasant shade of light blue.
The second limited edition (ref. AA3.133) has a black DLC case and bezel with an engraved green GMT scale. This version’s matte black dial and the handset resemble the regular-production model but have some green touches. The depth rating on the lower part of the dial is green, just like the large GMT hand and the markings on the 24-hour bezel.
Lastly, the watch comes with a green Malta rubber strap equipped with a black buckle, finishing the overall aesthetic in style. The two limited editions will be produced in a limited run of 300 pieces that are not individually numbered.
Wearing the trio of new Nezumi Aviera GMT models
On the wrist, these new Avieras reveal how good they are. The limited editions are fresh takes on the Aviera I love. By introducing these two new models, the immediate visual association with the Explorer II has faded, allowing them to stand independently. The new case looks and feels more elegant and has a slightly more retro feel, which I love.
It makes wearing the watches an absolute joy. The previous Aviera could sometimes feel slightly chunky, but the new Aviera never gave me that feeling. Another thing I appreciate is that the two limited-edition models have a distinct look. While my pick would be the lume-dial version, the black DLC-coated one has plenty of charm to win you over. We also played around with swapping out the straps of these LEs, and both ended up being quite versatile.
A better watch than before
The standard third-generation Aviera GMT feels like a great step forward compared to the previous model. It is more refined, sleeker, and even more comfortable. I have to compliment Nezumi for updating the Aviera so cleverly, making it an objectively better watch. That’s why I would 100% recommend that you check out any of the three latest models if you are looking for an affordable GMT.
The regular-production model will be available for €636 on the five-row Colin 2.2 bracelet, €589 on a Hunt leather or Juno canvas strap, and €576 on a Malta FKM rubber strap. The two limited editions come on a Malta rubber strap for €576, and all prices are excluding VAT, duties, and import taxes but include free shipping. Given the brand’s popularity and the attractiveness of these two watches, I expect the two LEs to sell out quickly.
I appreciate how smart Nezumi is about updating its existing models and adding standout limited editions. In a world of affordable GMTs, the new Nezumi Aviera stands out for several reasons. Some of them are practical, while others are stylistic, but they have led to a great trio of watches that thoroughly impressed me for the short time we had them in the office.
For more information, visit the official Nezumi website. Also, tell us which of the three models you like best in the comments section.
This is a partnership post. Read about our transparency here.
