NOMAD

Estimated Release Date: March 2026

THE JOURNEY

100 years ago, American Explorer Roy Chapman Andrews began exploratory efforts in the Gobi Desert - a largely uncharted territory - and led to discoveries that would change our understanding of the natural world. Through harsh terrain, political instability, and impossible logistical hurdles, his teams collected thousands of samples, marking a golden era for paleontology in the region.

In 1930, the campaign came to an abrupt close as Andrews ventured North into dangerous, politically contested regions and was forced to end the fruitful explorations of the Gobi Desert. Andrews’ efforts paved the way for a new era of science and greater understanding of our planet, the human race, and proved once again that grit and determination are the backbone of science and discovery. It is believed that Andrews himself inspired the character Indiana Jones - from his wide-brimmed hat to a revolver on his hip, a background in scientific academia, and an uncanny knack for storytelling - it’s easy to see the connection.

A century since Andrews began exploring the region, a group of 30 explorers and scientists mounted on camels to complete his journey through the northern regions. RCA Society Board member Bob Atwater led the RC Andrews Legacy Camel Expedition, and on his and 15 explorers’ wrists was the Nomad. This dual-time, compass-equipped sports watch was designed specifically for this journey, and now that the journey has ended, valuable feedback has been relayed back to us to craft the perfect watch made for exploration.

THE FEEDBACK

“I kept an intermittent account on how the watches performed at our various scientific research sites and during our off-road extreme travel conditions to our various base camps where we operated from. Our watches were used throughout the two weeks we lived in the Gobi Desert. They performed amazingly well under extreme heat temperatures that reached as high as 124 degrees Fahrenheit, during several very strong rain storms, three strong wind/sand storms along with other unexpected conditions. All of the watches performed magnificently and were the highlight souvenir for all 15 of us who had the honor of wearing and testing them. On behalf of my expedition leaders, we personally give the watch our highest field tested rating.”

-Bob Atwater, Expedition Leader

THE PRODUCTION-SPEC NOMAD

Using direct feedback provided by the RC Andrews Legacy Camel Expedition explorers themselves, the following changes will be implemented on the production-spec Nomad:

• A bi-directional bezel to enhance usability in navigation and timing tasks
• Update dial design with more prominent markers at the cardinal positions
• Improve overall legibility with thicker black outlines around indices
• Apply lume more generously for improved visibility in low-light conditions and change to blue-color lume
• Retain the compass bezel but distinguish the North indicator with a triangle marker and a different color to clearly differentiate it from other directional points
• A date function at the four o’clock position
• Instead of metal bracelet, include on rubber single-pass strap
• Two dial color options: a) Original tan Expedition / Field-Tested colorway, and b) a Hi-Vis orange colorway for optimal legibility

To round out the package, the caseback will adorn the Roy Chapman Andrews Legacy Expedition graphic, with “Official Timekeeper” and “Field Tested” text to show its pedigree. Each caseback will be individually numbered.

WAITLIST AND ORDERING

The Nomad is currently in production with estimated delivery of Q1 2026. Orders will open up closer to the delivery date. Sign up the waitlist below to get notified first when ordering opens.

UNITY II

Target Release Date: Late 2026

The next-generation Unity is currently in development and will mark a significant departure in design from the outgoing model. The core identity of 36.5mm size and nature-inspired elements will remain.