The
Nodus Sector II Dive GMT represents a significant step forward for the Los Angeles-based microbrand, Nodus. Founded by lifelong friends Wes and Cullen, Nodus has always been driven by a passion for watches and a commitment to creating functional, well-designed timepieces. The company name itself, "Nodus," meaning a node or intersection of pathways in Latin, reflects their philosophy that life's experiences, passions, and ambitions shape who we are. This philosophy is at the core of their design process, with the idea to build watches for important things in life.
Nodus operates as a research and design laboratory. Their main goal is to constantly improve and find new ways to make cost-effective upgrades to outdated or imperfect features. The development of the Sector series displays this approach. The Sector concept, introduced by Nodus, is based on the idea that a well-designed watch platform can be both versatile and functional. The "Sector" name comes from the "sector dial" design, which is divided into sections by printing, texture, and finishing, making it adaptable to various watch types. This versatility is a core principle of the Sector series, allowing it to fit comfortably on wrists of all ages and sizes.
Courtesy of Nodus
The original Sector Dive was always envisioned to include a second time zone. This is finally achievable with the TMI movement, which offers the perfect cost-effective option. In 2024, Nodus made significant improvements to the Sector platform, upgrading the entire line. The result is a thinner, more comfortable, and versatile case and lug design, offering a lot of design flexibility. The Sector II Dive GMT maintains a thickness of 11.9mm, only slightly thicker than its non-GMT counterparts. The watch features a new box-style crystal with anti-reflective coating that subtly curves internally, improving readability both above and below water.
The caseback of the Sector II Dive GMT is made of solid stainless steel and features the new infinite-ripple logo of the Sector Family. It’s paired with a four-stage fully decoupling crown system, guaranteeing water resistance up to 100 meters, which is a common level that Nodus exceeds in their testing. The bezel features a unidirectional 120-click system, delivering precise and clear movement and a sturdy construction. Luminous markers on the dial and hands ensure exceptional visibility in low-light conditions.
Courtesy of Nodus
One of the key features introduced in the Sector II Dive GMT is the new unidirectional piston-system bezel mechanism. This system utilizes a uniform suspension matrix, a planar dampening plate, and a locking piston. This design ensures precise and firm bezel rotation while minimizing debris buildup, making the watch ideal for dusty, dirty, and humid environments. The bezel is available in either brushed stainless steel or matte black DLC stainless steel, and features a luminous pip. The bezel design includes two levels of crosshatch knurling on both the bezel and crown for a better grip in various conditions. The bezel extends 2 millimeters beyond the 38mm case, increasing the perceived size to 40mm, while maintaining a versatile fit for different wrist sizes.
The Sector II Dive GMT is powered by the TMI NH34 Automatic GMT movement. This "caller-style" GMT movement operates at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours when fully wound. Nodus meticulously regulates each movement in-house to an accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per day. The stepped Sector dial design easily accommodates the four-hand stack of the GMT movement while keeping the Sector Dive's design DNA, including the placement of the date window at 4:30.
Courtesy of Nodus
The Nodus Sector II Dive GMT is available in three distinct colorways, each drawing inspiration from the ocean. The "Horizon" variant features a vibrant yellow-to-orange gradient dial, evoking the imagery of a sunset over the ocean. The "Tidal" model showcases a
Deep Blue matte gradient dial, inspired by the changing colors of the tides. The "Seafoam" edition, a returning favorite, boasts a glossy fumé enamel sector dial with a green hue, reminiscent of the ocean's churn and incorporating 1980s pastel aesthetics.
The visual appeal of these watches starts with their cases, crafted from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel. The blend of brushed and polished surfaces on the case adds a sense of refinement. The 40mm bezel width and 38mm case width provide a presence on the wrist without being overpowering. The color gradients are smooth. The hands, designed with clarity in mind, are well-proportioned and feature a generous application of Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A, which glows blue in low light. The GMT hand, distinguished by a different color on each model, adds functionality without cluttering the dial.
Courtesy of Nodus
The unidirectional bezel, essential for any diver's watch, is designed for easy operation. The knurling on the bezel provides a secure grip, even with wet hands or gloves. The markers, both on the bezel and the dial, are crisp and legible. The date window, discreetly positioned at the 4:30 mark, blends into the dial without disrupting the overall symmetry.
The bracelet is crafted from stainless steel in a three-link style and tapers elegantly from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the clasp. This design contributes to a comfortable fit on the wrist. The bracelet also features quick-release spring bars, allowing for easy strap changes without the need for specialized tools. The inclusion of Nodus's proprietary NodeX™ clasp is a standout feature. This clasp, milled from surgical-grade stainless steel, allows for on-the-fly micro-adjustments. With five locking positions offering a total of 10mm of adjustment, wearers can easily fine-tune the fit of the bracelet throughout the day, ensuring maximum comfort. The NodeX™ clasp is not only functional but also adds to the overall aesthetic with its sleek, brushed finish.
Courtesy of Nodus
The Sector II Dive GMT will be priced at $525 USD for the stainless steel bezel option and $550 USD for the DLC bezel option. The watches are scheduled to be available for purchase on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 9 AM PST, exclusively through the Nodus website (www.noduswatches.com). This release marks the second line in the Sector Family to receive the second-generation architecture updates, with the remaining families expected to receive their updates in the near future.
Case: 316L surgical-grade stainless steel. 40mm bezel width, 38mm case width, 11.9mm thickness, 47mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. Fully Decoupled Four-Stage Screw-Down Crown. Box sapphire crystal with blue anti-reflective coating on the underside. 100 Meters water resistance.
Movement: TMI NH34 Caller-Style GMT. Regulated in-house to ±10 seconds per day. 21,600 VPH. Power Reserve of ~42 hours.
Dial: Stepped Sector style dial. Available in Horizon (yellow-to-orange gradient), Tidal (blue matte gradient), and Seafoam (green glossy fumé enamel). Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A (blue glow). 4:30 date window.
Strap: Three-link style stainless steel bracelet. 20mm tapers to 16mm. Proprietary NodeX™ Clasp with five locking positions. Quick-release spring bars.
Price: $525 USD (stainless steel bezel) or $550 USD (DLC bezel).
Notes: Features a new unidirectional piston-system bezel mechanism. Designed and assembled in Los Angeles. Second generation of the Sector II Architecture.