Nodus Sector II Field Titanium

Nodus, a watch company rooted in the enthusiasm of its founders, has introduced a compelling new iteration of its popular Sector series: the Sector II Field Titanium. This release marks a significant step for the brand, incorporating lightweight titanium into their lineup for the first time, while staying true to the utilitarian principles of classic field watches. The Sector II Field Titanium is presented not merely as a time-telling device, but as a robust companion designed for modern-day exploration, drawing inspiration from the essential gear used in demanding historical contexts.



The story of Nodus began in Los Angeles, California, driven by the shared passion of Wesley Kwok and Cullen Chen. Both were avid watch collectors with a particular appreciation for the functional design and durability of vintage and modern tool watches, especially divers. Their foundational goal for Nodus was clear: to create exceptionally well-built tool watches that remained financially accessible, bringing high-quality timepieces within reach of a broader audience of enthusiasts who value performance and solid construction.



A defining characteristic of Nodus's operations is its commitment to domestic assembly. Every Nodus watch is assembled, meticulously tested, and precisely regulated in their Los Angeles facility. This hands-on approach provides Nodus with exacting control over the quality and performance of each watch that ships to a customer. Furthermore, it represents a deliberate effort to contribute to the revitalization of American watchmaking, an industry that held global prominence before the quartz crisis significantly diminished its scale.



This dedication to quality craftsmanship and fair pricing quickly earned Nodus a dedicated following within the microbrand watch community. Collectors recognized the value proposition offered – rugged, reliable watches without exorbitant price tags. Beyond the products themselves, Nodus cultivated a reputation for excellent customer service and actively supported the broader microbrand ecosystem, understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats in this niche but passionate segment of the watch world.



Nodus's commitment to the microbrand community materialized further in 2021 with the launch of the Intersect watch show. Conceived by Nodus, this event provides a dedicated platform for showcasing the innovation and diversity of microbrands. It serves as a vital meeting point for collectors to discover new releases, interact directly with brand founders, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Intersect has experienced rapid growth, now enjoying backing from Nodus alongside other respected brands like Formex and Jack Mason, solidifying its place as a key event in the independent watch calendar.



Understanding the power of shared knowledge, Nodus established its Design Lab. This initiative fosters collaboration by sharing design concepts and technological advancements with other brands, independent designers, and the collector community itself. This open approach aims not only to inspire unique Nodus releases but also to stimulate progress and innovation across the independent watchmaking landscape, promoting a spirit of collective improvement rather than guarded secrecy.



Pushing the technical envelope is the mandate of NodeX, Nodus's dedicated research and development division. Although relatively young, NodeX is focused on exploring and implementing tangible improvements in watch construction and functionality. Its efforts have already yielded advancements in areas such as bezel mechanisms, crown tube designs, unique crystal shaping, and notably, innovative micro-adjustment clasp extensions, demonstrating a commitment to practical enhancements that benefit the wearer's experience.



From its origins as a passion project between two enthusiasts, Nodus has matured in less than a decade into a significant presence. The company balances the production of dependable, affordable tool watches with genuine contributions to watch development and community building, establishing itself as a respected name not just for its products, but for its holistic approach to the watch world.



The Sector II Field Titanium draws its core inspiration directly from the hardy, no-nonsense wristwatches issued to soldiers. These historical timepieces were indispensable tools, critical for coordination and timing in challenging environments. The Sector II Field Titanium channels this legacy of reliability and straightforward functionality, translating it into a watch built to withstand the rigors of contemporary adventures, whether navigating urban landscapes or exploring off-grid trails.



Marking a first for Nodus, the Sector II Field utilizes Grade 2 titanium for its case construction. This material choice offers several distinct advantages: it's significantly lighter than stainless steel, boasts high corrosion resistance, and is hypoallergenic, making it comfortable for wearers with metal sensitivities. While titanium is inherently softer and more susceptible to scratches than steel, Nodus addresses this by applying a specialized hard coating to the case surface, aiming to enhance its durability and minimize the appearance of everyday wear.



The watch is built upon the updated Sector II case platform, which underwent careful re-engineering to achieve a notably slim profile. Measuring 38mm in diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, and just 11.7mm in thickness, it stands as one of the thinnest watch designs housing a Seiko NH-series automatic movement. This slimness is achieved without sacrificing robustness, as the watch maintains a practical 100 meters of water resistance. The case features primarily brushed surfaces, consistent with its tool watch nature, and includes a fixed bezel, reinforcing its focus on time-telling simplicity. The overall weight of the watch head is a mere 45 grams, contributing significantly to its wearability.



A key element enabling the slim case profile is the use of a box-shaped sapphire crystal. This design allows the dial and hands to sit higher, nesting partially within the cavity of the crystal itself, compared to more conventional flat or slightly domed crystals. This efficient use of space not only contributes to the reduced overall thickness but also lends the watch a distinct, somewhat vintage-inspired look while providing the superior scratch resistance expected of sapphire. An anti-reflective coating applied to the underside of the crystal minimizes glare and enhances dial legibility in various lighting conditions.



Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, sufficient for swimming, snorkeling, and general exposure to the elements encountered during most adventures. This level of protection is supported by the inclusion of a screw-down crown, which helps ensure the integrity of the case seal against water ingress. The crown itself is appropriately sized for easy operation and likely features a textured grip.



The Sector II Field Titanium is offered in three distinct dial variations, each providing a different character. The "Marina" features a rich blue dial, the "Sequoia" presents an earthy green dial, and the "Shale" offers a versatile black/grey dial. These color choices align well with the field watch aesthetic, drawing from natural and military-inspired palettes.



Visually, the dials prioritize clarity and legibility, a hallmark of the field watch genre. They feature large, easy-to-read Arabic numerals marking the hours, arranged in a clear 1-12 configuration. An inner ring potentially displays 24-hour markings, further enhancing the military-inspired utility. The hands are straightforward and functional, likely baton-shaped, providing a clear indication of the time without unnecessary ornamentation. The Nodus logo is typically placed below the 12 o'clock position. The matte finish of the titanium case complements the functional look of the dials.



For visibility in low-light conditions, the Sector II Field Titanium utilizes Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A. This high-grade phosphorescent material is applied to the hands and hour markers. BGW9 is known for emitting a bright blue-green glow after being charged by light, ensuring that the time remains readable long after the sun goes down, a crucial feature for any watch intended for versatile use.



Powering the Sector II Field Titanium is the TMI NH38 automatic movement, sourced from Japan. This caliber is part of the widely respected Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) NH family, known for its robustness, reliability, and ease of service. The NH38 is a 'no-date' movement, meaning the dial maintains a clean, symmetrical appearance without a date window aperture, which many enthusiasts prefer for purely time-focused watches like field models.



The technical specifications of the TMI NH38 include 24 jewels, which help reduce friction at critical points within the movement, contributing to its longevity and accuracy. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours when fully wound. The movement also possesses antimagnetic properties, rated at 4800 A/m, providing a degree of protection against the magnetic fields commonly encountered in daily life that can affect timekeeping accuracy.



A significant value addition by Nodus is the in-house regulation of the NH38 movement. While the standard accuracy tolerance for this caliber might be broader, Nodus regulates each movement to achieve an accuracy of approximately +/- 10 seconds per day. This meticulous adjustment process ensures that the watch performs significantly better than its stock specifications might suggest, offering precision closer to that found in more expensive timepieces.



Completing the package is a Gray Hybrid TecTuff® Rubber Strap. TecTuff is known for its enhanced abrasion resistance and durability compared to standard leather or rubber, making it an excellent choice for a watch designed for active use. The hybrid nature likely combines this tough outer layer with a comfortable inner lining. The strap is fitted with a buckle made from titanium, matching the case material for a cohesive look and feel, while also keeping the overall weight down. The 20mm lug width allows for easy strap changes if the owner wishes to customize the look.



The combination of the 38mm diameter, relatively short 47mm lug-to-lug distance, slim 11.7mm profile, and extremely light 45-gram weight (watch head only) makes the Sector II Field Titanium exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. These dimensions cater to a wide range of wrist sizes and ensure the watch wears unobtrusively, easily slipping under cuffs and feeling almost weightless during activity – a direct benefit of the titanium construction.



The Nodus Sector II Field Titanium, available in Marina (Blue), Sequoia (Green), and Shale (Black/Grey) dial options, was offered at a price point of $500.00. Ordering commenced on Wednesday, April 16th, at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, with shipping planned to start on Friday, April 18th. Please note these were the original launch dates and interested buyers should check the Nodus website for current availability. This pricing positions the watch competitively, offering a feature set including a regulated automatic movement, sapphire crystal, and a hard-coated titanium case assembled in the USA at an accessible level for many watch enthusiasts.



Case: Titanium Grade 2 with hard coating. 38mm width x 11.7mm thickness x 47mm lug-to-lug x 20mm lug width. Features a screw-down crown, fixed bezel, and box sapphire crystal with underside blue anti-reflective coating. Water resistance is 100 meters.

Movement: TMI NH38 automatic caliber, originating from Japan. Contains 24 jewels, has a 41-hour power reserve, and offers antimagnetic resistance of 4800 A/m. Regulated by Nodus to +/- 10 seconds per day.

Dial: Options include Marina (Blue), Sequoia (Green), or Shale (Black/Grey). Lume uses Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A.

Strap: Gray Hybrid TecTuff® Rubber Strap fitted with a titanium buckle.

Price: $500.00

Notes: This model marks Nodus's first use of titanium. The Sector II case was specifically redesigned for thinness, achieving 11.7mm. The watch head weighs only 45g and is designed and assembled in Los Angeles.