Nuun Official x Vasco Costa N200

The Nuun Official x Vasco Costa N200 represents a unique merging of horological functionality and artistic expression. This limited-edition timepiece, a result of the second collaboration between Nuun Official and the artist Vasco Costa, offers a distinct aesthetic that shifts dramatically between daylight and darkness. The watch showcases how functional design can coexsist with daring artistic flair.



The N200 builds upon Nuun Official's established N200 diver watch platform, injecting it with Costa's characteristic artistic style. The watch is immediately recognizable, departing from conventional diver watch aesthetics with its playful and somewhat whimsical design. While adhering to the functional requirements of a dive watch, it simultaneously presents itself as a canvas for Costa's unique artwork, making it a piece that stands out both in a collection and on the wrist.



The dimensions of the watch, 40.5mm in diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug, provide a substantial yet wearable presence. This sizing strikes a balance, offering enough wrist presence to be noticed without being overly bulky, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes and preferences. The case is constructed from 316L stainless steel, a common choice in watchmaking for its corrosion resistance and durability. However, Nuun Official has further enhanced the case with a titanium gray coating, adding a level of scratch resistance, and a darker, more tactical look.



Inside the N200 beats the Seiko NH35A automatic movement. This workhorse movement is well-regarded for its reliability and robustness. It's a self-winding movement, meaning it harnesses the motion of the wearer's wrist to power the watch, eliminating the need for batteries. The NH35A is a popular choice for microbrands and independent watchmakers due to its dependable performance and ease of service, ensuring that the N200 is not only visually appealing but also mechanically sound.



The dial of the N200 is where Vasco Costa's artistic influence truly shines. During the day, the dial presents a clean, white surface adorned with hand-sketched illustrations. These sketches, seemingly simple at first glance, depict various elements referencing island life and Arabian heritage. This minimalist aesthetic provides excellent legibility, a crucial factor for any watch, but particularly for a dive watch. The use of hand-sketched artwork gives the dial a personal touch, setting it apart from the more sterile dials often found in this category.



The true magic of the N200's dial, however, is revealed in the dark. The hand-sketched details are rendered in luminous material, causing them to glow brightly. This transformation turns the dial into a vibrant, almost neon-like display, showcasing a playful array of shapes and symbols. The luminous application is not merely functional; it's an integral part of the watch's artistic expression, allowing it to have a dual personality that changes with the ambient light.



The N200 boasts a water resistance of 200 meters, a standard rating for dive watches, signifying its capability to withstand the pressures encountered during diving and other water-related activities. This level of water resistance is a testament to the watch's robust construction and its suitability for an active lifestyle, not just as a piece of art. It reinforces the idea that this is a watch designed to be worn and used, not just admired.



The watch comes equipped with a Caoutchouc rubber strap, known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to water, saltwater, and UV radiation. This makes it an ideal choice for a watch intended for use in and around water. Additionally, Nuun Official includes an extra glow-in-the-dark strap, further emphasizing the watch's playful nature and providing the wearer with options to customize the look. The strap also features the 'DirtResist' nanotech from their Nanoband technology to allow for more usage and not get damaged.



Nuun Official's commitment to durability and innovation is showcased through the use of several specialized materials. Carbon X, commonly found in aerospace and automotive racing, is incorporated for its exceptional strength and longevity, ensuring the watch can withstand demanding conditions. The 'DirtResist' Nanotech rubber strap highlights the brand's dedication to creating modern, practical timepieces. Sapphire crystal, renowned for its scratch resistance, protects the dial, maintaining the watch's clarity and aesthetic appeal over time.



Nuun Official, as the first Middle Eastern watch brand, prides itself on embodying the spirit of innovation and adventure. The brand's mission is to create bold, high-quality watches that reflect the dynamic culture of the Arabian Gulf. Their watches are designed not just to tell time, but to serve as companions for those who embrace both planned adventures and spontaneous explorations. Nuun's in house design, assembly, and quality control reflect a high standard.



Vasco Costa, the collaborating artist, brings his distinctive style, rooted in simple aesthetics, strong outlines, and vibrant colors, to the N200. His inspirations, drawn from Portuguese culture and ancient Asian art, are subtly integrated into the watch's design, adding layers of cultural reference to the piece. This collaboration underscores Nuun Official's willingness to explore unconventional design paths, blurring the lines between functional tool and wearable art.



The assembly process takes place at Nuun Official's headquarters in Bahrain, where skilled professionals utilize advanced tools and techniques in a controlled environment. This in-house approach, encompassing design, technical development, assembly, and packaging, allows Nuun Official to maintain a high level of quality control and ensure that each watch meets their exacting standards. It's a testament to their commitment to blending traditional watchmaking principles with modern innovation.



The 36-month warranty offered by Nuun Official reflects their confidence in the materials and craftsmanship of the N200. It covers malfunctions arising from material or workmanship defects, providing buyers with peace of mind. The warranty excludes damage from inappropriate use, as well as wear and tear on components like the battery (though this watch is automatic), crystal, case, and strap.



The limited-edition nature of the N200, with only 55 pieces available, adds to its collectibility and exclusivity. This scarcity can make the watch more desirable to those who appreciate unique and limited-production timepieces. The exclusivity also reflects the collaborative nature of the project and the detailed, hand-crafted elements incorporated into the design.



The glow in the dark elements of the N200, going back to the visual aspect, provide a whimsical aesthetic. The watch is almost making itself look like a drawing out of a child's notebook with the hand drawn look. It's fun, and when the lights go out, you can still tell the time, but now the shapes Vasco drew are illuminated, making it almost seem like the watch has a personality of it's own.



The Nuun Official x Vasco Costa N200 is priced at $848.00 USD. Its availability is restricted due to its limited-edition status, with only 55 pieces produced. Potential buyers will likely need to act quickly to secure one of these unique timepieces, as they are a limited run. The watch can be purchased directly from Nuun Official's website.



Case: 40.5mm x 46mm. 316L stainless steel with titanium gray coating. Water resistant to 200m.

Movement: Seiko NH35A Automatic. Self-winding.

Dial: White with hand-sketched luminous details. Transforms into a fully luminous display in the dark.

Strap: Caoutchouc rubber strap. Additional glow-in-the-dark strap included. Features 'DirtResist' Nanotech.

Price: $848.00 USD

Notes: Limited edition of 55 pieces. Second collaboration between Nuun Official and artist Vasco Costa. Assembled in Bahrain.