NODUS
Sector Deep DLC-Destro
The Sector Deep is a prime example of engineering meeting the requirements of the end user and giving it bullet proof specs at the edge of that engineering. From Nodus' case design to the over sized bezel the look is strictly business and I mean that in a sketchy way. The Sector Deep appears at first glance as if it has has surfaced from the depths for our viewing pleasure and its here to serve a purpose. There's something special about it that just screams sub surface. It could be the DLC Black coating that is of a Matte finish giving it unparalleled depth or maybe the presence of the overhanging bezel surrounding the deep set dial and indices giving it unparalleled contrast. Either way we are about to dive into the Nodus Sector Deep DLC Destro so hang on.
Short History on NODUS
Nodus was established in 2017 and is one of the leading RND watch companies based in LA. They pride themselves on producing durable watches and components meant for rigorous use. It doesn't take long on their website to understand what they are all about by the appearance of their watches and the specifications they have to back their looks. Nodus designs and builds watches clearly with form and function in mind to ensure a over efficient package. The Nodus Sector Deep is a perfect example of that. Their supply chain is run out of California where each one of their watches are assembled, regulated and tested in their own workshops.
What is NODUS? It represents a multitude of roads that cross, intertwine and merge throughout life. Throughout life it is those experiences, passions, and ambitions you have that define who you are. With that being said you can tell NODUS as a company has grown and perfected its craft leading to some really outstanding watches ready for the modern day warrior, watch enthusiast, adventurer or desk driver.
Mission Statement
“Nodus is committed to designing and building the best wrist watches through rigorous testing of innovative manufacturing techniques” - NODUS
Initial Impressions
The Sector Deep was slid across a coffee table in North Buffalo to me; I opened the mini pelican case and immediately was greeted by a power house of a watch. It had such a presence. At first glance I couldn't believe how well the DLC was done and that it held such a matte finish. As I picked up the watch I felt the weight of the piece not overbearing but it had presence which felt reassuring. Its the sweet spot between too heavy and functional robustness. The shape of the case felt comfortable in hand and I eventually felt my self holding it by the bezel. I was curious with the over hang—I had seen nothing like it. Its mix of color was executed very well. The DLC black throughout the case and bezel was matched perfectly with a subtle change on the dual function bezel. The markings on bezel being a crisp white contrast well with the rest of the bezel and watch overall, with small red dots around the bezel at each 5 minute marker. Looking down through the Sapphire Crystal with a blue undercoating, it caught the light brilliantly but not in a way that obstructs view but gives you a sense of looking through a gentle blue into the depths of the ocean. The indices are very well done aiding in proper orientation and not letting the date at the 6 o'clock affect the layout. The printed text on the dial is very well done and the colors again match perfectly and give you a sense of pride Nodus takes in their watches. There's something beautiful in the simplicity although one might originally think this watch is busy its very well proportioned and symmetrical which gives you the feeling of clarity.
On The Wrist
Once on the wrist and that double push button deployment clasp closes you feel strapped in for any adventure, whether it be in the water or on land. The bracelet is comfortable and does not pull on any hair. The Proprietary NodeX dive extension prepares you for wearing this piece over a wet suit or just to alleviate some pressure on the wrist as your wrist expands throughout a hot summer day. I was thoroughly impressed in the quality of the NodeX button and gliding system. There is also a quick release style spring bar at the watch head that will undoubtedly make this watch a strap monster. Once secured and wrist rolled over you get to look back down at that rugged presentation of a tool watch again. It is no doubt a dive watch, a tool and not something that's just pretending to be something its not with a dive time bezel. Too often we are shown dive watches that seem to be cookie made by a cutter and pressed out of a mold shared by many different companies. This Sector Deep's case being a 38mm with a 42mm overhanging bezel is in your face to give you the information you need but also easy to fade away with the DLC making it all blend together.
Speaking of bezel that is what makes this watch truly unique. It overhangs the case giving you more than enough purchase while also acting as a crown guard. The teeth are done aggressive but not too aggressive that you feel like your shirt cuff is going to get shredded. The shape is interesting too almost plate like with a small bevel upwards towards the teeth. The dive time is done in great font and contrast well to the background. The bezel is also loaded with Super-LumiNova adding to incredible low light legibility. The inner dual purpose is equally as impressive which serves its purpose well for those longer dives or maybe even as a quick back up GMT. Looking through the Sapphire Crystal that is relatively flat with an exception of the outer perimeter being beveled down towards the bezel you can see that deep blue AR undercoating at certain angles but does not affect legibility of the dial. It reminds me of looking into a underwater Colosseum.
The Indices have been tapered ever so slightly to fit into the chapter ring. I know what your thinking “Pelagos”. That's not this watch. Its a stepped chapter ring with individual homes for each hour marker. The chapter ring for minutes adorns the top edge just under the Crystal and is very legible for timing down to the second. The dial itself is a matte black that still catches light faintly and has depth. The edges of the dial around the circumference are sloped away from the center. The indices at 12, 3 and 9 are tapered slab like monoliths of lume laid into cut outs of the chapter ring. All indices are loaded with Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade A. The 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11 are square shaped. The 6 o'clock is a half square below the date and the 12 o'clock is a split slab which assist in orientation. Moving to the center of the dial you meet a white hand set that is a simple three hand layout. The hour hand is very cathedral style mixed with a syringe which differs from the long arrow minute hand which stretches all the way to the chapter ring giving you accuracy. The second hand is thin and paddle like with a small rectangle towards the chapter ring aiding you in low light second timing.
The Branding is printed in all white capitals “NODUS” at the 12 with “SECTOR” in smaller font just bellow. Moving down towards the 6 you have the dive rating which is a red text matching the dots on the bezel which reads “DEEP” and states a tough “500” meter dive rating in white just below setting it apart from other models in the Sector Deep line up. Now at the 6 o'clock your met with a contrasting date window. Rectangular in shape with beveled edges it leads the eye to the white text on a black background.
The case of the Sector Deep is as mentioned above 38mm! For me that's a sweet spot, it fits the majority of wrist sizes without feeling to small or too big. Having the 42mm bezel does not have the feeling I thought it would. My original thoughts where it will feel top heavy or off balance. Boy was I wrong. The bracelet and case work flawlessly together to keep this feat of engineering close to your wrist and very streamlined. That old saying don't judge a book by its cover definitely applies here. The DLC is something I am fairly new too but am very impressed by. NODUS has made a blacked out dive watch that I believe meets all the needs of a diver with specifications, clarity, and has a overall dare I say tactical appeal?
Lastly they crown. “Destro”, a fancy Italian term that almost sounds maniacal, meaning the crown is on the left. I wont lie: it took a moment to get used to it considering I have never handled such a design before. I can say after wearing the watch for a little under two weeks I am a fan and this NODUS Sector Deep is in danger of joining my collection. The crown did not dig into my wrist while riding a bike or doing push-ups, and that was a new experience for me. The crown is screw down (of course) that is knurled and has a sweet engraving which is a red arrow to match the other accents that reads “Lock". Very cool. The threads seem endless and the feeling it gives you is security. Once that crown is threaded completely in it gives you the sense of security we all look for in dive watches. While using the crown switching between complication the sector deep gives off audible click of security and function as the date rolls over very well gliding through midnight to the next day. Inside the watch is the proven Seiko NH35 a workhorse movement perfectly enclosed in a tough exterior. The movement holds a 41 HR power reserve and +/- 10 seconds a day regulated by NODUS.
Final Thoughts
The NODUS Sector Deep DLC Destro is one hell of a watch that I believe deserves the title Sketchy. It is ready to join you on any form of adventure with a backing of incredible engineering and specifications as stated above. It gives you this feeling that watches rarely do for me and that's the “I've got our back” that feeling when you can throw the watch on, set the time, and step off on a amphibious beach recce at night or maybe working on a offshore oil rig under water? Regardless of your lifestyle this watch is definitely a winner in my books. Head on over to NODUS website and browse their collection you wont be disappointed.
Id like to finish by giving a big “Thank You” to Jacob for lending me this watch to review it was a pleasure meeting you in Buffalo and I look forward to working together in the future for many more reviews.
I hope you all have enjoyed this review.
As Always,
Stay Sketchy
Derek