In comparison with chrome steel, titanium is usually thought-about a premium alloy. When most manufacturers determine to introduce their first titanium watch, it’s typically one in every of their premium fashions that’s chosen to function the inspiration. Nevertheless, relatively than having one in every of its flagship choices debut this well-liked light-weight alloy, the Los Angeles-based unbiased model Nodus has determined to make use of its entry-level Sector assortment, and becoming a member of the lineup for 2025 is the Nodus Sector II Discipline Titanium, which reintroduces a area watch to the model’s catalog with the identical up to date proportions that had been first launched final yr with the up to date Sector II sequence.
Initially launched in 2019, the Nodus Sector assortment spans a various assortment of fashions that every one share the identical basic center case, however in the end take the design in very totally different instructions, starting from the informal and barely elegant Sector GMT to the ultra-rugged Sector Deep with its whopping 500-meter depth score. Final yr in 2024, Nodus began updating its Sector assortment with new “Sector II” fashions which might be characterised by extra slender profiles, and relatively than simply being a titanium model of the unique Sector Discipline, the brand new Nodus Sector II Discipline Titanium incorporates the identical updates to its case proportions to create a extra ergonomic package deal on the wrist.
The case of the Nodus Sector II Discipline Titanium is crafted from grade 2 titanium with a completely matte media-blasted end, and Nodus applies a scratch-resistant coating to the floor of the metallic with a view to additional forestall marks and scuffs. On the wrist, the Sector II Discipline Titanium is noticeably thinner than the model’s authentic Sector Discipline fashions, and it measures 38mm in diameter by 11.7mm thick, with lugs which might be set 20mm aside and prolong to create an total lug-to-lug profile of 47mm. Similar to the unique Sector sequence, the lugs function drilled holes to facilitate strap modifications, though the location of the holes is extra centered on the up to date Sector II fashions, and using titanium helps to lower weight, with the Sector II Discipline Titanium coming in at 44 grams for simply the watch itself, or 60 grams with its included strap.
Massive angular lugs are one of many defining parts of the Nodus Sector sequence, though the up to date Sector II fashions get rid of the faceted inside angles for a barely extra trendy and sporty look. With that in thoughts, similar to the unique Sector sequence, the lugs of the Sector II Discipline Titanium have thick, squared-off ends, and this ends in the mannequin carrying barely bigger within the lug-to-lug route than what you may in any other case count on from its on-paper dimensions. Because of the downward curvature of the lugs, the Nodus Sector II Discipline Titanium nonetheless wears fairly comfortably for somebody like myself with smaller wrists (about 6.5 to six.75 inches in circumference); nonetheless, people with bigger wrists will seemingly respect the thick design of the lugs, as it’ll forestall the watch from feeling too dainty or undersized.
Bezels are one of many key methods Nodus gives its numerous Sector fashions with their very own distinct identities, and the Sector Discipline receives a stepped bezel that provides a barely extra utilitarian look in comparison with the sleek bezel of the Sector Sport sequence. Fitted throughout the stepped bezel is a box-shaped sapphire crystal with blue anti-reflective remedy utilized to its inside floor, and the rim of the crystal incorporates a beveled edge that helps create visible continuity by extending the stepped design of the bezel. Similar to the unique Sector Discipline fashions, the signed winding crown and stable caseback each screw-down to assist assure 100 meters of water resistance, and on the Sector II Discipline Titanium, each elements are rendered in grade 2 titanium with a scratch-resistant coating to match the remainder of its case.
On the time of writing, Nodus gives the Sector II Discipline Titanium in three totally different colorways generally known as “Marina” (blue), “Shale” (black), and “Sequoia” (inexperienced). Apart from showing in several colours, the dials fitted to the three variations in any other case function the identical basic design with a two-layer construction consisting of a raised central part, a recessed ring for the Arabic numeral hour markers, and an elevated chapter ring that incorporates the minute observe. Cutouts within the raised central part present the visible intrigue of a sandwich-style dial, whereas the recessed ring surrounding it’s completed with a matte metallic gradient that nearly makes it seem as if the dial is glowing from behind the raised central part in entrance of it.
Attributable to their mil-spec origins, area watches can typically have relatively bland and uninspiring dials; nonetheless, the dial is definitely the standout function on the Nodus Sector II Discipline Titanium. Regardless of possessing the entire hallmark options of a correct area watch, like a full observe of Arabic numeral hour markers with a secondary 24-hour scale showing alongside the inside perimeter, the remainder of the dial is a completely extra elaborate providing than the sterile matte black floor of a conventional area watch. The layered construction and contrasting finishes supply ample visible depth, whereas the small pops of accenting colours additional add aesthetic intrigue, and the entire arms and hour markers are completed with Grade A Swiss Tremendous-LumiNova BGW9, which gives them with an aqua blue-colored glow in the dead of night.
Premium Nodus fashions just like the Unity, Duality II, and Contrail GMT usually use Miyota 9xxx actions, however because the Sector is the model’s entry-level assortment, the entire numerous Sector fashions obtain extra budget-friendly calibers from Seiko. Powering the Nodus Sector II Discipline Titanium is the Seiko/TMI Cal. HN38 automated motion, which runs at a frequency of 21,600vph (3 Hz) with an influence reserve of 41 hours, and because the Cal. NH38 is of course a no-date motion, the Sector II Discipline Titanium doesn’t exhibit the annoying however innocuous “ghost place” that’s typically attribute of reasonably priced time-only watches. Out of the field, the Seiko/TMI Cal. HN38 gives pretty unimpressive on-paper timekeeping specs, though Nodus regulates its actions in-house to deliver the accuracy score of the Sector II Discipline Titanium all the way down to a way more acceptable +/-10 seconds per day.
In contrast to the unique Sector Discipline fashions that had been fitted with matching chrome steel bracelets, the Nodus Sector II Discipline Titanium is paired with a TecTuff rubber strap that incorporates a hybrid building with material bonded to the outside floor of its rubber construction. Connecting to the case with built-in quick-release springbars, the strap tapers from 20mm on the lugs all the way down to 18mm on the underside of the wrist, and it’s accomplished by a thick tang-style buckle that’s crafted from media-blasted titanium to match the remainder of the watch. Given that almost all Nodus watches are outfitted with bracelets, the model’s TecTuff strap has largely existed as an non-compulsory accent; nonetheless, it gives an extremely comfy design that gives all the advantages of a rubber strap with a barely extra elevated total look.
Nodus usually gives a reasonably excessive stage of consideration to element relating to the ending on its watches, and the media-blasted case of the Sector II Discipline Titanium doesn’t present fairly the identical visible refinement because the contrasting brushed and polished surfaces that characterize lots of the model’s chrome steel fashions. Equally, the hour markers are printed, the arms are matte, and the whole watch is fully devoid of any polished parts in anyway. That being mentioned, I personally really feel that it was a sensible transfer for Nodus to go for a completely media-blasted end for the Sector II Discipline Titanium, because the matte surfaces instantly set the watch aside from different fashions within the Sector lineup and additional assist to intensify the darkish grey hue of its alloy.
A pure competitor to the Nodus Sector II Discipline Titanium is the RZE Valour 38, which additionally occurs to be a 38mm Seiko-powered area watch that’s crafted from grade 2 titanium with a hardened floor coating. Though the Valour 38 is inexpensive than the Sector II Discipline Titanium at roughly three quarters the value, the multi-layer dial that Nodus makes use of gives a considerably extra elaborate design, and different particulars like using a box-shaped sapphire crystal (as a substitute of a flat one) and having meeting carried out inside Los Angeles additionally contribute to the next price ticket. Realistically talking, each of those watches are value-packed choices throughout the reasonably priced phase of the market, and the precise distinction in value comes out to lower than what Omega expenses for one in every of its commonplace nylon NATO straps.
Titanium watches are virtually all the time costlier than in any other case similar fashions which might be created from chrome steel, and that is merely as a result of larger prices related to processing and machining the alloy. Nevertheless, because the Nodus Sector II Discipline Titanium is paired with a rubber strap as a substitute of an identical bracelet, it roughly prices the identical as its three-handed siblings from the Sector assortment, with an official retail value of $500 USD for any of the three colorways. Whereas it’s actually doable to get a reliable titanium area look ahead to much less cash, Nodus has by no means aimed to supply bottom-dollar choices, and the Sector II Discipline Titanium represents a really well-executed total package deal that introduces titanium to the model’s catalog on the reasonably priced value level of its entry-level assortment. For extra info, please go to the Nodus watches web site.
