The Seiko of the Microbrand World Just Dropped Its Toughest Tool Watch Yet

According to Nodus, a certain government agency, which will remain anonymous for security reasons, contacted the brand’s Design Labs arm to upgrade the Sector Deep dive watch with a particular set of features.

Embracing the opportunity to see how far the Los Angeles-based watchmaker could push its top-performing dive watch, the team brought the new Sector Deep Pioneer to life.

Nodus

This civilian-issue version of the clandestine diver transcends aquatic performance and is optimized for all manner of outdoor adventure and travel.

The Sector Deep’s existing 500m water resistance, blue-tinted anti-reflective coated sapphire glass and fully lumed dial and bezel markings are bolstered by a caller-style GMT complication and compass bezel.

Nodus

Interestingly, the watch comes standard in a “destro” format, with the crown at nine o’clock. Traditionally, this style indicates watches designed for left-handed individuals, but it also pops up in dive watches to improve wrist mobility and protect the crown.

Global trekker

The Sector Deep was already one of Nodus’s best tool watches and hands-down its best dive watch. The Pioneer variation has two new tricks up its sleeve, making it the brand’s best watch for travel and outdoor adventure.

Nodus

First, there is the caller-style GMT complication, which is provided by the Seiko-made NH34 automatic movement. Caller-style means that the GMT hand is set separately from the local time.

In this case, the second position of the screw-down crown adjusts the GMT hand when turned clockwise, and the date, located on the dial at six o’clock, when turned counterclockwise.

Nodus

The other feature, a compass bezel, utilizes and assists a little-known trick all watches can perform. In the Northern Hemisphere, place your watch on a flat surface with the hour hand pointed toward the sun. The center point between the hour hand and 12 o’clock is South.

With a compass bezel, you can turn the South position to this point and have a clear orientation of direction. This trick is most useful when the watch can be placed on a map.

If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, the trick is slightly different. Orient the watch so that the 12 o’clock position points toward the sun. The point halfway between 12 o’clock and the hour hand is North.

Nodus

This compass feature replaces the 12-hour track on the existing Sector Deep dial, which retains a seldom-seen feature.

The bezel is 42mm wide and sits on a 38mm case, creating 2mm of overhang. This serves as a crown guard, protects the case and makes the 120-click uni-directional bezel easier to grip and rotate.

Bang for your buck

One of the most remarkable attributes of the new Sector Deep Pioneer is the price, which is only $25 more than the standard Sector Deep. On top of an already incredibly priced watch, this affordability is another example of why Nodus is the “Seiko of microbrands.”

Nodus

Helping that comparison is the fact that Nodus primarily uses Seiko movements. Even though many of its parts are produced overseas, Nodus assembles every watch in Los Angeles, making the bargain prices even more impressive.

Nodus

Arguably, the most impressive trick that the Sector Deep Pioneer pulls off is how good it looks. It is one of the most proficient automatic tool watches available for under $1,000, but the black, blue and white color scheme, geometric dial layout and brushed stainless steel case and bracelet give it timeless style.

Availability and pricing

The Nodus Sector Deep Pioneer will be available to order on May 21 for $625.

Orders are expected to start shipping out on May 23.

Nodus

Nodus Sector Deep Pioneer

Specs

Case Size	38mm (42mm bezel)
Movement	Seiko caliber NH34 automatic GMT
Water Resistance	500m

• $625 at Nodus

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