Nodus used the Constrail GMT to deliver one of my favorite affordable GMT watches currently available. The Los Angeles brand has shown that a great travel watch doesn’t have to cost over 1,000 euros. In addition, the quality and level of the finish of the Costrail is impressive. He says that blowing the price of water twice is an understatement. However, with the new Sector II Dive GMT, Nodus will take the term “affordable GMT” to another level. Another price level, that is. The Nodus Sector II Dive GMT, which comes in for less than 500 euros, promises a lot. Can it meet expectations? Let’s look into it.
When I reviewed the Nodus Contral GMT “Terra” late last year, I had a great advantage. Usually you can’t spend a lot of time on a review watch. Certainly, it’s enough time to make a good impression, but with the costrail I had the opportunity to “test” it for longer. Only with long-term wear can you discover whether a watch can impress you over and over again. To my surprise, that’s exactly what happened with Contrail GMT. This made me write a review and give a more detailed opinion on long-term ownership. If this worked out, it not only led to better reviews, but it was even more fun as a writer, especially as I loved the Terra version of The Contrail GMT.
In short, the Nodus collection
With Sector Dive GMT II, ​​Nodus gave me the same chance. For quite some time, I have two models in the office and can easily wear them. But let’s start from the beginning. Currently, alongside the GMT, Duality II and Unity models, the Nodus catalog consists of two large collections. The first is the Sector Series, which includes various sector models built on the same platform as Sector II Dive GMT. It ranges from Sector II Field Titanium to deep sectors of sector II pilots, Sector II sports and hardcore divers. These are just a few of the models available, but they give you ideas. The Sector Series has tool watches for all purposes.
The second collection consists of a Design Lab Project. These are special collaborations that often lead to amazing and amazing releases. I had the opportunity to review Nodus x Raven Trail Trekker Clay. This Rolex Explorer ii-Esque Adventurer’s Watch quickly rocked the initial impression of its inspiration. Instead, it turned out to be a very capable and fun watch, giving me the first taste of the incredible watch that the nodule creates.
Nodus Sector II Dive GMT story
With the Sector II Dive GMT, Nodus has rethinked what a modern dive watch is. Creating a solid diver is one thing, but adding a GMT hand to track time in the second time zone adds a welcoming feature. Most people who go on a diving trip will have to travel through different time zones and make GMT diving a perfect companion for such an adventure. I doubt that most of these clocks will see the dark and deep waters of our oceans, but I still enjoy this genre.
Firstly, I’m a GMTS fan, but secondly, creating a well-designed GMT diver that perfectly integrates both pieces of the puzzle has proven to be a challenge for many brands. They often end up with cluttered and unbalanced designs. At first glance, you can see that there is no such problem here. There is a clear hierarchy that shows that the three available models are the diving watch first, and the GMT Watch second.
Sector II Dive GMT Options
Let’s look into some details right away. The three models available are seaforms with horizons with yellow to orange gradient dials, tides with dark blue dials, and light green gradient dials. All three offer options for brush steel or black DLC treated bezel inserts. The latter makes them feel like a diving watch, while the former gives off a more “adventurer’s watch” vibe. Whichever you like, it’s fine. It’s simply a matter of personal preference.
We took a picture of the tide borge version of the blue dial with a brushed bezel insert for spin. I was pleased to be able to use it for reviews as I have 3 my favorite dials and my favorite bezels. Right after I picked it up, it gave me the encouraging feeling that I had a proper, well-made tool watch. It’s an impressive feat, especially considering the price tag of 500 euros. For me, it was a gentle reminder of the amazing quality that Nodus offers at a reasonable price. If you ask me, the brand offers a level of quality and great attention to detail for less than 1,000 euros.
Sector II Dive GMT Specifications
The Sector II Dive GMT has a 38mm stainless steel case with a 40mm bezel that makes it easy to grip underwater and behind the desk. This case also comes with 11.9mm thick, 47mm lug-to-lug and 20mm lug spacing. This case is 100 meters resistant, which is the fuel for discussion. Is it a proper diver with an assessment of its depth? I’m not going to get any deeper than 100 meters, so I have no problem with this. However, I know that some people need a depth rating of at least 200m to consider it a proper diving watch. If you’re that specific about the specs, let’s say that you’ll miss out on a capable daily wearer, as most of the time is theoretical details.
The topping for the case is a 120-click unidirectional bezel with steel inserts. This insert features a 60-minute diving scale with white leme pips. To the right of the case is a nicely bent screw-in crown. This ring is partially seated under the bezel when fully screwed, making it necessary for a simple grip on the crown. However, its size and grip allow for the movement to be removed and operated. Below the box-shaped sapphire crystal is a dark blue sector dial. The other two models have a gradient dial, but the Tidal dial is slightly different and clever.
A well-balanced, cleverly designed dial
The dial consists of a bright center with the brand name and the wording “GMT” and a dark ring that holds the Super Luminova BGW9 Grade A time marker and a date window at 4:30. The open minute track is located outside the time marker. Finally, Rehaut is even darker and retains a 24-hour GMT scale. The design feels balanced and easy to read. If you choose a steel bezel insert, you will never be wrong to read the various features. That said, the larger the number size, the more it helps create a natural hierarchy that works well with the black bezel insert.
Finishing the look is a bright phone with arrow-shaped hour hands, pencil-style minutes and lollipop seconds hands. Finally, there is a GMT hand with a dark yellow arrow tip that contrasts nicely with the dial.
The watch is equipped with an oyster style bracelet with a quick release spring bar and a brand’s own Nodex clasp. With two integrated push buttons, this folding clasp features an easy-to-use micro-adjustment system that requires no tools.
You can easily click on the button inside the clasp for a perfect fit. The fully brushed bracelet tapes neatly from 20mm on the case to 16mm on the clasp. Plus, it feels sturdy and well made. In terms of quality and comfort, it’s pretty safe to say that this is the best bracelet you can find on a watch that costs under 500 euros.
Seiko NH34 GMT Caliber
Within the case, Nodus uses the Seiko NH34. This auto-caller style GMT caliber is a go-to and affordable option for small brands. It runs at 21,600VPH, has 24 gems and offers a 41-hour power reserve. As seen in the other calibers Nodus uses on watches, the brand regulates them in its Los Angeles workshops. For the NH34, Watchmakers regulated calibers up to ±10 seconds per day, a critical step from standard accuracy of +40/-20 seconds per day.
Wearing a Nodus Sector II Dive GMT
All these specifications and wrist details come together in a comfortable everyday wearer. What stands out right away is the slim overall profile of the Sector II Dive GMT. The brand was able to slimmise surveillance compared to previous versions. The sapphire crystal box shape allows the dial and hand to sit close by. As a result, Nodus has released one of the slimmest watches with the NH34 GMT caliber. As you can imagine, this slim profile leads to excellent wearability. The 38mm case ensures that even people with small wrists can wear the watch without any problems.
However, thanks to the larger bezel, the presence of the wrist is much larger. I’ve always returned to the clock to admire its appearance. It was easy to like the appearance of steel, mainly. This contrasts with the dark blue dial and the yellow sparks that are GMT’s hands. Furthermore, production quality easily beats the quality of our competitors. The bracelet feels sturdy, the bezel spins with encouraging clicks, and operating the crown is an absolute joy. It shows Nodus pays great attention to detail when developing watches.
Final Thoughts on Nodus Sector II Dive GMT
Overall, the Nodus Sector II Dive GMT proved to be very impressive. I thought it was good based on my previous encounter with Costrail GMT and Trail Trekker, but I didn’t expect it to be this good. Considering the price of 525 US dollars (about 455 euros), it’s even better. If you ask me, there is no better option in this price range. First of all, because it’s not that many, but other available options also don’t match the specs and the incredible wear properties of the Sector II Dive GMT.
At the 500 euro price bracket, the watch competes with either the SEIKO 5 Sport GMT, SKX style version or the field watch model. Another competitor is the GMT version of the Zelos Blacktip Diver, but nothing more stands out. And even when they do, they aren’t as good as this updated Nodus Sector II Dive GMT. For me, this is a simple choice for under 500 euros. Compared to the impressive Seiko 5 Sport model, this is a better option in my book. Like any watch, it all starts with looks and I prefer the aesthetics of this Nodus model. Plus, the size, proportions and build quality improves, and the bracelet offers ease of use and comfort. All of this makes this Nodus Sector II Dive GMT the best in its class. It’s really easy.
