Nodus sector II field titanium shale: the military field watch goes titanium
Military watches have always followed a simple formula: legibility, durability and efficiency. With the Sector II Field Titanium Shale, Nodus takes these field watch fundamentals and brings them into a particularly compelling contemporary timepiece: a titanium case and bracelet, sapphire crystal, Japanese automatic movement and compact 38 mm dimensions. Designed and assembled in Los Angeles, the Sector II Field Titanium draws direct inspiration from the field watches used by soldiers, while incorporating modern materials and technical solutions. It is available from €545.
A true “field watch” inspiration
The Sector II Field Titanium belongs more to the world of military field watches than to that of dive watches. There is no rotating bezel or oversized case: instead, Nodus opts for a compact construction and a dial designed for quick and easy time reading. This philosophy is directly embraced by the American brand, which explains that it drew inspiration from the rugged watches worn by soldiers and their primary purpose: providing a reliable instrument for coordinating operations and navigating in the field. The Shale version features a restrained, utilitarian aesthetic that fits particularly well with this military heritage.
A 38 mm case made entirely of titanium
One of the main highlights of this Nodus is its Grade 2 titanium case. It measures 38 mm in diameter and just 11.7 mm thick, with a 47 mm lug-to-lug length and a 20 mm lug width. These proportions should appeal to fans of compact military watches, far removed from oversized tactical timepieces. Nodus also applies a hard coating rated at 2,000 HV to the titanium. The aim is to address one of titanium’s main drawbacks: its tendency to show scratches more easily than steel. At the same time, the material retains its advantages, including lightness and corrosion resistance. The watch and full bracelet therefore have a stated weight of just 100 grams.
Sapphire crystal and Super-LumiNova BGW9
The watch features a box-style sapphire crystal, with a blue anti-reflective coating on its inner surface. Its shape allows Nodus to position the dial and hands closer to the crystal while maintaining a relatively slim case. For nighttime legibility, the brand uses Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade A. It is a particularly fitting choice for a military-inspired watch, where readability in low-light conditions remains an essential feature.
Discover the full details of the Nodus Sector II Field Titanium Shale
A military watch water-resistant to 100 metres
Despite being just 11.7 mm thick, the Sector II Field Titanium offers 100 metres of water resistance and features a screw-down crown. It is therefore not intended to replace a true dive watch equipped with a timing bezel. However, this level of water resistance enhances its versatility as a field watch designed for everyday wear. This is precisely what sets a good modern field watch apart: it should be equally at home in an urban environment or during outdoor activities.
The Japanese TMI NH38 automatic calibre
Nodus has opted for the TMI NH38, a Japanese automatic movement with 24 jewels. It offers a stated power reserve of 41 hours. The brand also states that each movement is regulated to achieve an accuracy of ±10 seconds per day. The NH38 is particularly well suited to this model, as it allows for a clean, no-date display. This maintains the simple, functional approach traditionally associated with military watches.
A titanium bracelet with Nodus extension system
Titanium is not limited to the case. The watch comes with a Grade 2 titanium bracelet, also treated to 2,000 HV. Its width gradually tapers from 20 to 16 mm. It features quick-release spring bars for easy removal. Most notably, Nodus equips it with a clasp featuring the Nodus Extension Mechanism (NEM), a system that allows for finer bracelet adjustments. This is a practical feature when wrist size fluctuates throughout the day or depending on wearing conditions.
A particularly well-balanced American field watch
With the Sector II Field Titanium Shale, Nodus does not attempt to create an exact reproduction of a historic military watch. Instead, the brand embraces the principles that have made field watches so successful: reasonable dimensions, excellent legibility, mechanical simplicity and robust construction. The use of Grade 2 titanium adds another dimension. At 38 mm and just 100 g including the bracelet, this Sector II promises a relatively discreet presence on the wrist, while the sapphire crystal, 100-metre water resistance and NH38 movement reinforce its tool-watch character.
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Editor: Éric Barse
Journalist, entrepreneur, and founder of the websites www.cafe-racer-only.com and www.scooter-3-roues.com, Eric Barse divides his time between his passions: motorcycles, travel, and watches. A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy and the 2nd RPIMA (Parachute Regiment) before pursuing a career in communications and digital media, he has a true passion for authentic watches that have accompanied his two-wheeled adventures for many years, from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Latin America!
