The Nodus Obscura II: A Watch for Photography Enthusiasts
Nodus, a young and innovative watch brand, has released the Nodus Obscura II, a timepiece designed for photography enthusiasts. This watch is a collaboration with Beers & Cameras founder Juan Martinez, who created a unique bezel layout and patented it. The watch features an Exposure Gauge complication based on the Sunny 16 Rule, a time-tested method for determining proper exposure without a light meter.
The Nodus Obscura II is a niche product, but it's a joy to wear and a storyteller. It's perfect for photography fans or photographers with an analog camera. The watch's functionality is fully appreciated by those who love photography, and it's an affordable and likable creation.
The watch has a 38mm stainless steel case with a slightly wider 40mm bezel, an 11.7mm profile, a 47mm length, and a 20mm lug spacing. The bezel is made of copper with a black DLC coating and is easier to rotate for a smoother experience. The black bezel insert is made of aluminum, and the markings are printed in white.
The watch has a black fumé dial inspired by classic film, with a grainy texture that mimics the silver halide crystals of film grain. The dial features luminous indexes, the Nodus logo in white, and the Obscura name in bright blue. The watch is powered by the TMI NH38 caliber, also known as the Seiko NH38, which offers a reliable and inexpensive movement.
The Exposure Gauge complication is a clever method for determining proper exposure without a light meter. It uses the Sunny 16 Rule, which aligns the desired aperture on the bezel with the corresponding ISO values on the rehaut. The rehaut features a series of aperture settings, from F/16 to F/1.4, and the bezel operates as a sliding scale to calibrate shutter speed and aperture settings.
The watch is a joy to wear, and the build quality is great. It's a niche product, but it's an affordable and likable creation. The Nodus Obscura II is available on the official Nodus website for US$650 and US$725 for the black DLC variant.
