A look at the new Nodus Sector Pilot watch coming to WatchGecko soon...
The Sector range by Los Angeles based design house NODUS, represents a fundamentally new way for a manufacturer to develop professional watches for different purposes. Sector is a single collection, comprising four models all evolving from a similar 38mm base design, yet each watch is unique with a clear intended use. The four Sector models cover the world of outdoor activity with the SPORT, exploration with the FIELD, under the ocean with the DIVE and international aviation heritage with the PILOT.
We have already explored the Field in a previous feature and now we are taking a preview look at the Pilot which will be available from WatchGecko very shortly.
The Nodus Sector Pilot Corsair - Image credit WatchGecko.
The inspiration for the Nodus Sector Pilot comes from the pre-jet age of flying. This is not a highly technical aviation watch in the same vein as a Breitling Navitimer; there are no sub-dials or circular slide rules for fuel calculation. Neither is there a GMT hand for alternate time zones. The Pilot is more reminiscent of an aviator watch from the 40s or 50s with a clear Arabic numeral dial, classic aviation oversized crown, a friction countdown bezel, day and date windows and a generous helping of luminescence.
The dial is cleverly designed with multiple levels which give a 3D effect. The eye is immediately drawn to a textured central area, then to an upper level with further raised moulded luminous numerals. Bold hands and a high contrast second hand complete the illusion that you are looking at a dial lifted straight form the cockpit of a Dakota DC-3.
The Nodus Sector Pilot Flyer - Image credit WatchGecko.
The day and date are set in a stacked formation at the 6 marker, resulting in a highly intuitive way to read the date whilst not throwing the symmetry of the dial. Flat sapphire crystal gives very little distortion when viewing at an angle.
The bezel is a friction model which does not click. This is a relatively unusual design and more difficult to engineer successfully, having no solid points to lock the bezel in the desired location. It revolves with a light amount of pressure and holds it's position well, however the lack of a positive lock does mean this is not suitable for diving. The anti-clockwise countdown markings are clear and make a welcome change from the usual clockwise 10-50 minute marks.
Close up of the Nodus Sector Pilot dial and day/date window - Image credit WatchGecko.
The case and bracelet are made to the standard we have come to expect from Nodus, with an attractive mix of matt and polish. The Pilot bracelet is secured by a button release clasp with micro-adjustment.
The Nodus Sector Pilot stainless steel bracelet - Image credit WatchGecko.
As we discovered with the Field, the Sector Pilot hits above its weight and for the price presents a superior package which seriously challenges some of the bigger Swiss brands. Perhaps more importantly, the Sector Pilot, like its family counterparts, really delivers in the style department by channelling pilot watches of a bygone era. Consequently, it takes a well-earned place in an exciting range of tool watches which will appeal to an impressively wide demographic of buyers.
We will carry out a field-test on the Pilot when we have them in stock, so keep a look out on our magazine for a full hands on review.
