While there are many tool watches created that will never be used for their true purpose, such as a diving watch or pilot’s timepiece, there are some that are designed expressly to be used by specific professionals. For example, the Fears Experimental 01 built custom for Angus Collins’ world record attempt. Following in a similar vein is the Nodus Sector Nomad, designed to accompany the RC Andrews Legacy Camel Expedition.
Roy Chapman Andrews was an American explorer in the 1920s and 30s who is famed for his contributions to scientific research and palaeontology in the Gobi desert. With a wide brimmed hat and a revolver on his hip, he is believed to have been the real life inspiration for the character Indiana Jones. 100 years later, the RCA Society is setting out on a legacy expedition to re-tread the footsteps of his final excursion. The expedition, which at time of writing is ongoing – set to finish on 30th June, consists of 30 explorers and scientists on camelback crossing the northern regions of the Gobi. Accompanying the explorers are prototype models of the Nodus Sector Nomad.
The watch in its current form is experimental, not for public sale. However, upon the completion of the expedition, Nodus will take in feedback from the explorers and revise the design so that it is perfected for the modern adventurer and public release. Though frankly I hope it doesn’t change at all because I’m already in love with it. It’s based on the Sector II silhouette with a 40mm diameter and a dial inspired by the Dive GMT.
What that means is a sector style display (unsurprising for a watch with sector in the name) with large, lumed hour markers, a flange mounted 24-hour GMT scale and a uni-directional rotating bezel. The bezel is a variation on the traditional 60-minute dive timer that’s had its cardinal points replaced with compass markings to allow the watch to better serve explorers on land. It reminds me of the Seiko ‘Tortoise’ Land, which is also a dive watch adapted into a compass watch.
Building on the desert theme of the watch, the dial is a mixture of brown tones that runs from beige in the centre to golden orange for the GMT scale. The compass markings are also orange. It makes for a design that’s simultaneously eye-catching while being muted, sort of like that battered Indiana Jones style adventuring outfit.
Powering the Nodus Sector Nomad is the Seiko NH34 GMT automatic with 42-hour power reserve. It’s been regulated by Nodus to an improved accuracy of +/-10 seconds per day. As noted, the watch is currently in a prototype phase as it takes part in the RC Andrews Legacy Camel Expedition, meaning that there is currently no retail price or release date in place. One thing’s for sure, I hope it’s soon.
Price and Specs:
More details at Nodus.
