Nodus Canyon Black Pearl

The conclusion of a successful design collaboration often brings a final, definitive statement piece. For the Los Angeles-based watch brand Nodus and automotive journalist Matt Farah, that statement is the Canyon Black Pearl. This watch serves as the final chapter for the Canyon collection, a series born from the winding roads of Southern California and the shared passion for mechanical excellence. Limited to a scant 50 pieces worldwide, this edition elevates the rugged, everyday spirit of its predecessors with a dial material that is as difficult to source as it is captivating to behold, creating a fitting send-off for a beloved model line.



Nodus has steadily carved out a significant reputation within the horological community since its founding. Operating out of Los Angeles, the brand has built its identity on a foundation of thoughtful design, robust construction, and an impressive level of hands-on finishing and regulation. Rather than simply importing completed watches, Nodus takes a more involved approach, assembling and performing final quality control on its timepieces in-house. This commitment allows them to ensure that each watch meets their stringent standards for performance and accuracy, a step that sets them apart in a crowded field of independent brands. Their philosophy marries classic watchmaking principles with a modern American design sensibility, resulting in products that are both functionally sound and aesthetically distinct.



The Canyon collection is a direct result of the Nodus Design Lab, a collaborative initiative that brings external perspectives into the brand's creative process. For this series, the key collaborator was Matt Farah, the creator and host of the highly influential automotive channel, The Smoking Tire. Farah is not just a respected voice in the car world; he is also a seasoned watch collector with a clear vision for what constitutes a great daily-wear timepiece. His experience behind the wheel of countless vehicles, particularly on the challenging and scenic canyon roads that give the watch its name, informed the core concept: to build the ideal companion for the drive. This meant creating a watch that was durable, highly legible at a glance, versatile enough for any situation, and infused with a sense of enjoyment.



At the heart of this final edition, and what immediately distinguishes it from all that came before, is its extraordinary dial. Crafted from Tahitian black pearl, the face of the watch is a dynamic and ever-changing surface. It is not a simple black dial, but rather a deep, dark canvas that shimmers with an organic iridescence. Depending on the angle and the light, it reveals mesmerizing overtones of green, blue, violet, and silver, capturing a liquid depth reminiscent of the ocean itself. This material choice is a personal nod to Farah’s favorite place on Earth, French Polynesia, bottling the spirit of its lagoons into a watch designed to be a constant companion on any adventure, whether on asphalt or across the sea.



The story of how this natural material becomes a watch dial is a testament to immense skill and patience. The process begins with the harvesting of black-lipped oysters from the waters of French Polynesia. Unlike the artificially dyed mother-of-pearl seen elsewhere, the nacre from these oysters possesses a naturally dark body tone. Only the thickest sections of the shell, located near the hinge, are suitable for watchmaking. These small, precious pieces are painstakingly sliced into sheets less than half a millimeter thick using specialized diamond-tipped saws, a delicate operation where many pieces are lost.



Once the fragile sheets are cut, they are carefully pressed flat and, if necessary, stabilized with resin to prevent them from fracturing. The surface is then polished until its signature iridescent luster comes alive. Because the nacre is far too brittle to withstand the machining process on its own, each polished sheet is bonded to a solid brass dial blank, providing the structural integrity needed for the subsequent steps. This composite piece then undergoes CNC milling or laser cutting to create the precise openings for the hands and the applied hour markers. Even with this reinforcement, the yield is low, as a significant percentage of the delicate dials fracture during cutting or finishing.



The final stage is one of meticulous hand-finishing. Each completed dial is inspected under magnification, and any pieces with even minor flaws are discarded. This painstaking process ensures that only the most perfect examples make it into the 50 watches. The result of this arduous journey from shell to timepiece is that no two dials are ever identical. The specific pattern of the nacre and the way it refracts light is entirely unique to each individual slice of shell. This inherent quality means that every owner of a Canyon Black Pearl possesses a watch that is, in the truest sense of the word, a one-of-a-kind creation.



Looking past the hypnotic pearl, the rest of the dial is designed for maximum clarity and visual depth. Large, three-dimensional indices are applied to the dial, creating a layered effect that enhances dimensionality. These markers, along with the distinctive Arabic numerals at the three, six, and nine o'clock positions, are generously filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade A. This high-grade luminous material ensures exceptional legibility in low-light conditions, emitting a strong and lasting blue glow. The handset is a study in finishing, with a combination of cleanly polished facets and finely brushed surfaces that catch the light differently, providing excellent contrast against the dark, shimmering dial for quick and easy reading.



The case of the Canyon Black Pearl is machined from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, a material prized for its high resistance to corrosion and its hypoallergenic properties. The dimensions strike a modern yet wearable balance, measuring 41mm in diameter, 47mm from lug to lug, and a relatively slim 11.50mm in thickness. These proportions allow the watch to have a substantial presence on the wrist without feeling overly bulky, fitting comfortably under a shirt cuff while retaining its sporty character. The 20mm lug width is a standard size, offering a wide array of aftermarket strap options for those who wish to customize the look.



The case architecture itself displays a sophisticated interplay of finishes. The top surfaces of the lugs are finely brushed in a vertical pattern, which helps to conceal minor scratches from daily wear. In contrast, a crisp, polished chamfer runs the length of the case sides, creating a sharp line that reflects light and highlights the case's geometry. This is juxtaposed with the vertically brushed case sides, adding another layer of texture and visual interest. A fixed, smooth steel bezel frames the dial, maintaining a clean and focused aesthetic that keeps the attention firmly on the black pearl dial.



One of the subtle but defining features of the watch is its crown. It is a screw-down type, which is essential for achieving the watch's impressive 200-meter water resistance rating. This makes the watch more than capable of handling swimming and other water activities. What sets it apart is a small, thoughtful detail: a Bronze PVD inlay set into the tip of the crown. This warm, metallic accent provides a subtle contrast to the cool tones of the steel case and bracelet, echoing the earthy feel of a canyon landscape and adding a unique touchpoint for the user.



Flipping the watch over reveals a case back that is as detailed as the front. Instead of a simple exhibition window or a flat, engraved surface, the Canyon Black Pearl features a deeply embossed relief. The intricate design depicts a topographical map of a winding canyon road, a direct homage to the automotive inspiration behind the collaboration with The Smoking Tire. Encircling this central medallion is a wealth of information, clearly engraved: the Nodus and The Smoking Tire logos, the model name "CANYON," its status as the "FINAL EDITION" with its unique number out of 50, the 20 BAR / 200 METERS water resistance rating, the "SWISS MOVEMENT" designation, and a proud declaration that it was "DESIGNED AND ASSEMBLED IN LOS ANGELES."



Driving the Canyon Black Pearl is the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement. This choice of caliber represents a significant step up, placing the watch in a more premium category. Manufactured in the famed watchmaking city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, La Joux-Perret is known for producing robust, reliable, and high-performance movements used by a number of respected luxury brands. The G101 is a modern caliber that boasts 24 jewels and, most notably, an impressive 68-hour power reserve. This extended running time means the watch can be taken off on a Friday and will still be ticking on Monday morning, a practical convenience for the modern wearer.



Further demonstrating their commitment to quality, Nodus takes the extra step of regulating each G101 movement in their Los Angeles workshop. This meticulous process adjusts the movement to achieve an accuracy of +/- 8 seconds per day. While the base movement is already a strong performer, this in-house regulation ensures a higher level of precision for the end user, showcasing a level of attention to detail that is a hallmark of the Nodus brand.



The watch is secured to the wrist with a solid 316L stainless steel bracelet that complements the case design. It features a three-link construction that feels both robust and comfortable. A notable detail is its aggressive taper, starting at 20mm wide at the lugs and narrowing down to just 16mm at the clasp. This significant reduction in width allows the bracelet to conform more naturally to the wrist, greatly enhancing long-term wearing comfort. The links are connected with single-sided screws, making adjustments straightforward for any owner.



The clasp is another area where Nodus has innovated. The Canyon Black Pearl is equipped with the brand's proprietary Nodus Extension Clasp. Housed in a sleek 16mm enclosure, this system allows for quick and easy on-the-fly micro-adjustments without the need for any tools. With the simple push of a button, the wearer can choose between four locking positions, expanding or contracting the bracelet to find the perfect fit as their wrist size changes throughout the day. This type of extension system is a premium feature that adds a significant amount of practicality and comfort.



To ensure versatility right out of the box, the watch also comes with an additional strap. The included Hybrid TecTuff® Rubber Strap provides a more casual and rugged alternative to the steel bracelet. This durable and water-resistant strap is ideal for sporting activities or for simply changing up the aesthetic of the watch. The inclusion of quick-release springbars on the bracelet makes swapping between the two options a simple, tool-free process, encouraging owners to adapt the watch to their attire or activity.



Further technical elements round out the watch's impressive specifications. The dial is protected by a flat sapphire crystal, a material second only to diamond in hardness, making it virtually scratch-proof. An application of blue anti-reflective coating on the underside of the crystal minimizes glare and improves legibility by providing a clearer view of the stunning dial. With a watch head weight of 73 grams, the Canyon feels solid and well-built without being burdensome on the wrist.



As the final and most exclusive iteration of this collaborative series, the Nodus Canyon Black Pearl is priced at $1,750.00. Availability is strictly limited to 50 pieces for the entire global market, a number that guarantees its rarity and makes it a special acquisition for fans of the brand, the collaboration, or simply for those seeking a unique timepiece. This final edition marks the end of the Canyon collection's production run, presenting a last opportunity to own a piece of this chapter in Nodus's history. Shipping for this highly anticipated release is set to begin on Wednesday, August 27.



Case: 316L surgical-grade stainless steel. 41mm width x 11.50mm thickness x 47mm lug-to-lug x 20mm lug width. Flat sapphire crystal with underside anti-reflective coating. Screw-down crown with Bronze PVD inlay. 200 meters water resistance.

Movement: Manufacture La Joux-Perret G101. Swiss automatic movement. 68-hour power reserve, 24 jewels. Regulated by Nodus to +/- 8 seconds per day.

Dial: Genuine Tahitian Black Pearl (Nacre). Two-layer construction with 3D applied indices. Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A lume.

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with 20mm to 16mm taper, quick-release springbars, and proprietary Nodus Extension Clasp. Includes additional Hybrid TecTuff® Rubber Strap.

Price: $1,750.00

Notes: Final edition of the Canyon collection, limited to 50 pieces worldwide. A collaboration with Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire. Assembled and inspected in Los Angeles, CA.