Nodus Duality II Night Shade

Nodus, the Los Angeles-based watch company that has carved out a respectable niche for itself since its founding in 2017, has introduced a new, darker iteration of its popular dual-crown dive watch. The Duality II Night Shade emerges as a limited-edition piece, taking the established framework of its predecessors and cloaking it in a tactical, matte black finish. This release signals a departure from the more traditional brushed and polished steel surfaces often seen in their collection, offering a more subdued and robust aesthetic for a specific kind of watch enthusiast. The "Night Shade" is not merely a color change; it represents a focused design choice that alters the watch's character, pushing it into a more covert and modern territory while retaining the core functionality that defined the Duality line. Limited to a small production run of just 75 pieces, this watch is a statement of intent from Nodus, showcasing their ability to iterate on successful designs and cater to a desire for more specialized, purpose-driven timepieces.



The history of Nodus is a relatively recent one, yet the brand has quickly established a reputation for producing thoughtfully designed and well-constructed watches. Founded in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, the company has championed a philosophy of "Efficient Design," aiming to create timepieces where form and function are seamlessly integrated. This approach involves a global supply chain for components, with the final and crucial stages of assembly, regulation, and testing all taking place in their California workshop. This hands-on approach allows Nodus to maintain a high degree of quality control and to regulate their movements to a standard that often surpasses the manufacturer's specifications. This commitment to in-house finishing and regulation has been a key factor in building trust and a loyal following within the competitive microbrand watch market.



The original Duality was a nod to the super-compressor style dive watches of the mid-20th century. Those vintage pieces were characterized by their dual crowns—one to set the time and another to operate an internal rotating bezel—and a case construction that was designed to become more water-resistant as external pressure increased. While the Duality II does not employ a true super-compressor case, it masterfully captures the spirit and aesthetic of that bygone era while leveraging modern manufacturing techniques to achieve its impressive specifications. The "Night Shade" edition continues this tradition, but with a decidedly more contemporary and tactical edge. It’s a watch that acknowledges its historical inspiration but is firmly planted in the present, designed for a world where stealth and durability are just as valued as vintage charm.



At the heart of the Night Shade's visual identity is its case. Forged from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, the entire case is enveloped in a matte black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. This isn't just a simple paint job; DLC is a highly durable coating that significantly increases the surface hardness of the steel, providing a formidable barrier against scratches and scuffs. The finish is entirely matte-blasted, which absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This creates a subdued, non-reflective silhouette that is ideal for tactical applications or for those who simply prefer a more understated look on the wrist. The complete absence of polished or brushed surfaces gives the watch a monolithic, tool-like appearance, as if it were carved from a single piece of dark material.



The dimensions of the case are thoughtfully considered, contributing to a comfortable and wearable experience. It measures 40mm in width, a versatile size that should suit a wide range of wrist sizes. The thickness is a relatively slim 11.5mm, which is particularly impressive given the watch's 300-meter water resistance rating. The lug-to-lug measurement of 48mm ensures that the watch has a substantial presence without overhanging the wrist of most wearers. A 20mm lug width provides a balanced stance and allows for a wide variety of aftermarket strap options, though the included bracelet is a compelling reason to stick with the original equipment. The svelte, wrist-hugging case design features lugs that curve downwards, further enhancing its ergonomic profile and ensuring it sits snugly against the wrist.



A defining feature of the Duality series is its dual-crown system, and the Night Shade is no exception. At the 4 o'clock position is the crown for setting the time and date, as well as for winding the movement. At the 2 o'clock position resides the second crown, which is dedicated to operating the internal bi-directional bezel. Both crowns are screw-down, a crucial element in achieving the watch's 300-meter water resistance. The screw-down mechanism prevents accidental manipulation of the time or bezel and ensures a watertight seal. Nodus has engineered these crowns to be fully decoupling, meaning that as you screw them down, they disengage from their respective mechanisms. This is a small but significant detail that prevents the user from inadvertently changing the time or the bezel position while securing the crowns.



The internal bezel is a key functional element of the Duality II Night Shade. Operated by the 2 o'clock crown, it rotates smoothly in either direction, allowing the wearer to time events or track elapsed time. Unlike its siblings in the Duality II family, the Night Shade features a bezel that is fully graduated with markings for all 60 minutes. This provides a more precise timing instrument compared to bezels that only have markings for the first 15 or 20 minutes. The bezel is black to match the overall theme of the watch, with markings rendered in a contrasting tan color for legibility. A prominent red triangle sits at the 60-minute mark, providing a quick and clear point of reference. This internal bezel design has the added advantage of being protected by the sapphire crystal, meaning the timing scale can never be scratched or worn away by external forces.



The dial of the Night Shade is a study in visual depth and legibility. The base of the dial is a rich, matte black that perfectly complements the case. Instead of printed markers, the dial features bold, applied indices. These are not flat pieces of metal; they have been carefully crafted with razor-sharp, high-polished facets. This might seem counterintuitive on a "stealth" watch, but it's a clever design choice. The polished facets are designed to catch and reflect even the smallest amount of ambient light, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that enhances visibility in low-light conditions, even before the lume comes into play. This three-dimensional quality adds a premium feel to the dial, demonstrating a level of finishing that is often found on more expensive timepieces.



The handset chosen for the Duality II Night Shade is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The hour and minute hands are chamfered and three-dimensional, mirroring the design language of the applied indices. This creates a cohesive and harmonious look across the dial. Both the hands and the indices are generously filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova® in an "Old Radium" color. This particular shade of lume has a tan, almost khaki appearance in daylight, which pairs beautifully with the black dial and the red triangle on the bezel. In the dark, it glows brightly, ensuring that the time is easily readable in any lighting condition. Nodus has specified the use of X1 Grade Super-LumiNova®, which is the highest grade available, offering superior brightness and longevity of its glow.



Protecting the dial is a dramatically shaped sapphire crystal. Rather than a flat or gently domed crystal, Nodus has opted for a "box" sapphire crystal. This style of crystal rises vertically from the bezel before flattening out, with a pronounced "bubble" dome effect. This is a direct tribute to the acrylic crystals used on vintage dive watches of the past, but with the modern advantage of sapphire's exceptional scratch resistance. The shape of the crystal is not just for looks; it also serves a practical purpose. It allows for more internal space within the watch case, accommodating the internal bezel mechanism and the three-dimensional hands without adding to the overall thickness of the watch. To further enhance clarity, the underside of the crystal has been treated with a blue anti-reflective coating, which reduces glare and improves legibility, especially in bright sunlight.



At the core of the Duality II Night Shade beats the Miyota Cal. 9015 Premium Automatic movement. Sourced from Japan, this caliber has become a popular choice for many respected microbrands due to its reliability, slim profile, and smooth 28,800 vibrations per hour beat rate, which gives the seconds hand a fluid sweep. The movement features 24 jewels and offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours when fully wound. While the stock Miyota 9015 is a capable performer, Nodus takes the extra step of regulating each movement in-house at their Los Angeles workshop. This meticulous process ensures that each Night Shade watch is adjusted to an accuracy of +/- 8 seconds per day, a specification that is significantly tighter than what Miyota guarantees from the factory. This commitment to in-house regulation is a testament to the brand's dedication to providing a high-quality, accurate timepiece right out of the box.



The Duality II Night Shade is fitted with a custom three-link stainless steel bracelet that has also received the full matte black DLC treatment. The bracelet is designed to be both comfortable and robust. It features a thoughtful taper, starting at 20mm at the lugs and narrowing down to 16mm at the clasp. This taper reduces the overall weight of the bracelet and allows it to conform more naturally to the shape of the wrist. The links are solid, and the bracelet includes half-links, which allow for a more precise and customized fit. Quick-release spring bars are also included, making it easy to swap out the bracelet for a different strap without the need for special tools. This is a user-friendly feature that encourages experimentation with different strap options to change up the look and feel of the watch.



A standout feature of the bracelet is the proprietary NodeX™ clasp. This is not a standard, off-the-shelf clasp. The NodeX™ clasp is a milled, push-button deployant clasp that features a tool-less micro-adjustment system. This allows the wearer to make small, on-the-fly adjustments to the length of the bracelet without needing to add or remove links. This is an incredibly practical feature, as the size of one's wrist can fluctuate throughout the day due to changes in temperature or activity level. The ability to quickly and easily fine-tune the fit ensures that the watch remains comfortable and secure at all times. The clasp itself is robustly built and finished to match the rest of the bracelet, with a reassuringly solid action.



The visual experience of the Night Shade is one of cohesive and purposeful design. The all-black aesthetic is undeniably striking. The way the matte black finish of the case flows seamlessly into the matte black of the bracelet creates a unified and integrated look. The only deliberate breaks from this darkness are the tan lume on the dial and hands, and the sharp red of the bezel's triangular marker. These splashes of color are not arbitrary; they are functional, drawing the eye to the key indicators of time. The chamfered edges of the hands and indices, despite their polished finish, do not detract from the stealthy nature of the watch. Instead, they provide a subtle glint of light that gives the dial life and prevents it from appearing flat or one-dimensional. The watch head alone weighs in at a manageable 65 grams, making it a comfortable companion for all-day wear.



The Duality II Night Shade is presented as a compelling package that balances vintage inspiration with modern execution. The choice to go with a fully matte black DLC finish takes the watch in a new and interesting direction, one that will likely appeal to those who appreciate military-inspired or "black-ops" aesthetics. It's a watch that looks like it's ready for serious business, yet it has the finishing and design details that allow it to be appreciated on a purely aesthetic level. The combination of a slim case profile, high water resistance, a regulated automatic movement, and a top-tier clasp system makes for a very capable and versatile timepiece.



The Nodus Duality II Night Shade is priced at $875.00. Given its specifications, including the DLC coating, sapphire crystal, regulated Miyota 9015 movement, and the custom NodeX clasp, this represents a strong value proposition in the current market. As a limited edition of only 75 pieces, availability is, by definition, extremely limited. It is being sold directly through the Nodus website, and given the brand's strong following and the unique appeal of this particular model, it is expected to sell out quickly. For those in search of a dark, modern, and capable dive watch with a distinct personality, the Duality II Night Shade is a compelling and fleeting opportunity.



Case: 316L surgical-grade stainless steel with a matte black DLC coating. Dimensions are 40mm width, 11.5mm thickness, 48mm lug-to-lug, and 20mm lug width. Features dual screw-down crowns, a box sapphire crystal with blue anti-reflective coating, and 300 meters of water resistance.

Movement: Miyota Cal. 9015 Premium Automatic, made in Japan. Features 24 jewels and a 41-hour power reserve. Regulated in-house by Nodus to an accuracy of +/- 8 seconds per day.

Dial: Matte black with applied indices. A bi-directional internal bezel is fully-graduated for 60 minutes and features a red triangle. Lume is Swiss Super-LumiNova® Old Radium X1 Grade.

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with matching matte black DLC coating. Tapers from 20mm to 16mm. Features a proprietary NodeX™ quick-adjust clasp and quick-release springbars.

Price: $875.00

Notes: This is a limited edition of 75 pieces and will not be produced again. The watch is designed and assembled in Los Angeles. It is a tactical version of the Duality II with a fully matte-blasted finish.