Nodus Duality Review: Micro Brands Are THAT Good

I’ve previously reviewed a couple of micro’s, the Lorier Neptune V3, and the Smiths Expedition. Both fantastic micro brands that I won’t hesitate recommending. The Nodus Duality though, it’s  on another level. I won’t speak about history, but the built quality, design elements, and as an overall package, the Nodus Duality is a micro brand benchmark.

The most commendable factor, I can’t pinpoint a specific watch or a brand for that matter that the Nodus resembles. I can’t see an homage of anything, nor an “inspired by” of any of the more popular classic timepieces. The only real shortcoming is the lack history, but how much does history cost? As the saying goes: “If Seiko made this, it would cost over $2000, a Prospex logo would be slapped on it and the crown would be unsigned.” E Hang

And you’ll find this consistently across the entire Nodus catalogue too. 

Nodus (Duality)

To think that Nodus was established in 2017, the progress and growth is pretty unreal. An LA-based micro brand, they’ve labelled themselves as a watch research and design company. I’d say that is a pretty fitting brand label. What I like about Nodus is that their watches are assembled in their facilities in LA. What’s really cool about Nodus is their Design Lab. If you’ve got what it takes, you can develop a special Nodus timepiece and have them produce it as part of their catalogue.

Now, the Nodus Duality will set you back $700USD. That’s steep for a micro brand that’s only been operating for 6 years. I will preface now that while it is worth it, I wouldn’t buy it at RRP. 

Case

The case on the Nodus Duality is a goldilocks size. Those with larger wrist will appreciate it not looking like a kids watch. And for us smaller wristed folks, it’s right at the sizing limit. I personally prefer thin watches – 10 to 11mm. The Nodus Duality is slightly thicker for my taste, which is surprising given the Miyota 9015 is supposedly quite thin. Paired with the overall weight of the watch, it can be uncomfortable after a few hours of wear. If Nodus would’ve shaved off a couple of millimeters – a 11mm Duality would be quite perfect. 

Most of the finishing on the case is brushed with the exception of the bezel. The chamfered lines that run across the top and bottom of the case along the sides is a nice touch of elegance in tool-ish design. Drilled lugs are always a welcomed edition for the strap lovers. 

Bezel

Of course we have to talk about the dual crowns. The idea of dual crowns are not special by any means – the Oris ChronOris Date has dual crowns. However, I have to give props to the Nodus team for making the dual crowns on the Duality special. First of all, they’re both screw down crowns – even the ChronOris only has one. Secondly, the dual crowns are PVD-coated in black, with a textured grip that makes it so easy to turn. Finally? There are sapphire inserts on both crowns which are lumed with Nodus, and the Duality’s logo. 

Their motto being a R&D “Lab” is represented on their watches. 

The action on the inner rotating bezel is decent. Not as good as the Oris ChronOris, but it isn’t far off. 

Dial & Hands

The white dial has a matte white finish surrounded by a painted black minute track. Obviously we have to talk about the whole “hybrid” sandwich dial. It’s no different from a traditional sandwich dial, but the cut outs are surrounded by applied indices. From most angles though, it just looks painted, but they are applied. 

The whole baton vibe are quite consistent throughout. The single batons with an arrow tip pointing towards the inner dial, the double batons, and the hands follow the same design. Even the date window has a similar shape. The color-matched date wheel shows thoughtfulness in the piece. You don’t get that very often. 

The white dial is especially clean. It’s grasp the polar aesthetics quite well.

The dial on the Nodus Duality is relatively minimalistic in its design. It truly is an everyday watch that you can wear to the office, for a walk in the park, and even take it skiing in the Alps.

Bracelet

The bracelet manages to do two of my favorite bracelet things at the same time. Great built quality, and lightweight. The H-links are nice, compact and thin. The quality is solid, articulates well, and hugs my tiny wrists just fine. 

The only complaint I have, the clasp is way too big. It takes up too much space on my wrist, and I don’t have the real estate for that. It’s also very heavy. It speaks to the built quality, but some elegance here would be appreciated. The 6-hole micro adjustment will have you finding the perfect fit pretty easily. But for me and my 6 inch wrists, the clasp is a let down. 

Comfort & Wearability

In terms of wearability, it’s a solid GADA (Go Anywhere Do Anything). It’s not a loud watch. It’s minimalistic styling cues will pair well with a lot of outfits. Throw it on a rubber strap or a nato – the clean white dial makes it a strap monster. 

Comfort is where it loses points for me. It’s wears too big for my 6 inch wrists. On paper it might seem fine, but the watch is pretty heavy and that’s a compliment to its build quality. On my wrists, however, the build quality translate to a less than average wearing experience. It’s like strapping on weights and I’m not exactly training to be in the Olympics. 

If you’ve got sub 6.25 inch wrists, I wouldn’t recommend the Nodus Duality unless you’re used to heavier watches. 

Nodus Duality: Who is it for?

From a fit and comfort perspective, if you’re like me, you’ve got 6 inch wrists. You prefer the Seiko SARBS, SNXS, you know, sub-38mm lightweight watches, I’d give the Nodus Duality a pass. Again, this is purely from a comfort standpoint. The Duality wears a little thick, the clasp takes up too much space, and the overall weight is uncomfortable. 

From a design, materials, and build quality perspective, it’s an excellent choice. It’s priced a little higher than I would’ve expected for a micro at $700USD. It’s got tough competition with Hamilton, Certina, Mido, Seiko – all well-established brands with historical backing and quality movements. 

In saying so, I can see the thought and effort placed into the Duality. Designers gotta get paid too. This isn’t just another micro brand who puts already-made pieces together from a Chinese warehouse. That in itself, is worth it for me.

I think the Nodus Duality is one of those pieces you have to see value in. I doubt there are many out there willing to put down the cash, even for those with the wrists for it. 

For me, it’s more of a showcase as to what Nodus is capable of, and when they release a 36mm piece, you bet I’d be in the pre-order list. 

Nodus Duality: Closing Thoughts

Design: A well-thought out dual-crown diver from a brand that’s clearly backing their design team. 

Comfort: Way too heavy and wears large on my 6 inch wrists. 

Price: I respect them backing their product, and rightfully so, but $700 is steep. I’d say $550 – $600 is more appropriate. 

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