Since their advent in the 1950s, dive watches have been a staple in both the horological and fashion realms. While most people who wear dive watches never really dive to the icy depths they’re built to handle, their durability, versatility, and style make them a must-have for any collector. One name that’s adding to the dive watch’s popularity is Nodus, a Los Angeles-based microbrand that previously made waves with its stunningly attractive flagship, the Avalon. Now, the SoCal standout looks to build on the Avalon’s popularity with its sophomore collection: the Avalon II.
The Avalon II is a faithful and dapper sequel to its predecessor. Its 316L surgical-grade stainless steel cushion case and old-school design evoke the timeless style of some mid-century dive watches. While the Avalon II has a classic design, its case was crafted through CNC machining and is incredibly sleek and thin, establishing the sequel diver as a thoroughly modern watch. Nodus also ensured to construct the Avalon II in a manner that retains the utility and durability that put the original Avalon on the map. A ball-bearing loaded bezel — with a fully-lumed polished ceramic insert — allows for precise clicks, while Viton gaskets augment the watch’s resistance to water, chemicals, and heat.
Style-wise, the Avalon II comes in four gorgeous styles: Coral Yellow, Trench Black, Seaspray White, and Pelagic Blue. While we’re particularly fond of the Coral Yellow dial, each dial is immensely stylish, featuring a waffle-textured pattern, bold applied indices that are filled with blue-glowing T-C1 X1 Grade Super-LumiNova, and a color-matched date window at six o’clock. The Avalon II watch also has an easily adjustable bracelet clasp thanks to its proprietary NodeX extension system which features five locking positions — an impressive and welcome presence on any watch, let alone a micro.
Other features of this chic dive watch are its Miyota 9015 automatic movement, 300M water resistance, and double-dome sapphire crystal. The Avalon II shines as an example of American ingenuity and timeless dive watch style, and with a retail price of $700, it’s an incredible value as well.
