Nodus Canyon – A collaboration with Matt Farah from The Smoking Tire
Cars and watches go together perfectly, so it's no surprise there have been wonderful collaborations over the years. Here is another one where Nodus Watches has designed a product with the help of Matt Farah, a well-known Los Angeles automotive journalist with a review channel known as The Smoking Tire. Strap yourselves in, as this will be V8 central.
Seeking a watch for his daily drive, Matt channelled his car enthusiasm to help Nodus build a design from the ground up, a model that would be the quintessential sports watch, yet have some of the unique design characteristics we have grown to love from Nodus.
On the watch, we have the classic 369 dial design, which always presents an adventurous image. Two incredibly bold color designs are available which are named sunset orange and mint which is a light green. Notice have been very brave with the hands and indices, clearly intending that supreme legibility would be the fundamental design parameter for the Canyon. Open
The Canyon's hour and minute hands each feature three surfaces(one flat brushed surface, two polished angled surfaces) evocative of the multifaceted surfaces of performance cars. In contrast, the seconds hand is inspired by classic tachometer needles. The watches have a vintage car dashboard quality, and channels some US greats like the Ford Mustang, a dream to sedate British drivers.
The crown grip is textured to achieve a "tire grip" which is esthetically pleasing and very comfortable to use.. The Nodus "Knot" logo is stamped into a bronze-colored cap which has been made using PVD (physical vapor deposition). Matt has specifically selected the bronze colour because he has a preference for this colour on the alloy wheels of his favourite vehicles. As you can imagine, these are far from everyday cars and have evocative names, such as the Porsche 718 Spyder and the Lamborghini Countach.
Matt's favourite driving route is Angeles Crest Highway and Big Tujunga Canyon Road, and this outline is beautifully engraved onto the stainless steel case back. Here we see a 3D graphic of the San Gabriel Mountains and Canyons which are the main topographical features on the route.
Initially, the Canyon launched with 100 pieces in a Mint dial. The first run sold out instantly to The Smoking Tire Patreon subscribers. By popular demand, a second run with a Sunset Orange dial will be released on 1st January 2024. Patreon subscribers have claimed 100 pieces, and 100 will be available to the public.
Nodus Canyon – Technical Specifications
- CASE - 316Lsurgical grade stainless-steel, 41 mm x width, 11.5mm thick, 47mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width
- MOVEMENT - Swiss Made La Joux-Perret Cal. G101, 24 Jewels, 68-Hour Power Reserve
- CROWN - Screw-down
- GLASS - Flat-top sapphire crystal with domed underside. Blue anti-reflective coating
- LUME - Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 Grade A
- WATER RESISTANCE - 200 meters
- BRACELET - 20mm-16mm taper. Proprietary NodeXTM Clasp. Quick-release springbars
- STRAP - Orange two-piece ribbed nylon strap by Under the Cuff. The Smoking Tire logo on keeper
- PRICE - $1,199 USD Delivery Late January 2024. Important note: The first iteration of the Canyon sold out exclusively to The Smoking Tire Patreon subscribers.
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: Ideally, on a fabulous drive through the San Fernando Valley but failing that at any time I wanted to make a statement with a watch, these are really striking and contemporary pieces and will also trigger that automotive interest thanks to Matt's involvement.
- Who the reviewer would recommend the watch to: The person driving with me in our Dodge Charger 5.7L Hemi. Or any petrol head.
- Best characteristics of the watch: The modern feel and a proper tool watch aesthetic.
- The worst characteristics of the watch: I still struggle with the coloured dials, and I suspect there will be a swathe of older buyers like myself who will always do this. Thank goodness some younger buyers embrace these colours and keep the watch industry fresh.
