Nodus Avalon II Seaspray White Review
Every now and again I get a little boost, a little unexpected excitement to accompany my day. So it was when the opportunity presented itself to test out the Nodus Avalon II in Seaspray White for a couple of weeks. Much has been written about the watch from a design and specification perspective, so I won’t belabor that here. Rather, I hope to convey the full experience of everyday wear.
I will admit to two gut reactions when I first unboxed the Nodus Avalon II.
First: “Wow! Beautiful!”
Second: “This watch is so big compared to my normal lineup. How will a 42mm case wear on my somewhat diminutive 6-⅞” wrist?”
I rapidly validated the first sentiment and quickly proved the second concern unnecessary.
For two days I wore it everywhere while doing my normal daily stuff – hustling kids to school, work, feeding chickens and goats on our farm, harvesting watermelons, and enjoying an evening glass of wine with my wife.
It wore shockingly well on my small wrist for a watch of this size with a 12.75mm thickness and 48mm lug-to-lug. I mean shockingly well. It felt like this watch was meant for my wrist. The Avalon II sat naturally in place, no doubt due to its well-designed arc.
The real test, however, would come on day 3. I awoke before dawn and loaded the truck with some boards to head to the beach.
Sadly, waves were in short supply so I decided to paddle board vice surf. I donned my wetsuit top in the chilly morning air and reflexively tried to close the clasp on the Avalon. Too tight on the wetsuit! But then I remembered the proprietary NodeX adjustment.
That did the trick and the clasp closed to a snug but very comfortable position!
I set out paddling and fell more and more in love with this piece as the sun rose. The low angle of the rays reflected beautifully off the crystal and the bracelet, the white dial showed nicely against my black wetsuit, and the well-placed crown allowed for full motion in my wrist as I paddled.
As I moved from the inlet, exited the channel, and paddled out into the ocean, the seas kicked up with the morning breeze. Balancing on my board in the bobbing waves and the stiff morning breeze, I quickly confirmed another key feature that I love about this watch – legibility. With hands that stand out and a minute hand that goes the distance, I could quickly glance down to determine the time and then move back to focusing on the incoming ocean chop while keeping my balance.
After that morning, I continued on with wearing the watch and putting the Avalon II through the paces of my life. All in all I was able to wear this fine-looking diver surfing, paddle boarding, running, lifting weights, hiking in the mountains, cleaning up from a passing hurricane Ian, and even for a dressy night at my cousin’s wedding and reception.
Throughout the myriad of experiences, the watch continued to perform admirably. The Avalon II never felt too heavy, never got shifty on the wrist, and always allowed for full use of the hand and wrist in every endeavor. The rugged design and eminently legible dial fit in nicely with an active lifestyle, especially one around the ocean. But the blend of elegance and class allows it to move seamlessly to a formal setting or a dinner date.
With the Avalon II, Nodus captured a new fan in myself – one who is excited to see this young brand continue to expand and grow in excellence!
More information about the Nodus Watches Avalon II Seaspray White can be found at the Nodus Watches website.
“Nodus provided this watch for review, and we are in the process of returning it. Nodus did not have any say in the review, and I maintained complete editorial control.”
