A Watch That Sets Your Camera Exposure? It Actually Works
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Photographers who still think in shutter speed, aperture, and ISO will appreciate this: there’s now a watch designed to help you nail exposure without pulling out your phone or a light meter. The new Obscura II from Nodus turns the classic “Sunny 16 Rule” into a wearable tool, combining vintage photography know-how with modern watch design.
Built for film shooters, street photographers, and anyone who values fast, intuitive shooting, this unique timepiece uses a custom exposure bezel to quickly calculate settings in changing light. It’s a clever, analog solution that feels right at home whether you’re chasing golden hour or shooting on the fly.
The original Nodus Obscura was a limited production piece built for members of Beers and Cameras, a photography meetup community organization. The concept transcended the niche group and found a wider audience. So, the watchmaker has just released an updated version in two shades for the masses—a siver-tone stainless steel model and one coated in black DLC (diamond like carbon).
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Both use Martinez’s patented "Exposure Gauge" bezel. Photographers can turn the bezel indicator clockwise to match their lens aperture with the corresponding value on the chapter ring, which lines up with an ISO marker on the dial-ring—ISO 100 or +1 (ISO 200) ISO 400 or +1 (ISO 800)—the ISO marker then points to the correct shutter speed. The bezel also offers settings for both sunny and cloudy (with minimal shadows) conditions, so shooters can find the right combination for the light.
The models, which were designed and assembled in Los Angeles, each feature a 38mm 316L surgical-grade stainless steel case with a black DLC coated screw-down crown, an antireflective box sapphire crystal, and 100 meters of water resistance. While the original Obscura offered a matte black dial with a Beers and Cameras logo, the Obscura II deleted the B&C iconography and shifted the “OBSCURA” label for visual balance. The second iteration uses a new dark fumé dial with a texture inspired by the silver halide crystals that give film its grain and character.
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The watches’ hour and minute hands, as well as the indexes are painted with BGW9 Grade A Swiss Super-LumiNova for low-light shutterbugs. Both versions come on matching 20mm steel bracelets that taper to 16mm and Nodus’ proprietary NEM (Nodus Extension Module) clasp with quick-release spring bars. Inside the steel beats a TMI NH38 (Seiko) automatic movement with a 41 hour power reserve. The caliber is antimagnetic resistant and regulated to +/- 10 seconds per day.
The Obscura II is available now at noduswatches.com for $650 in silver stainless steel and $725 for the DLC version.