Initial Impression:
Nubeo ANGUS, the Acoustically Navigated Geological Underwater Survey (ANGUS) was an unmanned research vehicle. Famously it was used in the Discovery expedition to survey the wreckage of the Titanic. ANGUS was the only Remotely (underwater) Operating Vehicle (ROV) used on both dives to the Titanic. It's robust build and endurance lead scientist to affectionately nickname ANGUS "Dope On A Rope". This timepiece delivers a build for the same deep seas, with a nod to the overt engineering and unflinching commitment to Discovery.
The initial look at the timepiece: The presentation in the box is very elegant, giving you the history of the ANGUS ROV, explaining the use and also giving you the number of this limited edition timepiece. The timepiece has a very simplistic shape with hidden lugs, easy to read indexes, and a different look for the 120-click rotating bezel.
Key Specification
Manufacturer: Nubeo Engine: SII NH35A Lens: Sapphire w/ AR Coating
Series: ANGUS Jewels: 24 Case Material: 316L SS
Model: Black Power Reserve (Hrs.): 41 Case Diameter (mm): 48
Warranty: 2 Years Strap: Stainless Steel Case Thickness (mm): 15
Bezel: 120 Click Rotating WR: 50ATM | 500M | 1640ft Cost (USD) $1100.00
The Review
This is a great addition to my growing Nubeo collection. This timepiece is relatively simple and very functional as a dive watch. The classic black and stainless-steel offer a great contrast, and the indexes are simple and easily read with the size of the dial.
The Case
The case is machined from 316L Stainless Steel comes in with a 48mm diameter, hidden lugs, a unique stainless-steel bezel. The stainless-steel bezel is not just there to hold down the lens, in fact it isn't even grooved the same as most dive watches - it has grooves at the indexes, set screws that sit flush to the side of the bezel. The engine is covered with a sapphire crystal lens with anti-reflective coating. The dial is sandwiched with black texture on the outer ring - housing the indexes, the center of the dial is clear - which exposes the date wheel along with some of the mechanical engineering and jewels. The case-back is screw-down stainless-steel with all of the typical info on the back - including the watch number, as this is a limited edition. The black logo's crown stands out against the brushed stainless-steel case. This diver is rated for 500 meters, and includes an automatic helium release valve at 9 o'clock, with He etched into the case side.
The Engine
The SII NH35 - I a hand windable, hacking upgrade to the NH25A. It is a 24 Jewel, 21,600 bph, 41-hour power reserve caliber - and currently one of the most popular movements on the market today. Seiko claims that the NH35A accuracy range is within -20 ~+40 seconds per day. In this version of the SII NH35A the date wheel is white with black numbers and the date is located at the 3 o'clock location.
The Strap
The three-link stainless-steel bracelet is finished in a satin/brushed finish, which adds to the simplicity of the look of this Nubeo timepiece. It will not fit over a wet suit while worn on my wrist, and there is not an expandable clasp. The strap is fairly wide coming in at the lugs at 24mm, and at the deployable clasp at 22mm - while this is fairly large for most straps, it actually makes for a comfortable fit on the wrist.
The Wrap Up
The Nubeo ANGUS Black Orbit timepiece will definitely catch the attention of those who are into divers. It definitely started me looking into the ANGU ROV, and the history of them using it to move around the Titanic, just for the "cool" factor of what the history was. I find it to be very comfortable, even though it is leaning towards the larger size dive watch. I am going to try to lighten it up with a black leather NATO strap and see if it changes the look - make it a little more business casual, and a little less industrial diver. All in all, this is a great timepiece to add to any collection. It is a little on the richer end of "affordable" at $1100 USD, but it could be that "One" watch, or the "Heirloom" timepiece that you are looking for. The Nubeo ANGUS Black Orbit has made it into my top 20, if you have a chance to take a look at one, you may want to try it out.
