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Nubeo Ecliptic Retrograde Dual Time Watch Returns With Six New Colorways

The space-themed timepiece features a unique retrograde dual time display and spacecraft-inspired design.

Yanko Design2 min

1Space-Inspired Design Evolution

Nubeo has reintroduced its Ecliptic Retrograde Dual Time watch for 2026, expanding the collection with six distinct colorways. Originally launched in October 2024, the timepiece retains its signature square 45mm stainless steel case. The design draws inspiration from astronomy, featuring a caseback engraved with the sun, Earth, and the ecliptic plane.

2Unique Retrograde Timekeeping

The watch features a distinct retrograde arc that tracks a second time zone across the lower dial. Unlike traditional GMT hands, this mechanism sweeps from zero to 24 before snapping back to the start. This layout separates the secondary time display from the primary dial, enhancing readability for travelers and enthusiasts.

3Intricate Dial Construction

The dial is built in layers, utilizing a matte black honeycomb mesh base for a technical, spacecraft-like appearance. It includes an oversized applied 12 at the top, a 24-hour subdial at 9 o'clock, and a date window at 4 o'clock. Applied indices and hands are treated with Japanese lume for visibility.

4Substantial Case Specifications

Measuring 45mm by 45mm with a 16mm thickness, the watch carries a significant presence on the wrist. It weighs 155 grams and is paired with a 26mm rubber strap. The construction includes an anti-reflective mineral crystal and a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, suitable for daily wear and casual use.

5Reliable Quartz Performance

Inside the Ecliptic resides a Japanese quartz movement, chosen for its accuracy and convenience. Quartz technology ensures the watch remains functional even after extended periods of inactivity, unlike mechanical alternatives that require manual winding. Nubeo provides a two-year warranty for the timepiece, emphasizing its commitment to long-term reliability for consumers.

6Diverse Aesthetic Options

The 2026 lineup introduces colorways such as Firewater Blue, Cardinal Teal, and Steel Phantom. These variations modify dial accents, crown colors, and strap choices while maintaining the core matte black dial design. The collection offers options ranging from vibrant yellow and blue straps to a fully blacked-out aesthetic for subtle styling.

7Market Positioning and Pricing

Priced at $250, the Ecliptic is currently available with a 20% launch discount, reducing the cost to $200. This pricing strategy positions the watch as an accessible alternative to Nubeo's higher-end licensed collaborations. It competes with other instrument-style watches by offering a bold, conspicuous design at a competitive entry-level price point.

8Contextual Design Significance

The Ecliptic joins a catalog that frequently explores pop culture and space themes, such as the Space Invaders Automatic. By focusing on the ecliptic plane rather than licensed intellectual property, Nubeo creates a more affordable, astronomy-focused instrument. It serves as a stylistic departure from traditional round GMT watches like the Rolex.

Original article: Yanko Design — Nubeo Ecliptic Retrograde Dual Time Watch Returns With Six New Colorways