Today, we’re taking a closer look at Nubeo — a sister brand to AVI-8, Spinnaker, and Cadola. Nubeo stands out as a rather unconventional brand. They specialize in large, bold timepieces that often feature vibrant colors and high-profile collaborations, such as with Star Trek and Space Invaders. If I had to sum up the brand in one word, it would be: eccentric. The watch I’m reviewing today comes from Nubeo’s Ventana Skeleton collection. This line includes ten models, each differing in case finishes and dial/bezel color combinations. The version I chose is the Indigo, also referred to as Purple — my personal favorite color. Each variant is limited to just 100 pieces, adding a nice layer of exclusivity.
The watch arrived in a basic cardboard box. Inside, you’ll find the timepiece itself, a warranty card, and an instruction manual. The limited edition number is also indicated inside the box — in this case, we received unit #2 out of 100. I do wish Nubeo opted for a travel pouch or something a bit more premium in place of the cardboard packaging. My first impression? “This is a BIG boy.” I expected it to be large, but it’s even more substantial on the wrist than anticipated. It also has a solid weight to it, coming in at 173 grams. That said, the purple PVD finish is striking and definitely one of the highlights of the design. In terms of comparison, the closest brand that comes to mind is Invicta — known for their large and flashy designs. However, where Nubeo really sets itself apart is build quality. While Invicta can sometimes feel hit-or-miss, this watch feels like it’s built like a tank. The overall construction and materials used are definitely among its strongest assets.
The case of the Nubeo Ventana Skeleton is crafted from 316L stainless steel, a reliable standard in durable watch construction. The machining appears highly precise, with clean lines and well-defined angles throughout. It features a satin-brushed finish, coated in a striking purple PVD treatment. The finishing is impressive — it feels tough, rugged, and built to handle just about anything you throw at it. The case design is round with hidden lugs, reminiscent of the Seiko Tuna silhouette. It measures a whopping 50mm in diameter and has a thickness of 16.5mm, which confirms my initial impression: this is a big watch. It wears as large as it looks, and while that might appeal to those with bigger wrists or a preference for oversized timepieces, I personally find it a bit over the top. I’ve never been one for large watches, with the exception of two models — the Panerai PAM372 and PAM127 — both of which manage to balance size with elegance. Outside of those, I struggle to find big watches comfortable. Unfortunately, the Ventana doesn’t quite make the cut in that regard for me. It sits quite high on the wrist and feels top-heavy. If it were scaled down to around 46mm, I think it would strike a better balance between presence and wearability.
At the 4 o’clock position, there’s a screw-down crown signed with the Nubeo logo and flanked by sturdy crown guards. Over at 9 o’clock, you’ll find a helium escape valve, reinforcing its serious dive watch credentials. The top side is fitted with a 120-click unidirectional bezel featuring a black insert. The bezel markings are white, with the first 15-minute segment highlighted in yellow. In terms of lume, Nubeo has taken a dual-tone approach: the yellow segment glows green, while the rest of the bezel emits a blue lume — a nice touch that adds a bit of functional visual flair. Flipping the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback, left in raw stainless steel with a brushed finish. It features a detailed engraving of the Nubeo logo, which I personally find quite attractive. Surrounding the edge of the caseback are engraved specifications along with the individual limited edition number, which is a nice reminder of the watch’s exclusivity. As for water resistance, the Ventana is rated to a massive 1000 meters (100 ATM) — far beyond what most will ever need, but certainly reassuring if you plan on taking it into extreme environments.
The Ventana features what Nubeo refers to as a skeleton dial, though I’d personally describe it more as a transparent dial rather than a true skeleton design. It’s unclear whether the material used is sapphire or simply plastic, but it does create a layered, dimensional effect. Surrounding the dial is a purple chapter ring, with white printed minute markers. The hour markers appear to float above the dial — they’re white with yellow frames, and the white sections are lumed. This floating effect adds depth and fits well with the watch’s bold aesthetic. The center portion of the dial is see-through, with various printed details including the Nubeo logo at 12 o’clock, as well as text like “Limited Edition,” “WR1000M,” and “Automatic”, along with some white design lines that frame the transparency.
The hour and minute hands are oversized and bold, echoing the aggressive design of the case. The hour hand is white, the minute hand is blue, and both are filled with lume. The seconds hand is black with blue and yellow accents, and it, too, is lumed — adding both functionality and a pop of color. One standout detail here is the capped center — a subtle but refined touch that’s not often seen at this price point. It gives the dial a cleaner and more premium look. In terms of legibility, I find the dial surprisingly easy to read despite the transparency and complexity. The lume performance is fair — it glows brightly when freshly charged but fades after around 20 minutes, which is about average but not exceptional. That said, I’m personally not a fan of skeleton-style dials, especially on dive watches. It feels somewhat out of place in a tool-oriented timepiece. In my opinion, a purple sunburst dial would have been a better aesthetic and functional fit for this model — it would maintain the bold color while offering improved contrast and a more cohesive dive watch vibe. Capping off the dial is a single-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, which helps reduce glare and enhances overall clarity.
The Seiko NH38 is one of those humble movements that quietly gets the job done—and looks cool doing it. Based on the ultra-reliable NH35 platform, the NH38 ditches the date complication entirely and adds a bit of flair with its open-heart design, offering a peek into the mechanical soul of your watch. It’s like your timepiece is showing off just a little: “Hey, look what I can do.” One of the best things about the NH38 is its simplicity and character. No ghost date position to annoy you, no unnecessary clutter—just time, ticking away through that exposed balance wheel like a heartbeat. It’s especially satisfying when paired with a skeleton or semi-transparent dial, where it becomes the visual star of the show.
As for performance? My personal example runs at a very respectable +6 to +7 seconds per day, which is solid for an automatic movement in this class. It may not be Swiss-level precision, but it’s more than good enough for everyday wear—and it proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get solid mechanical accuracy. The winding action feels smooth, the rotor isn’t annoyingly loud, and the hacking and hand-winding features make it a breeze to set and operate. Maintenance is easy and parts are widely available, so long-term ownership is pretty stress-free. Overall, the NH38 is a no-fuss, affordable, and downright fun movement to live with. Whether you’re into modding, collecting, or just love seeing a little motion on your dial, this one brings both charm and function to the table. It’s proof that even a budget-friendly movement can have personality—and that sometimes, less (no date) really is more.
The strap is crafted from purple silicone and features a design reminiscent of Seiko’s classic straps. However, one immediate drawback for me is the choice of material—silicone instead of rubber. I would have preferred FKM rubber, as silicone tends to have a slightly dull appearance and is notorious for attracting dust and lint. That said, the strap does have several positives. It is perforated for breathability and feels exceptionally soft and supple. There’s a pleasing taper from 24mm at the lugs down to 22mm at the buckle, which enhances both comfort and aesthetics. The tang-style buckle is made of stainless steel with a sleek black PVD coating and is signed, adding a refined touch. On the wrist, the watch wears very comfortably, thanks to the strap’s flexibility and ergonomic design.
The Nubeo Ventana Skeleton is a bold, unapologetically large watch that delivers serious wrist presence and a surprising level of refinement for its price point. It’s clear that Nubeo isn’t trying to cater to traditionalists—they’re aiming squarely at enthusiasts who appreciate eccentric design, vibrant colors, and robust specs. In that regard, the Ventana absolutely delivers. From its striking purple PVD case and 1000m water resistance to its transparent dial and reliable NH38 movement, the watch combines eye-catching aesthetics with solid mechanical performance. The overall build quality is excellent, especially when compared to similarly styled competitors like Invicta. The detailing, machining, and finishing show care and intention, even if the overall design leans more toward fashion-forward than function-first.
That said, the size will be a deal-breaker for many. At 50mm wide and 16.5mm thick, this is not a subtle timepiece—and for my own wrist, it’s simply too large to wear comfortably for long periods. Additionally, the skeleton-style dial, while visually interesting, feels at odds with the tool-watch personality implied by the Ventana’s extreme depth rating and robust construction. Still, there’s something undeniably fun about this watch. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet it’s well-made, exclusive in its limited production, and powered by a workhorse movement that’s both reliable and visually engaging. If you’re someone who enjoys oversized watches, vibrant colorways, and standout designs, the Ventana might be exactly what you’re looking for. For everyone else, it’s a fascinating piece to admire—but perhaps from a distance.
KaminskyBlog 