Iconic Models & Precision In-House Caliber Movements
NOMOS Glashütte, a revered name in the realm of horology, represents the intersection of art and science. Based in Glashütte, the birthplace of German watchmaking, NOMOS masterfully encapsulates a blend of minimalist Bauhaus design and intricate German engineering. Founded in 1990 by Roland Schwertner, NOMOS first came to life in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Despite being a newcomer in a historical watchmaking town, NOMOS quickly established itself as a game-changer, injecting a refreshing and modern take into traditional watchmaking.
Among the brands significant contributions to horology is its in-house made caliber movements. The first of these proprietary movements was the manual Alpha Caliber. Known for its robustness and precision, the Alpha set the tone for the NOMOS philosophy—quality craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Since then, NOMOS has continued to evolve its movements, with 95% of each movement made in Glashütte—significantly above the necessary 50% to earn the coveted ‘Glashütte’ title.
In 2014, NOMOS made horological headlines with the introduction of its in-house escapement, the NOMOS Swing System. An escapement is the heart of a mechanical watch, a vital component dictating the watch’s accuracy. This development was groundbreaking, further solidifying NOMOS’s standing as a fully independent watchmaker, an accolade few can boast.
NOMOS’s range of caliber movements also includes its innovative DUW 3001. This automatic caliber, notable for its slender profile and efficient design, has set a new standard for thin automatic watches. The movement’s ingenuity lies in its ‘neomatik’ design—NOMOS’s term for the highly precise, automatic winding mechanism.
This mechanical prowess is splendidly reflected in NOMOS’s iconic watch models.
The Tangente is perhaps the most recognizable model, embodying the minimalist ethos with its clean lines and simple dial. It has an almost architectural look, with its crisp numerals and fine hands powered by the Alpha caliber. The Tangente is an exemplar of the Bauhaus design—form follows function, and each detail is reduced to its necessary elements.
The Orion, another key model, demonstrates a softer, more curvaceous approach to the Bauhaus aesthetic. Its slightly domed dial and crystal, paired with subtle gold or silver indexes, offer a different take on minimalism. The latest automatic models have been equipped with the DUW 3001 or the DUW 6101. And the manual models with either the Alpha or DUW 4101, the latter showcasing a date function.
On the more avant-garde end, there’s the Autobahn. Its bold, racing-inspired design featuring a luminous dial, unusual for NOMOS, showcases the company’s versatility. The Autobahn houses the neomatik DUW 6101 caliber, with its quick-set date and bi-directional winding rotor.
Not forgetting the Metro model. With its power reserve indicator and slim wire lugs, Metro adds an innovative and fresh perspective to the NOMOS collection. The first model to feature the Swing System, it represents a milestone in NOMOS’s history.
It’s clear NOMOS Glashütte isn’t just a watch company. The brand a testament to meticulous engineering, artistic sensibility, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Through its in-house calibers and iconic models, NOMOS consistently pushes the boundaries of watchmaking, honoring its heritage while keeping a keen eye on the future. These qualities make it a key player in horology and a brand worthy of admiration and respect, and worth adding to any watch collection.
