First Look at the Nomos Metro rose gold 33

I’ve long been a fan of the Nomos Metro collection. Ever since the Metro Datum Gangsreserve first launched way back in 2014, the Metro family has been home to some of Nomos’ more quirkier and playful designs. Sure, the Metro may not be as iconic as the Tangente, the watch most would immediately associate with the Glashütte firm, but that initial design (courtesy of Berlin-based designer Mark Braun) has stood the test of time, and it’s inspired numerous iterations in the years since. The latest, and this is a watch I had the pleasure of seeing in Germany at Nomos HQ, is the Metro rose gold 33, the smallest Metro model to date.

Nomos Metro rose gold 33 (Reference 1170)

• Case Material: 18kt rose gold
• Dial: Galvanized, white silver-plated
• Dimensions: 33mm x 7.7mm
• Crystal: Domed sapphire 
• Water Resistance: 3 ATM (splash proof)
• Crown: Push/pull
• Movement: Alpha
• Strap/bracelet: Suede
• Price: $7,200
• Expected Release: Available now

The size is geared towards a female clientele, but it’s not explicitly gendered in the way most brands gender their watches. It’s simply smaller, rendered in a rose gold case, and fitted with a galvanized white (silver-plated) dial marked with gray hour plots. I tried it on, and while I felt it was ultimately too small for me, I can still see this watch working for gentlemen with smaller wrists than mine.

This isn’t the first time Nomos has used rose gold in the Metro line. Recall in 2017 the Metro rose gold neomatik 39, which debuted as part of the brand’s At Work series. This new, smaller Metro is simply an extension of that. While more iterative than game changing, it’s a compelling product, and with the use of precious metal it pushes the watch into a more luxury-oriented position.

“It has a feminine aspect, and more warmth. With Metro rose gold 33, we are using precious metal in a modern way.” – Mark Braun

Powering the watch is Nomos’ Alpha caliber, a longstanding hand-cranker from the German manufacture. You don’t get Nomos’ in-house Swing System here, but that also means that the watch hits a more aggressive price point at $7,200, which makes it the most affordable precious metal Nomos to date.

The watch comes on a suede strap with quick-release springs, the latter being a bit of a necessity due to the wire lugs, which measure 16mm across. It’s a handsome pairing, and it plays into the warmth of the case and dial. I think this one would also look great on navy shell cordovan. Nomos