Latest Review
Nomos is always an exciting brand to visit at BaselWorld. Last year, they wowed with the introduction of the swing system, their proprietary escapement that marked a huge step for the brand (as it would any brand, really) and their Metro. This year, Nomos came ready with the natural progression of that development, boasting several new models and a totally new automatic movement.
First up are the Metro 38 Datum and the Metro 38 Datum black. The Metro 38 Datum is a companion piece to the previously released Datum, which is undoubtedly one of Nomos’ quirkiest timepieces. At 38mm, it’s 1.5mm larger than the Datum, but it still feels perfectly balanced–perhaps even more so due to the more restrained dial. Eschewing the power reserve indicator, the Metro 38 Datum instead focuses on bringing symmetry to the design. We had an early look at this piece a few months ago, and seeing it in the metal certainly helped build our appreciation for what at the time felt like a curious addition to the line (full disclosure: I adore the original Metro). The black actually features a dark grey dial, which tempers the aesthetic quite a bit without stripping it of everything we’ve come to love about the design. Both watches come with the DUW 4101, equipped with the swing system, and should be available this summer. Pricing for both models is $3,480.
Next up is Nomos’ brand new automatic movement, the DUW 3001. Nomos spent 3 years and 2.5 million Euros developing the 3001, and it really paid off. The DUW 3001 is their thinnest automatic movement yet, coming in at an impressive 3.2mm. Unsurprisingly, it’s fitted with the swing system, so you should expect more watches from Nomos meeting German chronometer standards as this movement gradually rolls out in future timepieces.
The Tangente is the first watch to use the DUW 3001, appropriately renamed Tangente Automatic. Aesthetically, it’s not a radical departure from what we already know, but there are some differences. There is now some red on the dial, and the hands are black versus the traditional tempered blue. But most impressive is that the Tangente Automatic is only slighter thicker than its hand-wound brother, and noticeably thinner than the top-heavy Tangomat. The Tangente Automatic should be available to the public come fall with a price tag of $3,780.
And finally, the most exciting development from Nomos encapsulates everything that the brand has done over the past year: the Minimatic. The Minimatic is, simply put, a great addition to the Nomos family. It’s 36mm wide, featuring a completely new case design that is both modern and restrained. It’s deceptively simple from the top down, but incredibly elegant from the side. As one might expect, the Minimatic is equipped with the DUW 3001, so it’s thin as well. The overall aesthetic is incredibly appealing, coming off as a cross between the Club and the Metro (with some Tangente thrown in for good measure). Despite this cross of designs, the Minimatic feels wholly unique and impressive without a hint of being derivative. The Minimatic will be available in the fall for $4,060.
