Latest Review
When it comes to more modestly sized watches, Nomos has long been ahead of the current trend of smaller models. The brand is built on clean, conservatively proportioned designs across its collections. The Tetra – Nomos’ square offering – was part of the inaugural lineup introduced back in 1992 alongside the Tangente, Ludwig, and Orion. The model has always been offered in 27mm and 29mm and later, a larger 33mm was added with the Tetra Neomatik. Now, the smaller 27mm size gets two new additions: the Tetra 27 white and Tetra 27 duo.
With the Tetra 27 white, we get the most classic expression of the model – pared down 27.5mm by 27.5mm square proportions with only 6.1mm of thickness making up a polished stainless steel case framing a crisp white dial. Here, we have central hours and minutes with a subtle touch of color thanks to blue steel hands and a mix of stick and Arabic numerals. Tucked at 6 o’clock, you’ll find a flat small seconds register as opposed to the recessed one seen in other models with its own micro hashmarks and tiny blue steel hand. No frills, no fuss, just an ultra-classic dress watch design with a nod to Art Deco styling, which extends from the square case to the double-stepped lugs.
Alternatively, the Tetra 27 duo offers a bit more interest with a two-tone type of dial featuring concentric squares thanks to a soft grey inlay at the center and the same gray creating a frame across the minute track adding just a bit of contrast to the stark white. For the indices, we get the same mix of stick markers and Arabic numerals that’s quintessentially Nomos. However, this version notably lacks a display of seconds centrally or within a subdial – only hours and minutes for the duo variation.
As with many Tetra models, you get the option of a closed or open caseback, the latter of which reveals the Caliber DUW 4001. This hand-wound, in-house movement is worthy of an exhibition caseback thanks to its decoration with Glashutte ribbing, Nomos perlage, a sunburst ratchet and crown wheel, and tempered blue screws. The caliber notably houses the Nomos Swing System with its proprietary escapement and signature tempered blue hairspring. The movement offers a power reserve of 53 hours along with a stop seconds or hacking mechanism in the Tetra 27 white.
Both models are punctuated with a black Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan strap, which perfectly tops off the classic and timeless styling of these new additions. Both models join the brand’s permanent catalog, with the Tetra 27 white priced at $2400 and the Tetra 27 duo priced at $2090. For more information, head over to Nomos.
