Whilst there were many watch brands this year at Baselworld 2015 who were competing to offer the latest technological advances within their new and revamped ranges, Nomos Glashutte have cleverly clung to their trusty routes with more of what we love; affordability, superb reliability and designs that capture a simplistic beauty hard to come by these days.
The Nomos Minimatik envelops an elegant authenticity with its crisp dial and subtle splash of dark venetian red and Prussian blue tones. Although an entirely new decoration, the innovative timekeeping instrument is still a classic Nomos piece, integrated with a galvanised white-silver dial face and pearled indexes, delicately partitioned by softgolden contrasts. The familiar small diameters that we are used to seeing on Nomos timepieces continues to create a deceivingly larger face thanks to the minimalistic layout and their perfect proportions. The watch is a slim and strict timepiece yet releases playfulness in character due to its energetic colour shots. The choice to experiment with daring colour demonstrates the brand’s taste for excitement, whilst still encouraging elements of its relaxed and comfortable personality to radiate through with consistency. Considering Nomos have built the new product based firmly on their reliable and noteworthy foundations; a unique identity that cannot be mistaken for any other pure-breed watchmaking company of its time – the timepiece conveys a young and intimate presence. Its softened 35.5mm stainless steel casing and wearer-friendly height of just 8.6mm in thickness contributes to a discrete yet handsomely finished work of art. However we cannot just talk about the desirable aesthetics of the watch alone, as tempting as that would be – a wonderful new in-house component is the talking point for the Minimatik without a doubt! Having been introduced to the new Nomos Swing System just last year, the Glashutte-based brand has nominated the still-new calibre DUW 3001 to power their new creation. Amazingly the brand have managed to avoid the need to increase their retail prices to counteract the ever-growing production costs that come hand-in-hand with in-house manufacturing, regardless of huge investment requirements. Nomos can instead, proudly embrace each element within their finished developments as “handmade” and “hand assembled” – a winning factor over many alternative competitors globally.
The Tangente collection also shares this genius movement which, for the Minimatik means no winding. The automatic in-house engine vibrates at 21,600 A/h and offers a wonderful view from the caseback. The calibre was the first to hold the debute Nomos Swing System and also comes equipped with an impressive 42 hours power reserve. The ¾ plate exhibits Glashutte ribbing and presents machine-polished tempered blue screws to its bevelled angles. Adjusted in 6 positions and accompanied with a matching blue tempered balance spring, the sapphire crystal caseback showcases the epitome of true craftsmanship that remains at the forefront of Nomos’ ethos. Stringent quality standards have and always will be employed within every hand assembled constituent to their beautifully crafted designs, ensuring that the brand keep their reputation of delivering award-winning innovative masterpieces of time.
