Monochrome Watches
An online magazine dedicated to fine watches

NOMOS

German independent luxury watch manufacturer

NOMOS was founded in 1990 by Roland Schwertner and remains headquartered in Glashütte, Germany. The independent watchmaker launched its first collection in 1992, a series of four hand-wound models - Tangente, Orion, Ludwig and Tetra - and has always been known for modern, accessible luxury watches. Up until 2005, NOMOS relied on ETA movements before completely switching to in-house calibres. The Tangomat became the first automatic NOMOS in the same year. To further its independence from outside suppliers, the brand introduced its own escapement in 2014, the Swing System, which made it into watches the following year. NOMOS currently has 13 models in its portfolio and all carry a familiar, cohesive design language that's instantly recognizable. Uwe Ahrendt is the current CEO and founder Roland Schwertner continues as the head of sales.

It was just a couple of months after the Berlin Wall fell that NOMOS was founded, around the same time as the new A. Lange & Söhne. This began a real resurgence of watchmaking in Glashütte. Designed by Susanne Gunther, the original collection carried a clean, modern and similar style that endures today, with a 35mm diameter cleverly designed to be unisex. Inspiration came from Bauhaus watches (streamlined modernism) in the 1930s from brands like Stowa and Lange.

Although initially known for hand-wound movements, the brand currently has seven in-house automatics ranging from time-only to date to world time calibres. Its six hand-wound movements are either round or tonneau-shaped with complications limited to a power reserve or date. All movements are accurate to a chronometer level.

Nomos Lambda 175 black

In addition to worldwide admiration from watch enthusiasts, NOMOS has also won some of the industry’s top awards including the Challenge category (under CHF 4,000) at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève for the Tangente 41 Update. Featuring the DUW 6001 calibre, the watch marks the date on the outer perimeter of the dial via two red dots. The award further validated the innovation and design prowess of a rare independent brand that produces all movements in-house, while maintaining surprisingly accessible price points.

History of NOMOS

1990
Company founded by Roland Schwertner in Glashütte, Saxony (Germany)
1992
First NOMOS collection debuts, the Tangente, Orion, Ludwig and Tetra, all hand-wound
2002
Mirko Heyne of Lang & Heyne comes to NOMOS to head the research and development team
2005
NOMOS switches from ETA movements to in-house only calibres
2012
The brand begins its collaboration with the German affiliate of Doctors Without Borders
2014
The swing system is introduced, the brand's own escapement
2015
The DUW 3001 launches with an in-house calibre using the swing system
2017
The At Work collection debuts, 14 watches with the ultra-thin Neomatik automatic movement
2018
The Tangente 41 Update wins the Challenge category at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève
2019
NOMOS offers its first stainless steel bracelet