It’s been a few years since it was officially the 175th birthday of the watchmaking capital of Germany, when the first watchmakers came to Glashütte in Saxony to create their own watch parts and watches that would rival those in Switzerland. This all began in 1845 and the 175-year celebrations were marked in the year 2020. Several Glashütte-based watchmakers commemorated the occasion that year, including NOMOS Glashütte.
Despite it being three years since the official anniversary, NOMOS Glashütte has shown no signs of slowing down the festivities. And you know what, we’re totally fine with it as long as they keep releasing fantastic, limited anniversary editions. Their latest in an already impressive line-up is the NOMOS Glashütte Tangente rose gold neomatik watch.
NOMOS Glashütte Tangente rose gold Neomatik - Credit NOMOS
The 18ct rose gold design pays tribute to a particular 1990’s Tangente reference with a two-tone off-white and beige-coloured dial. This very model has become one of the most collectible watches in NOMOS’ history and the aesthetic is revived back into the collection to celebrate 175 years of watchmaking in Glashütte.
In 1991, just a year after NOMOS Glashütte was founded by Roland Schwertner, they launched a complete watch collection inclusive of the Tangente, Orion, Ludwig and Tetra. All of these watches, and all since, are entirely distinguishable by their minimalist Bauhaus design. The Tangente in particular has always felt like the flagship, noted by its iconic numeral font, compact cases, in-house movements and impressive price points.
For the occasion of the NOMOS Glashütte Tangente rose gold neomatik watch however, things are getting a little more opulent as the case arrives in 18ct 4N rose gold. The still insanely slender 35mm wide and 6.9mm tall case of presents the new rose gold housing fully polished and paired with the Tangente’s slim bezel, angled lugs and simple knurled crown. Flat sapphire crystal glass protects both the front and back of the watch and a water resistance of 30 metres is assured.
NOMOS Glashütte Tangente rose gold Neomatik - Credit NOMOS
For collectors, the Tangente rose gold neomatik’s most notable feature will be its dial. Mimicking the two-toned reference from the 1990’s, the display has a galvanically white silver-plated centre and a minute ring and small seconds counter in rose gold colour. The extremely slim hands for the hours, minutes and seconds are crafted from polished rose gold to match the case while standing out against it all are the Tangente’s iconic printed numerals in burgundy. The NOMOS’ logo is also printed in deep purple while the lettering representing the neomatik movement beneath is kept lighter in rose gold.
To match, the NOMOS Glashütte Tangente rose gold neomatik watch straps to the wrist by a burgundy Horween Shell Cordovan leather strap with a rose gold pin buckle. When it’s off your arm, you can enjoy the automatic winding DUW 3001 calibre inside. Made in-house and finished with stunning perlage decoration, Glashütte ribbing and blue screws, the movement alone is a work of art. At just 3.2mm tall, it delivers a 43 hour power reserve, 27 jewels and runs at a frequency of 21,600vph.
As you’ve probably guessed, due to its 18ct rose gold construction, the NOMOS Glashütte Tangente rose gold neomatik watch is a tad more expensive compared to its stainless-steel counterparts. The model retails at £8,600 which is around three times more than most of its brothers and sisters. Despite this, it still feels like a relatively well-priced solid gold watch – and a limited edition at that. Speaking of limited edition, the NOMOS Glashütte Tangente rose gold neomatik is part of 175-piece run, and if its 1990’s predecessor is of any indication, it’s likely to sell out fast.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: NOMOS Glashütte
- Model: Tangente rose gold neomatik
- Price: £8,600
- Material: 18ct 4N rose gold
- Movement: DUW 3001, in-house, automatic winding
- Complications: Hours, minutes, small seconds
- Dial: Two-toned white silver-plated and rose gold
- Size: 35mm wide, 6.9mm tall
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: This is an absolutely beautiful watch, and if I had the funds, I’d seriously consider purchasing it. It would quickly become my go-to dress watch.
- A friend we’d recommend it to first: A NOMOS collector.
- Best characteristics of the watch: The two-toned sector dial is beautiful; the choice of colours work beautifully together.
- The worst characteristics of the watch: There are none.
