NOMOS has always placed design at the forefront of its signature style. The brand has earned an impeccable reputation thanks to the unexpected integration of color, typography, and design elements. While NOMOS is perhaps best known for its style embodying minimalism and a fresh take on classic styles, the release of the Autobahn model in 2018 demonstrated that NOMOS is not afraid to flex its design muscles and bring something entirely unexpected to the market. Inspired by cars illuminating the infamous German highway at breakneck speeds, the Autobahn watches offered a new perspective on the NOMOS design language. Now, NOMOS is releasing three new versions of the Autobahn in three vibrant color schemes, paired with a racing-inspired bracelet.
Glashütte can trace its rise in watchmaking to the arrival of master watchmaker Ferdinand Adolph Lange. In 1845, Lange was sent to this impoverished mining town by the Saxon king to help revive the region's economy. Lange trained countless watchmakers and transformed the sleepy town into a mecca of German watchmaking. In the following decades, other brands opened their shops, adhering to the strict quality standards originally set by Lange. For a watch to bear the Made in Glashütte mark, at least 50% of the watch's caliber value must be created on-site (NOMOS watches far exceed this standard, with more than 95% of the calibers created in-house). Glashütte watches are also distinguished by their signature three-quarter plate, barrel, gear train, Glashütte stopwork, swan-neck fine adjustment, and movement decoration, which have become symbols of the region's timepieces.
Despite being nothing short of modern in design and execution, NOMOS is also a full-fledged member of the venerable Glashütte watchmaking fraternity. NOMOS was founded in 1990, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and established production in the traditional center of Saxon watchmaking, which had been devastated after World War II. NOMOS aimed to be part of the region's revival and return to watchmaking prominence. There is no doubt that they have played their part.
Over the years, NOMOS has garnered countless accolades for creating an instantly recognizable design language inspired by the Bauhaus school of design. In developing the 41mm Autobahn model, NOMOS turned to renowned designers and partners Werner Aisslinger and Tina Bunyaprasit. Describing the design of the Autobahn model, the team explains: “Our Autobahn dial is inspired by the instruments of legendary sports cars from the 70s and 80s. The pinnacle of automotive design gave us not only striking car bodies and silhouettes but also interior design and dashboards that remain templates and archetypes for transport development to this day.”
Although the original Autobahn models can hardly be called subtle in design and colors, in creating the Director’s Cut Edition, Aisslinger and Bunyaprasit wanted to make bold choices in favor of colors that sing personally to them. Named after three major highways in Germany, the A3, A7, and A9 watches have their own style. Aisslinger and Bunyaprasit describe their color choices: “The A9 model with a black and gray dial represents minimalist design. The A3 model resembles the dashboard instruments of the 80s. The illuminated red ring on the white dial emphasizes the sporty character of these watches.” Fans of chronometers from the 60s and 70s will enjoy the blue and yellow contrast of the A7 model.”
While NOMOS watches are known for their excellent leather and textile straps, in recent years the brand has started using bracelets in its sports lines in a style characteristic of NOMOS. The newly released Sport Bracelet features horizontal, independently articulated links, each secured by two screws, and the bracelet can be easily replaced using the built-in quick-release spring bars. The soft articulation is an understatement — the bracelets melt onto the wrist. As they released the new models, Aisslinger and Bunyaprasit decided that the Sport Bracelet was not sporty enough, so they redesigned it, adding a cuff that mimics racing gloves and rally straps from the 1960s and 70s. It is clear that Aisslinger and Bunyaprasit did not plan to hold back in creating the Director’s Cut.
The beauty of NOMOS watches is not limited to the surface. Behind the sapphire case back, the NOMOS neomatik caliber 6101 movement is visible. This self-winding movement is incredibly sleek for a movement with a date function, measuring just 3.6 mm in height. The caliber 6101 is equipped with NOMOS's Swing System, 27 jewels, and a 42-hour power reserve. Since the movement is adjusted in six positions according to chronometer standards, you can expect superior timekeeping for years to come. But NOMOS ensures that its in-house movements are as beautiful as they are functional. The 6101 movement features a Glashütte three-quarter plate, tempered blue balance spring and screws, Glashütte ribbing, and perlage.
The three Director’s Cut Edition Autobahn watch models are released in a limited edition of 175 pieces each. All watches are available now for $4,800 with a bracelet. For more information about NOMOS and their Autobahn watches, be sure to visit the brand's website.