NOMOS Minimatik 39 date

NOMOS Glashütte, the esteemed watchmaker from the historic German town of Glashütte, has a legacy built on precision engineering and minimalist design. Founded in 1990, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nomos quickly established itself as a prominent force in the world of horology. The brand's commitment to producing in-house movements and adhering to the strict "Glashütte" designation, which requires that at least 50% of a watch's movement value be produced locally, underscores its dedication to quality and craftsmanship. NOMOS watches are known for their clean, Bauhaus-inspired aesthetics, emphasizing functionality and readability.

The Minimatik 39 Date series is a refreshing take on NOMOS's minimalist dress watch. Available in three distinct versions, these watches maintain the brand's signature understated design while incorporating a newly developed date complication. The introduction of a gold-framed date window at the 3 o'clock position is a notable design feature that showcases and pays homage to the the new caliber within.



Each of the three models offers a unique character. Reference 1250 features a white silver-plated dial with rhodium-plated hands, creating a classic and versatile look. The combination of minimalist dot indexes and Arabic numerals strikes a balance between contemporary and traditional design elements. The overall impression is one of restrained, making it suitable for both formal and casual settings.

Reference 1251 shares the same white silver-plated dial but opts for golden hands. This subtle change gives an additional touch of sophistication to the aesthetic, evoking the warmth of a gold watch without the associated price tag. It's a clever design choice that elevates the watch's appearance while maintaining its modern sensibility. The hands transition smoothly to a perfect rounded tip and it creates a beautiful eye pleasing contrast.



The third model, Reference 1252, breaks from the silver-dialed pair with a Deep Blue dial. The rhodium-plated hands maintain a crisp contrast against the darker background, ensuring excellent legibility. The gold detailing is limited to the date window's chamfer, providing a pop of color that draws the eye to the complication. This model offers a sportier, more casual vibe, while still retaining the dress watch designation.

The case of the Minimatik 39 Date measures 39.5mm in diameter and 7.5mm in height, with a lug-to-lug distance of 47.7mm. These dimensions place the watch in a comfortable sweet spot for a variety of wrist sizes. The stainless steel case is bipartite, meaning it's constructed from two main pieces, contributing to its slim profile. The case gently tapers towards the front, and both the sapphire crystal glass and the dial are slightly domed, adding depth and visual interest to the watch.

The choice of a sapphire crystal glass for both the front and the case back is significant. Sapphire is highly scratch-resistant, ensuring that the watch will maintain its pristine appearance over time. The exhibition case back provides a clear view of the beautifully decorated DUW 4601 caliber. The domed shape on the dial creates a soft transition between the case, and bezel. It creates a unique shape on the wrist, a very comfortable presence.



Powering the Minimatik 39 Date is the in-house DUW 4601 caliber. This hand-wound movement is a testament to NOMOS's technical prowess. Introduced in the fall of 2024, it features a patented date mechanism with a convenient quick-set function. The movement boasts a power reserve of 52 hours, exceeding the typical 40-48 hours found in many hand-wound watches. This extended power reserve means the watch can be left unwound for over two days without needing to be reset.

The DUW 4601 is a visually stunning movement. The sunbeam ribbing, a decorative finish that radiates outwards, extends to the date ring plate, creating a cohesive and eye-catching effect. The NOMOS swing system, the brand's proprietary escapement, is visible through a skeletonized portion of the balance cock. This escapement is a point of pride for NOMOS, demonstrating their independence and expertise in producing critical movement components. The movement itself sits at a height of 2.8mm, a feat that only companies like NOMOS can reach.

The date complication itself is cleverly integrated into the design. The date ring is finished in the same color as the dial, allowing the numerals to blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. The gold-framed window at 3 o'clock adds a touch of contrast, drawing attention to the date without overwhelming the dial. It's a classic position for a date window, and its placement on the outer edge of the dial maximizes the size of the numerals, enhancing legibility.



The typography used for the hour numerals is modern and clean, contributing to the watch's overall minimalist aesthetic. The combination of dots and Arabic numerals adds visual interest and helps to break up the dial without making it feel cluttered. The sub-seconds dial, a NOMOS signature, is well-proportioned and unobtrusive, providing a functional element without detracting from the main time display.

References 1251 and 1252 are paired with Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan straps, known for their durability and comfort. Reference 1251 comes with a brown strap, which complements the golden hands and adds a touch of warmth to the overall look. Reference 1252 features a black strap, a classic choice that pairs well with the deep blue dial. The straps have a lug width of 20mm, a standard size that allows for easy strap changes if desired. The brown strap is a beautiful and comfortable material that matches the gold and silver tones of the watch perfectly. The Horween Shell Cordovan leather is a perfect match for a watch, and in this situation it is an even better pairing.



The water resistance of the Minimatik 39 Date is rated at 5 atm, which means it's splash-proof and can withstand brief immersion in water. While not suitable for swimming or diving, this level of water resistance is adequate for everyday wear and provides peace of mind against accidental splashes or exposure to rain.

All three versions of the NOMOS Minimatik 39 Date are priced at $3,220 USD. This positions them in the mid-range of NOMOS's offerings, providing access to in-house movement technology and meticulous craftsmanship at a competitive price point. The watches are available for purchase through NOMOS's website and authorized retailers.

Case: Stainless steel, bipartite. Diameter 39.5 mm, height 7.5 mm, lug-to-lug 47.7 mm. Domed sapphire crystal glass and sapphire crystal glass back. Water resistance 5 atm (splash-proof).

Movement: DUW 4601. In-house, hand-wound, with patented date mechanism and quick-change date function. Sunbeam ribbing decoration. Features NOMOS swing system. Power reserve of 52 hours. Movement height of 2.8 millimeters.

Dial: Ref. 1250 and 1251: Galvanized, white silver-plated. Ref. 1252: Dark blue. Date window at three o'clock with gold-plated chamfering. Minimalist dot indexes and Arabic hour numerals. Sub-seconds dial. Ref. 1250: Rhodium-plated hands. Ref. 1251: Gold hands. Ref 1252: Rhodium Plated.

Strap: Ref. 1251: Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan brown, lug width 20 mm. Ref. 1252: Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan black, lug width 20 mm.

Price: $3,220 USD

Reference Number: 1250, 1251, 1252.

Notes: Features a newly developed, gold-framed date window. The DUW 4601 caliber with a sunbeam ribbing radiating from the NOMOS swing system. The date ring is the same shade as the dial.