NOMOS Glashütte has carved a niche for itself with its distinct blend of Bauhaus-inspired minimalism and exceptional watchmaking prowess. The latest addition to their esteemed Tangente collection, the Tangente 2date, is a testament to their commitment to innovation and their passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. This timepiece, available in two captivating dial variations, showcases the brand's dedication to crafting watches that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally exceptional.
Before delving into the intricacies of the Tangente 2date, it is essential to understand the historical context in which
Nomos Glashütte operates. Founded in 1990 in the heart of Glashütte, Germany, a town renowned for its watchmaking heritage, NOMOS quickly gained recognition for its commitment to producing high-quality mechanical watches with a distinct design language. The brand's philosophy centers around the principles of Bauhaus, emphasizing clean lines, functional simplicity, and a focus on the essential elements of timekeeping.
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NOMOS watches are characterized by their uncluttered dials, legible typography, and harmonious proportions. The brand's in-house movements, developed and manufactured entirely in Glashütte, further solidify their reputation for horological excellence. Each timepiece is a testament to the brand's unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, precision, and timeless design.
The Tangente 2date is a watch that embodies NOMOS's core values while introducing a novel complication that sets it apart from its predecessors. As the name suggests, this timepiece features two distinct date displays, offering a unique and practical way to keep track of time's passage. The first is a classic date window at the 6 o'clock position, displaying the current date in a clear and concise manner. The second is a ring date encircling the dial, providing an overview of the entire month.
The white dial variant, reference 135, exudes an air of understated elegance. The silver-plated dial, paired with rhodium-plated hands and indices, creates a harmonious and refined aesthetic. The blue dial model, reference 136, offers a bolder and more contemporary interpretation. The galvanized blue dial, with its sunburst finish, adds a touch of dynamism and visual depth to the watch. Both models feature a small seconds sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position, further enhancing their functionality and visual appeal.
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The Tangente 2date's case, crafted from stainless steel, measures 37.5 millimeters in diameter, making it a versatile timepiece suitable for both men and women. The slim profile of the case, measuring just 6.8 millimeters in height, ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The sapphire crystal glass on both the front and back of the watch provides a clear view of the dial and the intricate movement within.
Powering the Tangente 2date is the newly developed caliber DUW 4601, a hand-wound movement that showcases NOMOS's commitment to innovation and technical excellence. This movement is not only aesthetically pleasing, with its fine sunbeam ribbing and skeletonized balance cock, but also functionally impressive. It boasts a power reserve of 52 hours, ensuring that the watch will continue to keep accurate time even after being left unwound for two days.
The caliber DUW 4601 also features a quick-set date mechanism, allowing for easy adjustment of both date displays. This convenient feature further enhances the watch's practicality and user-friendliness. The movement's slim profile, measuring just 2.8 millimeters in height, contributes to the watch's overall elegance and wearability.
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Let's take a moment to fully appreciate the star of the show - the dual date display. The traditional date window at 6 o'clock is a familiar sight, displaying the current date in crisp, white numerals against the backdrop of the dial. But it's the ring date that steals the show. Encircling the dial, this innovative feature provides a panoramic view of the entire month, with two subtle markers framing the current day. It's a clever and intuitive way to keep track of time's passage, offering both a macro and micro perspective of the calendar.
NOMOS's execution of the ring date is nothing short of masterful. The date ring is seamlessly integrated into the dial, maintaining the watch's minimalist aesthetic. The numerals are rendered in the same elegant font as the hour markers, ensuring visual consistency. The two markers that frame the current day are discreet yet easily discernible, adding a subtle touch of dynamism to the dial.
The Tangente 2date is offered with two dial options, each with its own distinct personality. The white silver-plated dial, with its sunburst finish, exudes a classic and refined charm. The blue dial, on the other hand, is a masterclass in understated sophistication. The galvanized blue surface, also featuring a subtle sunburst pattern, shimmers and changes hue depending on the lighting, adding a touch of visual intrigue to the watch.
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Both dials feature rhodium-plated hands and indices, which complement the overall aesthetic perfectly. The small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock is subtly recessed and features a delicate azurage pattern, adding a touch of texture and depth to the dial. The NOMOS logo and "Made in Germany" inscription are discreetly placed, ensuring that nothing detracts from the watch's clean and uncluttered design.
The Tangente 2date's case is a study in understated elegance. Crafted from stainless steel, it measures a versatile 37.5 millimeters in diameter, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The case's slim profile, measuring just 6.8 millimeters in height, ensures a comfortable and unobtrusive fit.
The case's bipartite construction, with a sapphire crystal glass back, allows for a glimpse of the beautifully finished movement within. The sapphire crystal on the front of the watch is also treated with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring optimal legibility in all lighting conditions. The watch is water-resistant to 5 atm, making it suitable for everyday wear.
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The Tangente 2date is paired with a Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan strap in black. This premium leather, renowned for its durability and supple feel, complements the watch's refined aesthetic perfectly. The strap's natural texture and subtle sheen add a touch of warmth and character to the watch, while its comfortable fit ensures that it can be worn all day long.
The NOMOS Tangente 2date is priced at $3,020 USD, a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and technical innovation that goes into each timepiece. While it may not be the most affordable watch on the market, it offers exceptional value for those seeking a timepiece that seamlessly blends timeless design, horological excellence, and everyday practicality.