NOMOS Zurich World Time Sambal for Revolution

The Nomos Zürich World Time "Sambal" for Revolution is a limited-edition timepiece that blends NOMOS Glashütte's renowned German watchmaking with Revolution magazine's distinctive flair for the unexpected. This vibrant watch, limited to just 50 pieces, is a celebration of color, craftsmanship, and culinary inspiration, resulting in a timepiece that is as visually captivating as it is technically impressive.



To fully appreciate the "Sambal," it's worth delving into the legacies of the two entities that brought it to life. NOMOS Glashütte, hailing from the Saxon town of Glashütte, has steadily built a reputation for producing high-quality timepieces that embody the principles of Bauhaus design. Clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and an unwavering commitment to in-house production have become hallmarks of the NOMOS brand. Their watches, like the Tangente, Metro, and Orion, have garnered a loyal following among those who appreciate understated elegance and horological substance.



Revolution, the brainchild of watch-world luminary Wei Koh, has disrupted the landscape of watch media since its inception in 2005. With its bold photography, engaging storytelling, and unapologetic passion for horology, Revolution has become a go-to source for collectors and enthusiasts seeking in-depth coverage of the watch industry. The magazine's penchant for unique collaborations has resulted in some truly remarkable limited-edition timepieces, and the "Sambal" is no exception.



The Zürich World Time, the canvas for this collaboration, is a watch that cleverly balances practicality with playful design. While not a "true" world timer in the sense of displaying all 24 time zones simultaneously, it offers a unique and intuitive way to track time across the globe. The watch's namesake, Zürich, is a nod to its global outlook, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the Swiss city. The "Sambal," however, takes this global perspective and infuses it with a distinctly Southeast Asian flavor, inspired by the vibrant culinary scene of Singapore, Revolution's home base.



The "Sambal" is a feast for the eyes. The dial, a captivating blend of pink hues, is reminiscent of the namesake chili paste, a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. The deep, almost ruby red of the main dial provides a rich backdrop for the hot pink sub-seconds dial and the softer pink of the city disc. This multi-layered, three-dimensional design adds depth and complexity to the watch face, drawing the viewer in to explore its intricacies. The outer minute track, city disc, home time display, and sub-seconds dial are all arranged on different planes, creating a sense of visual harmony and balance.



The watch's hands, slender and elegant, are rendered in a contrasting silver tone, ensuring legibility against the vibrant dial. The hour and minute hands are subtly curved, following the contour of the dial, while the seconds hand gracefully sweeps across the sub-seconds dial. The city disc, featuring names of major cities around the world, adds a touch of cosmopolitan charm. The "Sambal" proudly displays "Singapore" in a lighter shade of ruby at the 12 o'clock position, a nod to Revolution's roots and the inspiration behind the watch's design.



The case of the "Sambal" is crafted from stainless steel, its polished surfaces reflecting the surrounding light. The 39.9mm diameter strikes a balance between classic proportions and modern wearability, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The slim 10.9mm profile ensures that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, whether under a shirt cuff or worn casually. The crown, positioned at 3 o'clock, is subtly engraved with the NOMOS logo, a mark of understated refinement.



The "Sambal" is presented on a white textile strap, chosen for its durability and comfort, particularly in hot and humid climates. The woven fabric adds a touch of casual elegance, complementing the watch's vibrant personality. The strap is secured with a stainless steel pin buckle, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.



At the core of the "Sambal" is the in-house DUW 5201 movement, a testament to NOMOS Glashütte's dedication to horological autonomy. This self-winding caliber, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, is a microcosm of German watchmaking prowess. The movement's architecture, characterized by the Glashütte three-quarter plate, is a hallmark of the region's watchmaking tradition. This large plate, adorned with Glashütte ribbing and NOMOS perlage, provides a stable foundation for the intricate workings of the movement.



The "Sambal" utilizes the NOMOS Swing System, the brand's proprietary escapement. This intricate mechanism, comprising the balance wheel, hairspring, and escape wheel, regulates the flow of energy through the movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping. The Swing System is a testament to NOMOS's commitment to innovation and their ability to compete with the best in the industry.



The watch's world time function, while not a "true" world timer in the traditional sense, offers a unique and user-friendly approach to tracking time across different zones. The city disc, located on the outer edge of the dial, displays 24 major cities, each representing a different time zone. The home time is indicated by a 24-hour disc at 3 o'clock, while the current local time is displayed by the central hour and minute hands.



Setting the world time function is a straightforward process. The pusher at 2 o'clock advances the city disc, allowing the wearer to select their desired time zone. The crown, when pulled out, adjusts the 24-hour home time disc. A recessed pusher at 8 o'clock sets the central hour hand, ensuring synchronization with the chosen time zone. This intuitive system allows for effortless transitions between time zones, making the "Sambal" an ideal companion for frequent travelers.



The "Sambal" boasts a power reserve of 42 hours, ensuring reliable timekeeping even when not worn for a couple of days. The watch's water resistance of 30 meters provides protection against accidental splashes and light rain, though it's not intended for swimming or diving.



The case of the "Sambal" measures 39.9mm in diameter, a size that strikes a harmonious balance between classic proportions and contemporary wearability. The case's slim 10.9mm profile ensures that it sits comfortably on the wrist, slipping easily under a shirt cuff. The lugs, gently curved to follow the contours of the wrist, add to the watch's ergonomic design.



The dial of the "Sambal" is undoubtedly its most striking feature. The vibrant pink hues, inspired by the Southeast Asian chili paste, create a visually arresting display. The deep pink of the main dial provides a rich backdrop for the hot pink sub-seconds dial and the softer pink of the city disc. This multi-layered design, with its interplay of colors and textures, adds depth and complexity to the watch face.



The "Sambal" is presented on a white textile strap, chosen for its durability and comfort, particularly in warm climates. The woven fabric adds a touch of casual sophistication, complementing the watch's vibrant personality. The strap is secured with a stainless steel pin buckle, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.



The NOMOS Zürich World Time "Sambal" for Revolution is a limited edition of 50 pieces, each retailing for $6,100 USD. This price point, considering the watch's in-house movement, unique design, and limited availability, represents exceptional value in the world of haute horlogerie.