In a world teeming with fleeting trends and disposable timepieces,
Sternglas stands as a beacon of enduring quality and timeless design. Hailing from the vibrant heart of Hamburg, Germany, this brand has carved a niche for itself by marrying the minimalist elegance of Bauhaus aesthetics with meticulous craftsmanship. Their latest offering, the Naos Pro Automatik, is a testament to their commitment to evolution, refinement, and a touch of accessible luxury.
Before delving into the intricacies of the Naos Pro, it's imperative to understand the brand's DNA. STERNGLAS was born from a vision to bridge the gap between exorbitant luxury watches and fleeting fashion timepieces. Founder Dustin Fontaine, fueled by a passion for classic design and lasting quality, embarked on a journey to create watches that resonate with those who appreciate both form and function.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
The Bauhaus philosophy, with its emphasis on clean lines, functionality, and the harmony between form and purpose, serves as the cornerstone of STERNGLAS's design ethos. This is evident in their minimalist dials, uncluttered indices, and the seamless integration of each element. But STERNGLAS doesn't merely replicate the past; they reinterpret it, infusing it with contemporary sensibilities and modern materials.
The Naos Automatik has long held a special place in the hearts of STERNGLAS enthusiasts. It's a watch that embodies the brand's core values, a testament to their commitment to timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. But as with any classic, there's always room for refinement and evolution. Enter the Naos Pro Automatik - a watch that builds upon its predecessor's legacy, incorporating community feedback and pushing the boundaries of design and performance.
The Naos Pro, like its predecessor, is a visual treat. The 38mm case, crafted from 316L stainless steel, strikes a perfect balance between understated elegance and contemporary boldness. The interplay of polished and brushed surfaces creates a captivating contrast, enhancing the watch's visual depth and giving it a premium feel. The slimmed-down profile, now a mere 9mm thick, ensures a comfortable fit on any wrist.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
The dial, a masterpiece of minimalist design, is where the Naos Pro truly shines. The curved, satin-finished surface catches the light in a subtle yet mesmerizing way. The enlarged indices and numerals, coupled with the increased line thickness, improve readability without sacrificing the watch's clean aesthetics. Luminova-filled hands and indices ensure legibility even in low-light conditions, adding a touch of practicality to the watch's visual allure.
Beneath its elegant exterior lies the beating heart of the Naos Pro - the Miyota 9015 Premium movement. This Japanese-made caliber is renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and smooth operation. In a special treat for early adopters, the first 400 pieces of the Naos Pro Automatik Alabaster edition feature a unique "Gilt" finish on the movement, paired with a black PVD rotor adorned with a gold STERNGLAS engraving. This luxurious touch adds a sense of exclusivity and elevates the watch's overall appeal.
The exhibition case back provides a window into this mechanical marvel, allowing the wearer to appreciate the intricate dance of gears and springs that power this timepiece. It's a reminder that the Naos Pro is more than just a time-telling instrument; it's a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring allure of mechanical watchmaking.
STERNGLAS understands that a watch is an extension of one's personality. That's why they offer a choice between a classic leather strap and a striking link bracelet. The Bridle leather strap, sourced from a Bavarian manufacturer, is crafted from robust English bridle leather known for its durability and resilience. The decorative stitching complements the watch's color scheme, creating a harmonious and sophisticated look.
For those who prefer a more contemporary aesthetic, the solid 316L stainless steel link bracelet is an excellent alternative. The polished and brushed links echo the case's finish, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing design.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
At the heart of the Naos Pro lies the Miyota 9015 automatic movement. This Japanese-made caliber is a favorite among watch enthusiasts for its reliability, accuracy, and smooth operation. With a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it ensures precise timekeeping, while the 42-hour power reserve keeps the watch ticking even when it's off your wrist for a day or two.
The movement also boasts a hacking seconds function, which allows you to stop the seconds hand when setting the time, ensuring pinpoint accuracy. The manual winding capability adds another layer of interaction, allowing you to wind the watch by hand if you haven't worn it for a while.
As mentioned earlier, the first 400 pieces of the Naos Pro Automatik Alabaster edition come with a special "Gilt" finish on the movement. This luxurious touch, coupled with the black PVD rotor featuring a gold STERNGLAS engraving, adds a touch of exclusivity and elevates the watch's overall appeal.
The Naos Pro's dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal. This material, known for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, is typically found in high-end luxury watches. It ensures that your watch remains pristine even after years of wear and tear.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
The crystal also features a double anti-reflective coating, which minimizes glare and enhances dial visibility. This means you can admire the watch's clean aesthetics and intricate details without any distractions.
One of the standout features of the Naos Pro is the Luminova on the hands and indices. This phosphorescent material absorbs light during the day and emits a soft glow in the dark, ensuring legibility even in low-light conditions. The Alabaster edition features a beige Luminova, while the Anthracite edition boasts a blue/orange combination, adding a touch of visual intrigue.
With a water resistance rating of up to 5 ATM, the Naos Pro can handle splashes, rain, and even a quick dip in the pool. While it's not designed for deep-sea diving, it offers peace of mind for everyday wear and occasional aquatic adventures.
The Naos Pro's 38mm case diameter strikes a perfect balance between versatility and presence. It's large enough to make a statement on the wrist without being overwhelming. The slim 9mm profile ensures a comfortable fit, even under a shirt cuff.
The watch's lug-to-lug distance of 42.4mm further enhances its wearability, ensuring that it sits comfortably on a wide range of wrist sizes. Whether you have a slender or a more robust wrist, the Naos Pro will feel right at home.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
STERNGLAS understands that a watch is an extension of your personal style. That's why they've equipped the Naos Pro with a quick-change strap system. This allows you to switch between the leather strap and the link bracelet in seconds, without the need for any tools. It's a simple yet ingenious feature that adds a layer of versatility to the watch, allowing you to adapt it to different occasions and outfits.
The STERNGLAS Naos Pro Automatik retails for $779. In a world where luxury watches often command exorbitant prices, this represents exceptional value for money. You're getting a meticulously crafted timepiece with a premium movement, sapphire crystal, and a host of thoughtful design elements, all at a price that won't break the bank.