Nomos Glashutte Tangente: A Formal Review
Feb 14, 2015 16:49:37 GMT -6
via Tapatalk
CHIP, aerome, and 7 more like this
Post by katgirl on Feb 14, 2015 16:49:37 GMT -6
As some of you know, I went to one of Watchbuys' Roadshows last Spring, in Philadelphia. It was the last special event I attended with my husband, before losing him suddenly, in May. He was such a good sport, patiently sitting and listening, while we attendees discussed watches, in general, and German watches, in particular. As always, with Sev, he made friends with everyone in the room. I got to try on all of the watches that interested me, and the original Tangente was the one that really caught my eye. From that moment, I knew I would have one in the not too distant future. I took delivery of a brand new one, with the exhibition case back, this past Tuesday, and have been wearing it non-stop since its arrival from Texas. Its size is perfect for my barely 61/2 inch wrist. The long angular lugs wrap my wrist, as though custom made for me. The dial, though billed as silver, actually presents as more of an eggshell, and changes appearance, depending on available light. It was actually made using Silver, as part of the process, so perhaps that's why the color is so named. The subsidiary seconds dial has a guilloche texture, that catches the light even better than the rest of the dial. Generally speaking, I am not a fan of texture on a dial, but it really works here. The extremely thin tempered blue hands appear black, unless viewed In direct light. When the blue pops, they are stunning. The painted black Arabics and indices are extremely legible; a perfect complement to the classic all dial look. There is no lume anywhere, as it's not meant to be viewed in the dark. It is not a tool watch, in any sense, with a WR rating of just 3 bars. I shall wear this, as Nomos intended: strictly for pleasure, and what a pleasure it is! The fit and finish of the highly polished Stainless Steel case is flawless, even when viewed with a loupe. The same can be said of the entire watch. It is sheer perfection. What Nomos does so well is what I refer to as "elegant simplicity". One could almost call the design aesthetic "austere", but it is magnificently so. It simultaneously looks retro and very modern. That's a neat trick to pull off. Nomos' design philosophy is "less is more", and I can't think of another watch company that employs this philosophy, as well as Nomos. Add in the fact that all of their movements are now proprietary, and you have a sought after In-house mechanical, at a very affordable price point, if you are content with a hand wind version. Speaking of winding, the crown action is smooth as silk, and the ticking, when held to the ear, is very pleasing; soft and crisp, at the same "time". Nomos' 17 jewel Alpha movement is beautifully decorated, and a pleasure to study, with its traditional Glashutte 3/4 top plate. By all accounts, it should be extremely accurate, and run within COSC specs. The quality is there, without the cert, which is only available to Swiss made watches. I used the word austere earlier, and Nomos' limited choice of straps bears out this description, as well. You either get shell cordovan leather, or sueded leather. There is also a rubber option, meant for the Ahoi, I imagine. They don't even offer a deployant clasp. No bracelet option is available, either. The watch is presented in a rather plain long flat black wood box, wrapped in the branded polishing cloth, with a small grey hardback book. No frills. Dan added his business card inside. Everything about Nomos, and the Tangente points to simplicity, but don't confuse simple with uninteresting. There is an aura about any Nomos. It screams quality, and it's hard to take your eyes off of it, when on the wrist. It is just so beautiful. Another point worth mentioning is how it "wears", size-wise. Mine is 35mm, and it wears more like a 37 or 38mm watch, do to the elongated lug design, and the all dial aesthetic. Interestingly, though thin, small and light, I feel that I am wearing a watch of considerable substance on my wrist. Conversely, I can barely feel its presence... 
Some pics:
I would like to thank Dan at Timeless Luxury Watches for the great customer service. I love my new Tangente. If I do decide to get a GS, when funds allow, I will call Dan again. He Is very knowledgable and helpful..
Some pics:I would like to thank Dan at Timeless Luxury Watches for the great customer service. I love my new Tangente. If I do decide to get a GS, when funds allow, I will call Dan again. He Is very knowledgable and helpful..
