The Nomos Glashütte Autobahn Watch is the product of a design partnership between Nomos and the German product designer Werner Aisslinger. Werner’s work focuses on incorporating modern techniques and new materials into product design making him a prime prospect for teaming up with the German watch brand. Nomos has always been a bit of an upstart, that pushed the limits of watchmaking from the very beginning. With less than 30 years under their belt, Nomos produce more than 10 in-house calibers and possess a style distinct all to themselves. All that to say the partnership of Nomos and Aisslinger begat the Autobahn – a study in form and display that includes Nomos’ new Neomatik Caliber with a date function. The Nomos Glashütte Autobahn Watch will be available in three versions: All White, White Dial with blue accents, and a dark blue dial with white accents.
Specifications
Brand: Nomos Glashütte
Model: Autobahn
Dimensions: 41mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Case Material: Stainless steel
Crystal/Lens: Domed sapphire crystal and display back
Movement: In-house caliber DUW 6101 automatic
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Available on a woven textile strap
Price & Availability: $4,800
Analysis
It’s interesting to see a slantingly racing or automotive-inspired watch from Nomos. It is both completely removed from the automotive aesthetic, and directly referencing it in some areas. The large raised plots of lume that curve around the center of the dial remind me a lot of a vintage car’s lighted gauge cluster. The triple date window (noticeably akin to the older IWC date display but for an entirely different reason) is called their “three-lane date window,” meant to show yesterday, today, and tomorrow simultaneously. Other elements like the simple hands, sub-second dial, and very Bauhausian styled numerals are direct references to the simplistic style we’ve come to know and love from Nomos.
Summary
This watch reads as a huge deviation from Nomos’ traditional MO in my opinion. I think to adopt one of the typical watch tropes – like diving, driving, or flying – is a new one for them. I suppose you could call the Ahoi their equivalent of a dive watch, but they never really modeled it as such. The Autobahn still feels distinctly Nomos and they’re also beginning to show that they’re broadening their horizons. I could see this being a successful model for them, especially for people that want a sportier model but don’t like the Ahoi’s look. The Nomos Glashütte Autobahn watch will be available for $4,800. nomos-glashutte.com
