Introducing: The Nomos Glashütte Tangente Neomatik 38 Update

What We Know

The releases from German brand Nomos Glashütte over the past few years at Watches and Wonders have often been the fan favorite of collectors, with the whopping 31 colors of Tangente from two years ago offering a little bit of color for every taste, and last year’s absolutely stunning and value-packed Club Sport neomatik Worldtimers. This new release from Nomos Glashütte sits out of that spotlight a bit, offering a welcome product update that doesn’t overshadow the main highlight from the brand this year.

This week marks the launch of the Tangente neomatik 38 Update, bringing the brand’s unique take on the date window into a smaller 38.5mm case size. The Update was previously only found in the much larger 41mm Tangente case, but this new introduction offers a watch that’s much easier to wear on a larger number of wrists, all while not compromising on the dial layout. Much like a modern interpretation of a classic pointer date, the Nomos-patented and GPHG-award-winning ring date surrounds the periphery of the dial with all the days of the month. 

The current date is framed by two red markers, which progress each day at midnight. It’s a nice way to offer a different take on the date complication that visualizes the progression throughout the month, all while giving the dial a bit of depth via the cutouts, while eliminating the need for another hand.

As with Nomos’ other calibers, the DUW 6101 offers good value and great finishing for the price point. It features a bidirectional quick-set date and a power reserve of 42 hours. This automatic winding caliber features the Nomos swing system, the brand’s in-house-made escapement with a blued balance spring. Plenty of Glashütte striping and blued screws complete the look.

The new Tangente neomatik 38 Update is available in three variations: a classic in steel with white dial, and two 18-karat yellow gold models. The first pairs the more classic white dial and blued hands with the luster of yellow gold, while the second “doré” version goes for a tone-on-tone look, swapping the blued hands for matching gold ones. The steel model is priced at $4,690, and the gold models are priced at $16,100.

What We Think

Despite the new Tangente 38 Update’s understated appearance, it’s still an important release for the brand. The complication in a smaller format is sure to be appreciated by many who found the Update executions of the Tangente or Metro 41 to be unwearable — understandably so given the optics of the expansive dial proportions of both designs. And though Nomos has been quietly offering more and more options with solid gold cases, I am surprised to see another offering here (two gold variants, in fact). Regardless, seeing a complication like this get a more compact execution is a win in my book.

The Basics

Brand: Nomos Glashütte
Model: Tangente neomatik 38 Update
Reference Number: 147 (Steel); 195 (Gold); 196 (Gold doré)

Diameter: 38.5mm
Thickness: 7.4mm
Case Material: Stainless steel or 18-karat gold
Dial Color: White
Indexes: Printed
Lume: No
Water Resistance: 5-atm
Strap/Bracelet: Horween Shell Cordovan

The Movement

Caliber: DUW 6101
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, ring date
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Winding: Automatic

Pricing & Availability

Price: $4,690 (Steel); $16,100 (Gold)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

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