Independent German manufacture, modernist design and in-house calibres since 1990
Nomos Glashütte
NOMOS Glashütte was founded by Roland Schwertner in 1990, shortly after German reunification restored the Saxon watchmaking town of Glashütte to private enterprise. Its first collection appeared in 1992 and established the brand’s visual language: clean typography, restrained cases, slender hands and functional modernism. NOMOS gradually transformed from a design-led company using modified Swiss bases into an integrated manufacture producing its own manual-winding and automatic calibres. A major milestone came in 2014 with the NOMOS swing system, an in-house escapement that reduced dependence on external suppliers. Watchmaking remains centered in Glashütte, while much of the product design is developed in Berlin.
Abbady photographic archive
Nomos Glashütte photographs
Origins and period
Glashütte, Saxony, Germany
Founded in 1990; active today
Nomos Glashütte in watchmaking
NOMOS Glashütte was founded by Roland Schwertner in 1990, shortly after German reunification restored the Saxon watchmaking town of Glashütte to private enterprise. Its first collection appeared in 1992 and established the brand’s visual language: clean typography, restrained cases, slender hands and functional modernism. NOMOS gradually transformed from a design-led company using modified Swiss bases into an integrated manufacture producing its own manual-winding and automatic calibres. A major milestone came in 2014 with the NOMOS swing system, an in-house escapement that reduced dependence on external suppliers. Watchmaking remains centered in Glashütte, while much of the product design is developed in Berlin.
Landmark dates
1990 — Roland Schwertner establishes NOMOS Glashütte after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
1992 — The first collection introduces Tangente, Orion, Ludwig and Tetra.
2005 — NOMOS presents its first series-produced automatic watches and expands manufacture-calibre production.
2014 — The proprietary NOMOS swing system escapement is introduced.
2015 — The exceptionally slim automatic DUW 3001 helps launch the neomatik generation.
2018 — DUW 6101 introduces a peripheral date display with quick correction in both directions.
Today — NOMOS produces 13 mechanical calibre families across a broad collection while remaining an independent Glashütte manufacture.
Known for
Tangente, Orion, Ludwig and square Tetra founding families; Tangomat, Club, Ahoi, Metro, Zürich, Autobahn, Lambda and Lux; Bauhaus-associated modernist aesthetics; thin manual-winding and neomatik automatic calibres; the NOMOS swing system; DUW 3001; DUW 6101 ring-date mechanism; blued hands, small seconds and high manufacture content.
Movements and innovation
NOMOS produces manual-winding and automatic mechanical calibres in Glashütte. Early watches used modified Swiss base movements, but the company progressively developed its own Alpha, Epsilon and DUW families. Modern highlights include the thin DUW 3001 neomatik automatic calibre and DUW 6101 neomatik date with a rapid bidirectional date correction. The NOMOS swing system comprises the company’s proprietary escapement components. Finishing commonly includes Glashütte ribbing, tempered blue screws and three-quarter plates.
Identification checklist
Confirm the NOMOS Glashütte signature, case reference, serial number and calibre engraving visible through the sapphire back on many models. Tangente watches are recognizable by fine typography, alternating Arabic numerals and baton markers, long lugs and a small-seconds register. Distinguish manual-winding, automatic neomatik and Update date versions by case dimensions, dial text and movement. Minimalist styling is widely copied, so authenticate through the exact reference, movement architecture, finishing and authorized documentation.
Preservation guidance
Service NOMOS movements through the manufacture or a watchmaker experienced with its calibres and proprietary swing system. Avoid shocks and strong magnetism, and wind manual models gently until resistance is felt. Use the correct crown procedure for the DUW 6101 date mechanism and do not force adjustments. Pressure-test water-resistant models after opening the case, keep leather straps dry, protect polished bezels and long lugs from impacts, and preserve the warranty card, box, strap buckle and service records.
Historical development
NOMOS was established shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall and paired the revived Glashütte watchmaking tradition with clear modernist design. The company developed its own mechanical calibres and expanded from hand-wound watches into automatic movements and proprietary escapement production.