Champagne tone of the dial canvas could easily have exhibited an aged appearance were NOMOS Glashütte Minimatik replica watch not for the addition of orange, gold and grey accents which imbue the dial with an air of modernity.Each hour marker is delivered in a muted grey tone. Even-numbered hours, save for 6 o’clock, are imparted with Arabic numerals, san serifs, delivered in the brand’s own bespoke font. The odd-numbered hours are denoted with, neat and succinct grey circlets.
The hour and minute hands are rhodium plated, resplendently glimmering in natural light. The styling of the hands could be fairly described as minimalist, eschewing curves, save for the area near the fulcrum of the dial, featuring straight, tapering sides which terminate with truncated tips. They interface with the the hour markers and minute track, respectively, lucidly communicating with the wearer.
The minute track is an object lesson in creative design. Each 5-minute integer resembles a golden pearl residing above the dial surface. However, close examination reveals this to be an optical illusion and the gleaming golden dot is actually achieved by drilling the upper surface of the dial membrane to reveal part of the material underneath. This ingenious approach confers a flourish of style whilst mitigating production costs. Orange dots, marking the minutes, are positioned in between the 5-minute integers.
Located above 6 o’clock, the running seconds display is presented on a small, snailed subdial. This sits beneath the main dial surface and is encircled with two concentric orange rings. The small seconds hand is also orange, blending harmoniously with the other colours employed on the dial.
The use of orange adds an interesting aspect to the dial design. Despite never wishing to own an orange car or tangerine tinged pair of trousers, I do think it is a shade which works well on a watch replica dial. The Minimatik champagner reaffirms this belief.
Champagne Tone dial NOMOS Glashütte replica watch is synonymous with Bauhaus design and, despite the incorporation of several hues, a stark contrast from some of the other models from this German brand, it upholds the design doctrine of form following function. The dial on this timepiece converses with crisp, precise diction.
The case
Clearly, the diameter of the watch replica will prove especially appealing to would-be female wearers. Moreover, with its unique colour scheme, some ladies may be drawn to its gentle hues. Nevertheless, as a heterosexual man who has a penchant for wearing pink shirts, I don’t subscribe to such stereotypes and find the particular colourway of this watch replica very appealing.
Measuring a mere 35.5mm in diameter, this timepiece is smaller than many watches intended for the male market. However, in the past, many watches of this size have been popular with gentleman wearers, a fact I am sure many lovers of vintage watches will attest. Perhaps NOMOS Glashütte will make many men question the wisdom of owning watches which prove too large for their wrists? Time will tell.
The case is highly polished on all surfaces. The bezel rests upon the lugs and caseband, revealing little of the case beneath. Viewing the bezel from the side, it adopts a curved, swooping profile above the crown and on the flank adjacent 9 o’clock.
The caseband is angled, fusing seamlessly with the lugs and casting interesting shadows. The result is that the diameter of the caseback is less than the width of the front of the watch.
An exhibition caseback provides a view of the self-winding Caliber DUW 3001.
The natural leather strap has a lovely texture to its form, with all the stitches immaculately presented. The quality of the leather befits a watch replica costing more and perfectly demonstrates, once again, that NOMOS Glashütte delivers timepieces which represent excellent value for money. In this instance, the brand has even sought to deliver the watch replica in a matching case presented in the same luxurious hide.
The movement
As aspect which makes this watch replica remarkable is that it contains the in-house NOMOS Caliber DUW 3001 featuring the brands own ‘swing system’. I discussed the ‘swing system’ at length when I reviewed the Metro model in 2014. It continues to amaze me that the company, which was only founded in 1990, has achieved the technical feat of producing its own assortiment when many older brands still procure thirty party alternatives.
The three-quarter plate is spaced away from the interior walls of the case, allowing sight of the circular grained mainplate. I like the view of the winding stem as it reaches out to the transmission wheel. The balance wheel, equipped with three spokes and a tempered blue hairspring, again sits close to the internal wall of the case.
The DUW 3001, designed by Theodore Prenzel, is the latest movement from NOMOS Glashütte and is remarkably slim, measuring only 3.2mm in height. Furthermore, its svelte profile is even more impressive because the movement is also automatic and obviously requires additional space for its oscillating mass.
The finishing is superb, especially considering the modest asking price of £2,420 (RRP as at 7.1.2016). The open-worked oscillating mass, three-quarter plate and balance bridge are all adorned with Glashütte ribbing. I especially appreciate the way the stripes on the three-quarter plate and balance bridge align perfectly. Thermally blued screws populate the mainplate and three quarter plate.
Closing remarks
NOMOS Glashütte has enjoyed much commercial success, delivering steady sales growth since its foundation. Appraising the company’s product range, it is not difficult to understand the reasons for this. The NOMOS Glashütte Minimatik champagner contains a myriad of attributes, not least its beautiful appearance, highly legible display and superb mechanical prowess.
Indeed, the matter of pricing has caused me a problem. My children now question whether in order to sample the delights of Champagne there is a requirement to work hard and earn significant amounts of money. Parenting is a hard task at the best of times, now NOMOS Glashütte has discredited my seemingly sage advice, making my fatherly role that bit more challenging.
Technical specification
- Model: NOMOS Glashütte Minimatik champagner – 1st edition
- Reference: 1202
- Case: Stainless-steel; diameter 35.5mm; height 8.68mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds.
- Movement: Caliber DUW 3001; self-winding movement; 27 jewels; power reserve 42 hours
- Strap: Natural leather strap presented with a steel pin buckle
- Price: £2,420 (RRP as at 6.1.2016)
Acknowledgement
- All images bearing the ESCAPEMENT logo by © Euan Davies 2016
The pricing of this watch replica is incredible and represents excellent value for money. I suspect one reason for this is the weakness of the Euro, the comparatively lower wage costs in Germany, especially when contrasted with Switzerland, and the increased vertical integration of NOMOS Glashütte replica watch.