NOMOS has brought something entirely new to Basel this year, a line of watches dubbed the Autobahn, and as the name implies, these are NOMOS’s take on an automotive-themed design. While the watches are still undoubtedly NOMOS in their design language, the Autobahn does break from convention in a few ways. As with all NOMOS designs, the beauty is in the details, so let’s take a closer look.
The Autobahn comes in three variations. Each introduces colorful elements around the focal point, which is 8 plots arranged like a gauge at the dial’s center. The arch begins at 8 o’clock and ends at 4 o’clock, framing the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. A large date aperture sits below the subdial and reveals three numbers at a time.
A closer look at the dial reveals some interesting surfaces at work. The entire dial is sunken, with the edges gently curving up to meet the walls of the case. Additionally, the small seconds subdial is a gently sunken dish. The effect of soft curves creates subtle shadows across the dial that seem strangely out of place. Moving to the case itself, the lugs mimic the curves of the dial in their meeting point with the case.
Inside the Autobahn beats a new NOMOS manufactured movement, as you’d expect, the DUW 601. The movement was made specifically for this watch, as putting one of their typically small calibers inside a 41mm case would be very unNOMOS.
The large gauge element at the center of the dial may not be for everyone, as it’s a bold addition to an otherwise restrained and sterile design. If you don’t buy into that bit, you’ll really have issues with the size, which is 41mm in diameter. As such, this is clearly a watch meant to appeal to a new customer and expand the brand’s appeal overall.
Pricing is $4,800, and the watch is available right now in NOMOS’s own shop, right here. Look for these models on StockX in the very near future.
