2019 Year's Best Timepieces - Delicate Display At Baselworld And SIHH

A subtler expression of familiar and new models may signal the direction in which watch design is headed.

- Keef Wong

NOMOS GLASHÜTTE DUO COLLECTION

The four classics that Nomos Glashütte is recognized for — the Tangente, the Orion, the Ludwig and the Tetra — were launched more than 25 years ago. They were recently reimagined and conceived as new versions for more delicate wrists. Measuring 33mm in diameter (and 27mm in length for the Tetra), the new range is designed to embody the Bauhaus movement, and this time they feature only two hands — hence the “duo” moniker.

With a conscious effort to keep things simple, these hand-wound watches contain the highly precise in-house built Glashütte caliber Alpha.2, an adaptation of Nomos’ most manufactured movement. With a power reserve of up to 43 hours, each movement features 17 jewels and finely decorated rhodium-plated surfaces.

The collection features stainless steel cases with white silver-plated dials. The silver case is complemented by golden hands, which make the watch an ideal companion to jewelry. Mocha-brown typography on the face matches perfectly with the delicate beige velour leather strap. The stainless steel case back is also prime real estate for personalized engraving, which is available upon request.

Removing the complication of the small second's hand from the original design also means a reduction in price. Each model in the Duo collection makes for a perfect present, a wonderful pleasure from Glashütte.

As we bid adieu to the most recent edition of Baselworld, let’s take a look at some pieces that really captured our imagination this year. Like the girl in a corner of a club that you can’t keep your eyes off, these watches exude that subtle beauty that is impossible to emulate.

LAURENT FERRIER BRIDGE ONE