Nomos, the German watchmaker, has once again demonstrated its commitment to compact and stylish timepieces with the introduction of two new Tetra 27 models. While the trend of smaller watches is certainly gaining momentum, Nomos has long been a pioneer in this area, offering a range of compact cases, even for its more masculine models. The brand's philosophy is clear: presence and style are not solely defined by numbers on a specification sheet.
The Tetra 27 collection showcases Nomos' expertise in creating visually striking watches with a square-shaped case. At equivalent width, a round watch covers about 78% of the surface of a square watch, which is why most Tetra watches are sized around 30mm. However, the Tetra 27 takes this concept further, with a dial measuring 27.5mm x 27.5mm and a thickness of just 6.1mm. This precise proportion demonstrates that fine watchmaking is not solely about size.
The two new models, the Tetra 27 white and the Tetra 27 duo, both feature the same dial dimensions and a hand-wound Calibre DUW 4001 movement. The Tetra 27 white boasts a silver-plated, galvanised dial with a small seconds counter, Arabic numerals, and blued steel hands, while the Tetra 27 duo adds a two-tone effect to the display with a light grey square marking its centre and a matching grey field framing the minute track. The movement itself is an evolution of the long-standing Alpha, featuring entirely different bridges, fine decoration, an in-house escapement with a blue balance spring, and an elongated power reserve of 53 hours.
One of the standout features of the Tetra 27 is its case. Framed by a narrow polished steel case and bezel, the Tetra is characterised by its double-stepped lugs, adding to the Art Deco touch that the square shape already implies. The case is also decently water-resistant, rated at 50m, and comes with a choice of a solid steel back or a sapphire crystal back, with the latter being highly recommended for its scratch resistance.
In my opinion, Nomos has once again raised the bar with these new Tetra 27 models. The brand's commitment to compact and stylish watches is evident, and the new models showcase its expertise in creating visually striking timepieces. The hand-wound movement and the choice of materials, such as the Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan strap, add a touch of luxury to these watches. Personally, I think the Tetra 27 duo with the steel back is a standout model, offering a sleek and minimalist design at a competitive price point of EUR 1,660.
However, the real fascination lies in the brand's philosophy. Nomos challenges the notion that fine watchmaking is solely about size, and the Tetra 27 collection is a testament to this. The brand's ability to create visually striking and functional watches in compact cases is truly impressive. What makes this particularly fascinating is the brand's attention to detail and its commitment to craftsmanship, even in its smallest watches. From my perspective, Nomos has once again proven that size does not define the quality or appeal of a watch, and the Tetra 27 collection is a must-see for any watch enthusiast.
