Established in 1990, German watchmaker Nomos has built a very strong reputation for itself over a (relatively) short period of time. It’s a notable achievement in an industry where brand heritage is generally measured in centuries and one that speaks to the quality and originality of its watches.
However, Nomos is also a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s a certain quirkiness to the Bauhaus-inspired designs that is fun and appealing, but which doesn’t compromise the credibility or integrity of the watches overall. Nowhere is this ethos more apparent than in the new Aqua series.
As you’ve probably gathered from the name, the Aqua series is all about water, and celebrating that active summer lifestyle we all aspire to. Designed to be worn from the beach to the boardroom, and everywhere in between, these are the watches that, according to Nomos, you will never need to take off.
The series spans across two existing models in the Nomos line-up; the Ahoi and the Club and, in total, there are sixteen different watches to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer.
The Ahoi is one of the newer models in the Nomos line-up, having been introduced in 2013. Sportier in nature, the original Ahoi set the standard for dive watches from the brand, featuring a slightly thicker case, screw-down crown with crown guard, luminous hands and markers and an upgraded water resistance of 200m.
The new additions to the Aqua series build on this early success, and introduce nine new versions to choose from; four in the Ahoi Neomatik range, two in the Ahoi range and three in the Ahoi Datum range. While all are presented in stainless steel cases, the dimensions vary between 36mm and 40mm depending on which model you choose.
The Bauhaus-inspired design of the dial is particularly attractive, giving a sense of balance and clarity, whilst simultaneously offering the opportunity for a bit of self-expression via bright colour variations, including blue, white, red and black. Small seconds are shown on the sub-dial at 6 o’clock via a neon orange seconds hand, a subtle touch that permeates across all Aqua models including the Club versions (shown below).
The Datum version also includes a date window just beneath the sub-dial. The smaller Ahoi Neomatik range is powered by the Nomos Caliber DUW 3001, an in-house automatic movement equipped with the brand’s swing system and measuring a mere 3.2mm thick. The Ahoi and Ahoi Datum meanwhile feature the brand’s in-house Epsilon and Zeta calibers respectively.
The Club Aqua series offers seven different models with four different colour dials to choose from. Four of these models sit in the Club Neomatik range, which are offered in a 37mm x 9.27mm stainless steel case, paired with colourful dials in red, white, blue, or black.
The layout of the dial is wonderfully simple, with a mix of contrasting Arabic numerals and indexes, all of which have been given a generous luminous coating (as have the hands), to ensure easy reading in low light conditions. Small seconds are shown on a sub-dial at 6 o’clock. Inside is the same Nomos Caliber DUW 3001 as Ahoi Neomatik above.
Don’t worry if the Club Neomatik seems a bit on the small side for the modern gentleman, there’s also the Club Automat Datum to choose from. Presented in a more substantial 41.5mm x 9.78mm stainless steel case, the dial layout is similar to the Club Neomatik but with the addition of a date window at 6 o’clock, just below the small seconds sub-dial.
It’s powered by the Nomos caliber DUW 5101, which also features the new Nomos swing system, offering bi-directional automatic winding. As with the Club Neomatik, the movement is also visible through the sapphire caseback and is nicely finished with tempered blue screws, Glashütte ribbing and Nomos perlage. Choose from a white, black or blue dial.
All models are rated water resistant to 200m and come paired with a textile strap, perfect for those lazy summer days laying by the pool or tanning on the beach.
Tom Mulraney is the Founder of Luxury Content Creators Inc. a London-based media agency creating digital content for luxury brands and the Managing Editor of online watch magazine thewatchlounge.com.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
