ReviewPresenting The Nomos Metro Neomatik 41 Update—Now With The Unique Date Ring

Established shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nomos Glashütte are recognised for their sleek designs and accessible movements. Over the three decades since their inception, the watchmakers have lured the attention of not only watch collectors but also design enthusiasts and those in search of superlative quality combined with innovative technology. Ardently following the philosophy of minimalism and a ‘form follows function’ approach, Nomos, during this year’s edition of Watches and Wonders, introduced their latest offering—the Metro Neomatik 41 Update.

The new timepiece isn’t just an update to the existing Metro series. What makes it admirable and worth your attention is the brand’s unique and patented date display complication. Nomos had first introduced it with the launch of the Tangente Neomatik 41 Update, and after garnering much appreciation and success, they have now featured it on the latest Metro iteration. With this, the timekeeper comes equipped with the iconic and remarkable DUW 6101 Neomatik calibre, which was released back in 2018 and has been part of several other models, such as the Autobahn Neomatik 41 date, Ludwig Neomatik 41 date and the Tangente Neomatik 41 Update. So, without further ado, let’s get into the finer details of this timepiece that encapsulates Deutscher Werkbund—a 20th-century association of German artists and designers—traditions, along with ingenious German craftsmanship.

A Slim Yet Powerful Movement

In a bid to kick-start a new era of German watchmaking, Nomos introduced their first Neomatik movement—the DUW 3001—in 2015. With a thickness of just 3.2mm despite the presence of an oscillating mass, the calibre enabled the watchmakers to design ultra-slim timepieces, which became instant hits in the market. Another attribute that made the DUW 3001 a phenomenal piece of the device was the efficiency of its gear train. Usually, the transfer of energy from the barrel to the escapement leads to a loss of 20 percent of energy due to friction. However, the engineers at Nomos found a way to substantially reduce this loss by altering the number, arrangement and angles of the teeth on each wheel and as a result, the gear train efficiency jumped to an impressive 94.2 percent.

The Nomos Metro Neomatik 41 Update comes equipped with the DUW 6101 movement, which is an updated version of the brand's first Neomatik calibre—the DUW 3001

Unlike DUW 3001, the 6101 includes a date indicator, which is cleverly positioned at the edge of the movement without disturbing the minimalist aesthetic followed by Nomos

Three years later, the German watch manufacturers released an updated version of the aforementioned calibre and named it DUW 6101 Neomatik. Just like its predecessor, this movement is also automatic and thin as a rail. But unlike DUW 3001, the 6101 includes a date indicator, which is cleverly positioned at the edge of the movement without disturbing the minimalist aesthetic followed by Nomos. Also, it features a quick-set date mechanism that allows the wearer to quickly set the date function by turning the crown in either direction without the fear of damaging the calibre. What’s more, the DUW 6101 comes with exquisite decorations such as the gold-plated engraving on the rotor, thin stripes on the three-quarter bridge and heat-blued screws. Including 27 jewels, the calibre beats at a frequency of 21,600vph and can store a power reserve of up to 42 hours. As mentioned earlier, it has been part of several models since its launch and now powers the latest Metro Neomatik 41 Update.

The DUW 6101 comes with exquisite decorations such as the gold-plated engraving on the rotor, thin stripes on the three-quarter bridge and heat-blued screws. Including 27 jewels, the calibre beats at a frequency of 21,600vph and can store a power reserve of up to 42 hours

A Quintessential Nomos Dial

The dial of Metro Neomatik 41 Update looks modern, cosmopolitan and understated—much like the other well-known timepieces by the brand. Featuring a silver-coloured surface with a fine concentric pattern inside the sub-dial for small seconds at six, the dial consists of two thin black timekeeping hands with needle-shaped tips. Devoid of any unnecessary embellishments or decorations, it displays the hour indices as grey dots, in addition to larger dots at three, nine and 12. Adjacent to them, we also have Arabic numerals in double-digit form for better understanding. However, the show stealer here is the unique date display at the periphery of the dial. Shaped in the form of a ring, each date is flanked by pill-shaped apertures and highlighted by neon orange-coloured plots that rotate into position. Overall, the complication makes for optimum readability and adds a charming touch to the timepiece.

The dial of Metro Neomatik 41 Update looks modern and cosmopolitan

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It features a unique date display at its periphery, Each date is flanked by pill-shaped apertures and highlighted by neon orange-coloured plots that rotate into position

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The timepiece has a slim profile and it comes with flawless finishing and a crown with detailed diamond knurling

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01

 A Bigger And Better Case

In order to adjust the date ring indicator, the designers at Nomos had to tweak the design of the new timepiece. Constructed from stainless steel, it now measures 40.5mm, larger than its predecessors but it sits comfortably on the wrist and is a delight to wear. Featuring a super-large dial opening, along with an almost non-existent bezel, the Metro Neomatik 41 Update offers flawless finishing, thin lugs, flat sides and a crown with detailed diamond knurling. Water resistant up to 50m, the timepiece is protected by an anti-glare domed sapphire crystal glass that is scratch-resistant. Sporting an exhibition caseback, it comes attached to a grey textile strap, which perfectly complements the urban and contemporary look of the timepiece.

A Real Crowd-Pleaser

Originally designed by Berlin-based industrial designer Mark Braun, the Metro has been one of the most well-known timepieces by Nomos. Despite its minimalistic and pared-down design, each update of the watch has offered something new and spectacular to its fans. And the Metro Neomatik 41 Update is no different. The timepiece is a crowd-pleaser as it’s available with the best of Deutscher Werkbund-inspired minimalist design, a powerful in-house movement, a unique and original date indicator, and an extremely slim profile.

Originally designed by Berlin-based industrial designer Mark Braun, Metro has been one of the most well-known timepieces by Nomos

Despite its minimalistic and pared-down design, each update of the watch has offered something new and spectacular to its fans. And the Metro Neomatik 41 Update is no exception

More than anything else, the watch exemplifies the fact that in just over 30 years, Nomos have become a part of the upper echelons of accessible fine watchmaking.