In general
What does the affix SA in the address of NOMOS Glashütte mean?
It stands for Saxony, as there are 35 towns in Germany that go by the name of Glashütte, and they need to be differentiated. Since 2005, we no longer have the affix SA in our logo. It has been retained, however, as part of our address.
Is the name Glashütte protected?
Yes, most definitely. Not every company based in Glashütte is allowed to write “Glashütte” on its watches. A number of court cases have established the precedent that only companies that produce at least 50 percent of the movements’ value in Glashütte may use the name of the town. This helps everyone: the rulings safeguard jobs in the town of Glashütte and you, the customer, are guaranteed the highest watch making quality, a tradition to which we are committed. NOMOS Glashütte designs, develops, and builds its own movements, which means that much more than the required 50 percent is produced on-site—up to 95 percent, in fact.
A few years ago, it became known that ETA decided to no longer supply companies with ébauche kits. Has NOMOS been affected by this?
NOMOS Glashütte is not at all affected by this decision, since we no longer use ETA movements. This decision from ETA was aimed the “black sheep” who use ETA movements in forgeries, thus damaging the good name of ETA. However, NOMOS movements are our own and are made in Glashütte. Whether automatic or manually wound, our movements are of the highest precision and feature horological specialties such as the Glashütte three-quarter plate, the proprietary NOMOS swing system, tempered blue screws, sunburst decoration, and Glashütte ribbing. The work performed on every watch is mainly work done by hand. If it serves quality and precision, however, we do use high-tech production methods such as CNC and laser technology. Only individual parts such as jewels, which we use as bearings in the movements, are purchased from suppliers according to our designs.
What does the designation “DUW” stand for?
DUW stands for “Deutsche Uhrenwerke NOMOS Glashütte” (German watch movements NOMOS Glashütte). With these DUW calibers—and the watches powered by them—we have once again brought the effort involved in construction and production to a new peak. These watches show exactly what we can do: They contain all our knowledge and skill, concentrated.
On our watches
Why are some NOMOS watches labeled with “Made in Germany” and others with only “Germany”?
The inscription “Made in Germany” began appearing on our watches in mid-2003. Later, when we reorganized production and began making our own in-house movements in April 2005, we also shortened the lettering on the face to read simply “Germany.” After a while, we changed this diminutive label back to “Made in Germany” because we realized it actually does have a nicer ring to it.
How are NOMOS watches adjusted?
Fine adjustment regulation (something that few manufacturers offer at all) ensures the greatest possible accuracy. Before leaving NOMOS Glashütte, all watches are thoroughly put through their paces—the NOMOS controllers spend several days testing them in six different positions to ensure each watch is working properly. NOMOS Glashütte uses three different regulation systems: the Triovis fine adjustment system, the DUW adjustment with the NOMOS swing system, as well as the swan neck fine adjustment found in our gold models, Lux and Lambda.
What is the NOMOS swing system?
The swing system, also known as the escapement, assortiment, or reglage, is the heart of a mechanical watch and comprised of the balance, balance spring, pallet wheel, and pallet. It sets the pace and ensures that the watch ticks accurately. It is a declaration of independence for NOMOS Glashütte to be able to produce its own swing system, and a work of considerable watchmaking skill.
Is the NOMOS swing system at work in all NOMOS models?
It will be in the future. The NOMOS swing system will gradually be extended to all current watch models.
Can I have the NOMOS swing system built into my watch at a later date?
The Nivarox escapement—which we have previously used in all our watches and are still using in some of them—is of excellent quality, ensuring outstanding accuracy. For this reason, we do not offer the option to exchange this escapement for the new NOMOS swing system; this also applies during servicing.
How exact is my watch?
The accuracy of NOMOS watches closely approximates the performance criteria for chronometers that are tested in accordance with ISO 3159. Accuracy is always dependent on a number of factors, such as when the watch was last wound and how it is placed overnight—even temperature can play a role. The Swiss inspection authority COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), which carries out chronometer tests and issues certificates of quality, also expressly states that its figures do not give any indication of how the watch behaves when it is actually worn—the tests only track the watch movement, not the whole watch, under laboratory conditions. Generally, NOMOS watches can achieve an accuracy of one to two minutes’ deviation per week. All of our timepieces are subject to rigorous performance and quality tests before shipping.
Allergies: Does NOMOS use nickel-free stainless steel? And what other materials?
The so-called "nickel regulation" has been in effect since June 2000. It says that objects that touch the skin directly and for extended periods of time may only give off 0.5 micrograms of nickel per square centimeter of skin per week. In general, it doesn't matter how high the percentage of nickel in any given alloy is. Much more important is how much nickel is passed on to the skin.
NOMOS uses 316 L stainless steel for all cases and buckles. This type of stainless steel is not fully free of nickel, but it does not pass nickel on to the skin; the amount of nickel in the alloy is about 12 percent. Thus, the amount of nickel passed to the skin is less than 0.2 micrograms per square centimeter per week and far below the medicinally acceptable amount. Other stainless steel alloys might have a lower percentual amount of nickel in the alloy, but they pass more of it on to the skin.
Nevertheless, it is a fact that allergies don't give a hoot about regulations and limits. We only hear very, very rarely of cases where people were not able to tolerate the materials we use. Unfortunately, however, allergic reactions can never be ruled out all together. We advise people who are very sensitive to choose—in consultation with his or her physician—a material which, in all probability, will not provoke an allergic reaction.
It is our goal to use the best possible materials for you. And this is not only true for the steel we use. For example, our straps are tanned in an elaborate manufacturing process using vegetable lye only.
Can I swim or shower with my watch?
Particularly water-resistant watches have this feature noted on their casebacks. If your NOMOS watch has the addition 30 atm or 20 atm on its back then, according to the DIN standard, you can go diving with it. The description 10 atm reveals that your watch is suitable for swimming and snorkeling; 5 atm means that you can shower with your watch on. All other NOMOS watches are protected to 3 atm and generally prefer to stay dry; they are splashproof, so wearing them while washing your hands will not cause them any problems, but you should take them off before a dip in the pool. It is recommended to have the water resistance of a mechanical watch checked once a year by a retailer. It only takes a moment.
Please note: The three models Ahoi, Tangente Sport, and Club Sport come with a screw-drown crown. Please remember to screw the crown back in after use—as this is the only way to ensure your watch stays water resistant. To do so, gently push down the crown in its default position and turn it clockwise until you feel some significant resistance. The crown should never be wound while underwater.
How, how often, and when should I wind my watch?
If you wear a NOMOS automatic, you don't have to do much. Your watch winds itself using the motion of your arm. The spring in the automatic movement tensions itself regardless of how the arm is moving.
We recommend to the owners of manually wound watches to wind your watches regularly—best is every morning. Then it will have enough energy for the whole day to withstand all of the trials and tribulations you might undergo.
Wind your watch by turning the crown clockwise between your thumb and forefinger until you feel a clear point of resistance. Once your watch is fully wound, your NOMOS has a power reserve of 43 hours. Without having to rewind, it will run for two days. Only the watches with date have a little less (42 hours), as the changing the date costs the watch energy.
Does it damage my NOMOS automatic watch if I always wind it by hand?
No—because NOMOS automatic watches have been installed a clutch mechanism so that all parts in the movement stand still when it is wound by hand (which is also why you don’t feel any resistance while winding). The new extra-thin automatic movements DUW 3001 and DUW 6001 work slightly differently: When you wind them, you will soon notice that the resistance of the crown increases—this means that the watch has been given enough energy. The rotor stops when it is fully wound, which protects the fine caliber against wear. Either way: You can wind your automatic NOMOS watch without any worries, but the self-winding mechanism will also take care of this job for you.
How can I set the date on my NOMOS watch?
a) The calibers DUW 4401, DUW 4101, DUW 5101, Zeta
This is how it’s done: Just pull out the crown and turn the hand forward until the date has changed once. (Models with a screw-down crown require the crown to be unscrewed for this.) Then turn the hands back at least three or four hours until you hear a slight clicking sound. Each time you wind the hands forward again by about three hours, the date will change once more. Repeat this process until you have reached your desired date. When setting the time on your watch, keep in mind whether it is before or after midday so that the date will change at 12 am and not 12 pm. In models with a screw-down crown, please remember to screw the crown back in after use—as this is the only way to ensure your watch stays water resistant.
Even though this might sound somewhat complicated, it is really quite simple. Just try it. In the little guarantee booklet that you received along with your watch, the setting of the date is also described in detail.
b) The NOMOS neomatik caliber DUW 6101
Watches with this neomatik caliber can be set even more quickly. In the second crown position—which can be found by pulling out the crown just a little—the date can be set forward and backward very quickly; just a half-turn of the crown will move the date once. (Models with a screw-down crown require the crown to be unscrewed for this.) Furthermore, DUW 6101 has a very small time frame during which the date cannot be changed manually: simply avoid resetting the date between 11:15 pm and 0:45 am. If you do so accidently, however, don’t worry: DUW 6101 is constructed so that this will not damage the mechanism. Should the date come to a halt while switching between two dates, simply pull the crown out as far as it will go and set the time to shortly after 1 am—or back to 11 pm. The date display will then return to its original position. To set the time in watches with this caliber, just pull the crown as far out as it will go—into the third position. In models with a screw-down crown, please remember to screw the crown back in after use here as well.
Can my steel watch also be equipped with a sapphire crystal case back?
In general, every NOMOS watch except Tetra 27 can be refitted with a sapphire crystal case back. We’ll be happy to send you an offer upon request.
I have a watch winder. What is the best setting for my NOMOS watch?
The best setting is 650 with alternating rotation direction.
What happens when my watch becomes magnetized?
There are a great number of magnetic fields in our everyday environment—including anywhere where electricity is present, such as close to personal electronic devices. Unfortunately, these magnetic fields can have a negative effect on a mechanical watch: they can affect the escapement parts of the caliber, stopping it from working properly. This is usually noticeable by a watch suddenly gaining time. However, losing time or stopping all together can also be a consequence of a watch becoming magnetized.
If you suspect that your watch has been magnetized, ask your retailer if they have a demagnetization machine. This can demagnetize your watch in only a few minutes, if required. Of course, you can also send your NOMOS directly to us in Glashütte. However, please note: since magnetization is not a defect of the watch, we are unfortunately unable to carry this service out under guarantee.
World time questions
Why are NOMOS watches with a second time zone different from other watches with this function?
Unlike most watches that can show two times at once, NOMOS watches need no additional day/night display, because the 24-hour disc makes it easy to see whether it is now day or night at home. In every way, these watches are simpler and more readable than most other watches with this function—because on the world timers from NOMOS Glashütte, the normal, large hands always show the local time, as we are accustomed to.
What use is a world-time watch to me, anyway?
When you are on business abroad and need to call the tax office or your boss at home, to wake up your darling at the other end of the world, to send your children to bed by telephone, or to be close to friends; so, actually, always and for almost everything, unless you live timelessly and tied solely to your own home soil.
What is the difference between the Tangomat GMT and the Zürich world time?
Primarily the design! But there are also technical differences: the dial of Zürich shows all time zones at once. The time zones are distinguished by the names of well-known cities in these zones. Thus, without adjusting the watch, you can see how light it is for your sister in Mexico or in Moscow where your old pen pal lives. The watch always shows the difference from the other time zones. Just add the appropriate number of hours to or subtract them from your home time. Or even simpler: Press the small button above the crown until the desired time zone or city is at the twelve o’clock position. The Tangomat GMT does not show all cities at once; but that makes this watch’s dial clear and readable. Choose the city that belongs to the time zone to see what time it is somewhere else in the world. Then press the button until that city appears in the display window.
And what happens with my world time watch if I simply remain sitting on my sofa at home?
It continues to run normally. And may turn into a wanderlust watch. If you have a great job at home but miss something or someone faraway, then the second time display can give wings to your dreams. Or each glance at the watch lets you count the days and hours till you are there. Or you have the local time twice, so that whatever part of the watch you look at, you know exactly what time it is on your sofa. And if you’ve drawn the curtains, the 24-hour display tells you—without the sun—whether it’s 10 a.m. or 10 p.m.
Service
Can I as a consumer make special requests?
In order to keep our collection as clear and small as possible, we can only comply with certain requests for individual wishes. For example, it is possible to laser an engraving on the case back of your watch. Upon request we'd be glad to send you an estimate. Though we won't change the dial or handle similar requests.
What is the benefit of registering my watch online?
In the event that you lose your watch, it can be very helpful if your watch and its serial number are listed with us. In fact, it happens quite frequently that an honest finder or the police contact NOMOS Glashütte about a watch that has been found. In such cases, we make sure that your watch finds its way back to you.
What happens if my watch goes missing?
Please report the loss to us. If your watch was stolen, report it to the police and send us the contact details of the police station, along with the case reference number. This means that you can be more quickly reunited with your watch should it return to us.
How often should my watch go in for service?
As you go to the doctor once in a while or bring your car for a service, every mechanical watch also needs regular maintenance. At the latest after three to five years, a complete revision should be carried out by one of NOMOS's authorized dealers or a specialized watchmaker. After this time, it is quite possible that the lubrication may have evaporated. Where metal rubs against metal, wear and tear can be the result. We also recommend having your watch checked once a year for water resistance, and if necessary have it restored—sealing rings are made from rubber and could deteriorate under extreme heat, for example.
If my watch ever breaks down, can I send it directly to Glashütte for repairs?
Most certainly! It is best if you send it in the original NOMOS packaging together with the warranty. Also, it would help us immensely if you could write a few lines describing what happened to the watch or what erratic behavior you have noticed. Our service department will look into it immediately and you will get your NOMOS back safe and sound as soon as possible.
Please send your watch to the following address and enclose the completed shipping form:
NOMOS Glashütte/SA
Ferdinand-Adolph-Lange-Platz 2
01768 Glashütte
Germany
What is the best way to send my watch by post?
We recommend insured mail to send your package. Simply request this service at your nearest shipping provider. Please package your NOMOS watch carefully, ideally in the NOMOS watch box, so that it arrives safe and sound. We will get in touch as soon as one of our watchmakers has inspected your watch.
How much do repairs or servicing cost?
In order to assess what your watch needs, we need to see and inspect it. Please understand that we cannot give definite information on defects, causes, and costs by telephone or email beforehand.
Complete service
After a few years—five at the most—every mechanical watch should be completely cleaned and inspected. Our watchmakers carry out the following tasks: a complete disassembly of the watch, ultrasonic cleansing of all components in special cleaning fluids, exchange of worn parts, reassembly of the caliber, fine timing check and, if necessary, correction of all functions, adjustment in six positions, complete refurbishment of the case in several steps, replacement of the crown, winding stem, gaskets, and case tube if required, restoration of waterproofing, and a final check lasting several days.
In-house movements with manual winding:
Alpha: 280 USD
DUW 4101/Beta: 310 USD
DUW 4301/Gamma: 360 USD
DUW 4401/Delta: 390 USD
In-house movements with automatic winding:
DUW 5001/Epsilon: 370 USD
DUW 5101/Zeta: 390 USD
DUW 5201/Xi: 500 USD
DUW 3001: 370 USD
DUW 6101: 390 USD
It’s helpful to know that parts replaced because of normal wear and tear are included in the cost of a complete service. But if the watch is no longer ticking because of external damage, we may have to replace additional parts. We will charge extra for these—but, of course, will notify you about it beforehand.
Minor repairs
If your watch is less than three years old and not running properly, we carry out what we call minor repairs. A complete service is not necessary after such a short time. In this case, our watchmakers carry out the following tasks: a check and correction of all functions, inspection of the caliber and all its parts, replacement of defective parts, fine adjustment in six positions, restoration of waterproofing, and a final check lasting several days.
In-house movements with manual winding:
Alpha: 95 USD
DUW 4101/Beta: 110 USD
DUW 4301/Gamma: 130 USD
DUW 4401/Delta: 150 USD
In-house movements with automatic winding:
DUW 5001/Epsilon: 140 USD
DUW 5101/Zeta: 160 USD
DUW 5201/Xi: 190 USD
DUW 3001: 140 USD
DUW 6101: 160 USD
Please note: When damage has been caused by external factors, we must charge extra for spare parts. If applicable in your case, we will, of course, notify you beforehand.
How much does it cost to refurbish a case?
A knock, bump, or fall can scratch even stainless steel and leave a trace on our watches’ sturdy cases—or even affect their waterproofing. To repair the damage to the case, or at least greatly reduce traces of use, we carry out the following procedures: cleaning of the case, several stages of grinding and polishing, straightening of the case horns if necessary, and restoration of the waterproofing. The costs for this depend on the model.
Manual winding: 75 USD
Automatic winding: 90 USD
World time: 110 USD
Service conditions
As a general rule, if you send your watch to us via a retailer, you can preapprove servicing up to a certain amount. This means that we can start work as soon as we receive your watch—shortening your wait. If servicing is more extensive than initially thought, we will get in touch. And of course: Even if you send your watch directly to us, you will be notified about the cost of servicing beforehand.
The haute horlogerie watches Lux and Lambda: Each one is unique and is treated as such during servicing and repairs. We will make an individual cost assessment—and then get in touch.
Warranty: All the services we carry out are guaranteed for two years. Waterproofing has a one-year guarantee. Problems resulting from improper treatment of the watch are excluded from the warranty.
All prices include the applicable value-added tax. Postage is extra.
Straps
How long will my Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan strap last?
Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan comes from Texan workhorses whose skin is very dense and thick so that the strap is extremely robust, water-repellent, and breathable. It turns comfortably soft after being worn for only a short time. Ordinary leather straps usually last for six to nine months. NOMOS straps will have to be replaced less often.
How do I change the strap on my NOMOS watch?
Our strap exchange guide will show you how to put a new strap on your NOMOS watch. All you need is the strap replacement tool—and a few minutes’ time.
How should I look after my watch strap?
The leather of your Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan strap is so rich that you will never have to oil it. It will not need any specialist care. If you like, you can wash both our Shell Cordovan and our lighter velour calf leather straps with a mild detergent and leave it to dry in the air. Then briefly rub the leather with a cloth until it recovers its shine. You can clean velour leather watch straps with the sort of brush that you would use for suede shoes or jackets. The textile strap is best cleaned with water and soap or a mild detergent. Rinse the strap thoroughly afterwards to ensure that no traces of cleaning materials remain. Afterwards, leave it to air-dry before reattaching your watch.
NOMOS bracelets do not require any special care: You can clean them with a soft cloth from time to time; for more stubborn stains the best way to remove them is with a mild soap and water. Please note, however, that your watch should be water resistant to at least 10 atm for this kind of cleaning.
My Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan now has some ugly white spots. What does this mean?
If your strap was subjected to great changes in temperature it occasionally looks powdered afterwards. That is only grease that seeped from the material and can be easily polished away with a soft cloth.
Why does my Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan look a bit brownish?
Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan—a special horse leather—comes from the particularly massive hind quarters of Texan workhorses. For several months, our straps are tanned in an elaborate manufacturing process using pure vegetable lye. The coloration occurs only on the surface. Furthermore, the strap is cut at the edges. That means that the natural color of the leather after tanning remains at the lugs and on the underside. And as the basic material is usually brown, many of the straps have a slight brownish tone to them. This is not a sign of inferior quality, it rather confirms that we are dealing with a natural product.
Why are there dark stripes that appear to be part of a stamp on the back of my Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan strap?
The stripes that may be visible on the back of your NOMOS leather strap are part of an approximately hand-sized stamp. This is how the Chicago-based Horween Leather Company marks out its most valuable pieces of leather—also known as the shell—before sending them on to be used for other products. Such as the high-quality leather straps from NOMOS Glashütte. So this stamp is a certificate of authenticity from the producer; in other words, a sign of quality.
Can I purchase a bracelet for my watch as well?
Our bracelets are only available with our new models (the NOMOS bracelet for the neomatik timepieces of the Campus series and the special edition watches for the German section of Doctors Without Borders; and the NOMOS Sport bracelet for Tangente Sport and Club Sport). They are not available to purchase separately. This may be an option in the future, but at the moment we cannot give an exact time frame.
Are all straps made from Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan?
No—NOMOS Glashütte also has straps made from light-colored suede (velour leather), which we equip the smaller watches in our collection with, since the more delicate watches look nicer with these straps (as do more delicate wrists). The Ahoi and Autobahn model families, as well as certain Club models, come with a textile strap, perfectly suited to every adventure on land and in water. And the neomatik watches with champagne-colored dials are accompanied by straps from full-grain leather.
Bracelets are a new addition for NOMOS Glashütte. They come in two versions: a finer one for the neomatik models in the Club Campus series and the special edition Tangente neomatik for Ärzte ohne Grenzen (Doctors without Borders Germany), and the sport bracelet for the Tangente Sport and Club Sport models.
How long are the straps?
Please find the lengths of the straps below. All lengths are stated without clasps.
Size XS: long part 95 mm, short part 60 mm
Size S: long part 105 mm, short part 70 mm
Size M: long part 118 mm, short part 75 mm
Size L: long part 128 mm, short part 85 mm
Size XL: long part 140 mm, short part 95 mm
What does “width” mean?
The lug width is the distance between the watch’s two lugs. The easiest way is to measure this distance on one of your current straps.
Public tours
What is the best way to reach Glashütte?
The easiest option is to drive from Dresden—you can take the A17 highway towards Prague (Prag) and then the exit to Pirna (Ausfahrt Pirna). From here on, follow the signs to Glashütte. Alternatively, you can take public transport, as regional trains and busses to Glashütte depart from Dresden.
If I drive, is parking available?
Public parking spaces are available at the Watch Museum (Uhrenmuseum) in Glashütte and along the main street (Hauptstraße).
How often do public tours take place?
Our public tours take place twice a month, usually Mondays. If you would like to take part, please register your interest by sending an email to service(at)glashuette.com.
How many people can participate in a tour?
We can only accommodate 15 people at a time.
How long does a tour typically last?
On average, our tours take two-and-a-half to three hours.
Is there a set schedule?
Each tour begins with a short introduction to the watchmaking town of Glashütte, and then continues by visiting the various departments of our watchmaking company.
Is there anything else that I should know?
Please wear comfortable shoes, as we also take a short walk to the NOMOS Chronometry on our tours. This building is located high up on the side of the valley.
Does the tour include a break?
Yes, around half-way through there is a break for drinks.
Does it cost money to take a tour?
No, our tours are always free-of-charge.
We’re planning a family trip to Glashütte—are the tours suitable for children as well?
You are welcome to bring your children. However, in terms of the information provided and locations visited, our tours are primarily intended for adults.
We are planning a company outing—do you offer group tours?
For specially-arranged tours, please send an email with your request to pr@glashuette.com.
Can I take photographs during the tour?
We regret to inform you that photography is not allowed during the tour.
Can I purchase a watch after taking a tour?
Of course! The NOMOS Kaufhaus at Hauptstraße 12 is the perfect location to browse, try on, and purchase NOMOS watches after one of our tours.
Which languages are tours offered in?
Our tours take place in German. We translate für English-speaking guests.
Do the processes we see represent the everyday tasks of your watchmakers?
Yes! We give you a direct insight into the typical working day of our watchmakers. None of the processes are for show; you really will see how we make NOMOS watches.
Is it possible to stay in Glashütte overnight?
Unfortunately, there are very few accommodation options available in Glashütte. That is why we would recommend staying in Dippoldiswalde or Dresden instead.
Which options do we have in Glashütte, should we wish to eat before or after a tour?
Sadly, the culinary offerings in Glashütte are few and far between. For lunch, we can recommend the Degenkolbe bakery and the Uhrwerk café, both of which are located near the Watch Museum.
Is there a waiting list for fully-booked tours or upcoming dates?
Due to high demand and the limited numbers of participants that we can accommodate, sadly we cannot offer a waiting list for our tours.
Is it possible to visit your watchmaking workshops without participating in a tour?
As we do not wish to disturb our watchmakers at work more than strictly necessary, sadly we cannot accommodate visitors outside of a guided tour.
Do you also also offer tours at the weekend?
Since we want to offer visitors an insight into the everyday work of our watchmakers, public tours only take place during the working week.