NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Watches

Established in 1990 by Roland Schwertner, NOMOS has spent over three decades handcrafting and delivering brilliant timepieces from the capital of the German watchmaking industry, Glashütte, to the world. Renowned for its avant-garde watchmaking ethos, this philosophy shines brilliantly in NOMOS' first-ever automatic watch collection - NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat.

About NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Watches

NOMOS proudly dubs its Tangomat collection "the automatic Bauhaus" in a nod to the design principles of the Bauhaus school, which have influenced every NOMOS timepiece from the brand's inception. This means a commitment to minimalist aesthetics, eschewing flashy ornamentation commonly seen in luxury watches, and prioritizing pure functionality. From the sharp, angular casing to the uncluttered dial, every element serves the singular purpose of precise timekeeping.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat History

NOMOS Glashütte launched the Tangomat collection in the summer of 2005. It was a significant moment for NOMOS: the first Tangomat references not only represented the first automatic watches that the watchmaker ever built and sold (all NOMOS watches prior used manual movements), but it also marked NOMOS' transition to using fully in-house movements.
Before this, the company mostly used Swiss ETA or PESeux movements. These are all excellent calibers with proven timekeeping ability, but they confine watchmaking to a certain "mold" that makes each watch that uses them a bit less special.
The first example of the NOMOS Tangomat (Ref. 601) used the NOMOS Epsilon automatic movement. Since then, the company has further refined the blueprint to produce improved calibers like the DUW 5001, which currently serves as the heart of the latest Tangomat references.
Besides its decent timekeeping ability, NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat is known for its exceptional thinness, with a depth of just 8.2 millimeters. They wouldn't have been able to achieve this if they had stuck with third-party movements!

How Much Do NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Watches Cost?

Currently, the NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat collection consists of three references, each with its own price tag and unique features. Prices start from $3,280 with the Tangomat Ref. 601 to $4,920 for the Tangomat Ref. 635.
For ease of reference, you can find overviews for the entire collection in the table below.

What's Unique About NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Watches?

The standout feature of the NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat? Its incredible thinness. Take the Tangomat Ref. 621, for example, with a case thickness of a mere 8.2 millimeters - it's one of the most affordable automatic ultra-thin watches you can find.
Other Tangomat references, like the Ref. 602 and 635, vary in thickness due to added complications. The Ref. 602, featuring a simple date window, is slightly thicker at 6.3 millimeters. In contrast, the world time indicator on the 635 adds significant bulk to the piece that ended up measuring a hefty 10.85 millimeters.
Beyond its sleek design, it's impossible to overlook the pristine, Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic that defines NOMOS Glashütte. This signature style is evident in every detail, from the clean lines and sharp angles of the case and crown to the sleek sans-serif typography etched onto the dial.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Movements

All pieces within the NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat collection are derived from the company's in-house Epsilon automatic movement. However, each reference carries a different caliber.
For instance, the NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Ref. 621 is equipped with the basic Epsilon (DUW 5001) caliber, focused solely on telling the time.
However, there are exciting variations like the Zeta (featuring a date complication) and the Xi (showcasing a world time indicator). All these movements share a 31-millimeter diameter but differ in thickness, with the Epsilon being the slimmest at just 4.3 mm.
These movements are a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. You'll be able to admire their intricate workings through an optional sapphire caseback (the see-through caseback is an add-on feature; the watch comes standard with a solid stainless steel caseback).
It's worth mentioning that the latest Tangomats boast an upgraded Epsilon movement known as "Epsilon 2," featuring two additional jewels in the automatic winding for enhanced efficiency, totaling 26 jewels compared to the original Epsilon's 24.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Watch Colors

One of the key characteristics of the Bauhaus design school is the lack of primary colors, such as red, yellow, and blue. As a result, the vast majority of the watches in their portfolio come solely in a cool silver tone - the NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat watches aren't an exception. The case of all three references is forged from polished stainless steel.
Where you can truly distinguish your Tangomat is on the dial. The standard Tangomat comes with a galvanized white dial, complemented by blue hands and black typography.
Alternatively, for those seeking a touch of intrigue, there's the option of a black dial adorned with polished silver-tone hands and contrasting white typography.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Watch Materials

The cases of NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat watches are made from polished stainless steel, which offers a clean aesthetic as well as great durability. But where it gets interesting material-wise for each Tangomat is in the dial.
As previously mentioned, the dials are available in either white or black. These colors aren't achieved through paints or dyes; instead, they feature a thin plating of the corresponding precious metal. The white dial is made by plating it with white silver, while the black hue is achieved through a ruthenium coating.
The hands themselves are not to be overlooked. In the white dial version, the blue hands are crafted from tempered steel and painted. In contrast, the black dial variant boasts silver hands, polished and plated with rhodium.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Watch Types

The NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat collection exclusively offers dress watches, aligning with the brand's broader portfolio, which predominantly consists of elegant dress timepieces. While they do have sports collections, like the Ahoi collection, the emphasis on dress watches is no setback.
In fact, this focus perfectly complements NOMOS Glashütte's Bauhaus-inspired design philosophy, which thrives on understated elegance. If you appreciate the modernist and minimalist design approach, then the NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat is undoubtedly tailored to your taste.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Complications

In the NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat collection, only two out of the three references come with additional complications.
The first is the Tangomat Datum Ref. 621, featuring an additional date window at the 6 o'clock position.
The second, and undoubtedly the most intricate of the trio, is the Tangomat GMT Ref. 635, boasting a world time indicator conveniently located at the 3 o'clock position. This remarkable feature allows you to set the watch to any time zone in the world, making it an invaluable companion for frequent travelers who frequently cross time zones.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Sizes

The NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Ref. 601 and the Datum Ref. 621 both have a fairly compact 38-millimeter case width, which would fit a variety of wrist sizes.
Interested in trying one on your wrist and buying? You can do so through a variety of authorized retailers and dealers, including Exquisite Timepieces, where you can find listings for all three references in the collection.

Caring for Your NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat Watch

Timepieces like the NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat are investments. Not just because of the price they command but also because of the sentimental value of such beautiful pieces. When maintained correctly, they can last for decades. It's not unusual for high-end watches like these to be passed down from generation to generation!
There are plenty of practices that you can do from home that'll keep your watch in top shape. However, over the years, the watch may need restoration, maintenance of its mechanical movements and complications, or something like timekeeping testing and adjustment to make sure it's beating accurately - all of these procedures must be done by trained technicians.
Exquisite Timepieces can be your trusted partner for watch restoration and maintenance. Whether it's minor wear and tear or issues deeper into the mechanisms of the watch, our technicians can help you take care and restore your watch to its original glory.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangomats FAQ

When was NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat released?

The NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat was originally released in 2005.

How much is a NOMOS Tangomat GMT?

The NOMOS Tangomat GMT (Ref. 635) commands the highest price in the entire Tangomat collection, going from $4,920.

Find your new NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat watch with Exquisite Timepieces

Ready to take your pick of a NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat? Exquisite Timepieces is here to guide you through every part of the selection and purchasing process!
Our NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat collection is available for purchase both online and in our exclusive U.S. boutiques. When you order Exclusive Timepieces, you'll enjoy complimentary delivery, with every watch fully insured from our door to yours. Each Tangomat comes with a full manufacturer's warranty, guaranteeing peace of mind with your purchase.
At Exquisite Timepieces, we put quality and authenticity first and foremost. It's how we have established ourselves as a reputable authorized dealer and a trusted partner for renowned brands like NOMOS Glashütte.
Discover more about our services and find answers to your questions in our convenient FAQ section. Need personalized assistance? Our expert team is standing by, ready to address any inquiries about your new NOMOS Glashütte Tangomat watch!