Glashütte, a small town in the Saxony region of Germany, is both the birthplace and home to exceptional German watchmaking. Long associated with high quality precision timepieces, and master craftsmanship, the district is home to several top watch brands including Nomos Glashütte. Founded in 1990 by Roland Schwertner, NOMOS is known for their clean and modern aesthetic, and is a member of the Deutscher Werkbund – an association of companies which combine handcraft, industrial production, and functional design. Established in 1907, the Werkbund was a predecessor to the Bauhaus movement and instrumental in the early 20th century development of modern architecture and design, concentrating on traditional craftsmanship and mass production techniques. Today, NOMOS Glashütte is the largest manufacturer of mechanical timepieces in Germany. Their watches are made mainly by hand from milling plates, bridges, and wheels, to bluing screws and bevelling edges. In 2014, NOMOS introduced their in-house “swing system” escapement, which allowed the brand to free itself from third party suppliers.
Since their inception, NOMOS Glashütte has released an impressive collection of mechanical watches from time only examples to watches featuring date, power reserves, and GMT multi-time zone functions. In 2020, the brand released their Ludwig Neomatik 39, alongside the limited edition Ludwig Neomatik 39 175 Years Watchmaking model, like the present watch. Part of their Ludwig line of classic wristwatches with white dials and Roman numerals, they featured the Neomatik designation on the dial indicating NOMOS’s ultra-thin automatic movement within, and now housed in a 39mm diameter case. The limited edition model featured an enamel white-colored lacquer dial, and elegantly curved lugs.
Generously donated by NOMOS Glashütte, the present wristwatch is number 3 of 175 examples and is in brand new, unused condition. The watch is complete with warranty and presentation pouch. It is a tribute to both NOMAS Glashütte and their exceptional line of handcrafted mechanical timepieces, as well as Glashütte’s long traditional excellence in Germany horology.
This watch is being sold to benefit the Horological Society of New York’s ongoing education initiatives, in support of international traveling and virtual education programs, scholarships for students of watchmaking, and awards to watchmaking schools.