As far as complications go, there aren’t many functions that can’t be performed by the computing device constantly in our pockets. The watch connoisseur however, tends to favour maintaining an air of an anachronism when it comes to timepieces and it’s not hard to see why, especially when it’s distilled into design so well done. We’ve talked a lot about NOMOS Glashütte over the years and the origin of the town it’s headquartered in but nothing speaks better of a brand than its products.
When it comes to NOMOS’ products, the offerings are varied but personally (and this is a belief I’ve maintained since I’ve seen this watch), is that one of the best value for money pieces from NOMOS Glashütte is the Zürich Worldtimer.
The reason is simple. NOMOS’ collection runs on plenty of great design with exceptional calibres backing the timepieces but none as “functional” as a world timer. For the man who’s constantly travelling, the world timer is the perfect watch to bring along and as we explained in the Tried & Tested video above, keeps your home time for those quick checks you may need to make before sending out emails or making work calls. Sure, your phone could do that but we’re certain your phone isn’t as steeped in tradition as a timepiece.
Of course, there are many variations of world time complications out there but I’m confident that none are as neatly structured and laid out as well as NOMOS’.
If you’re not a fan of the True Blue version (with the deep blue dial), there’s a crisper and more Bauhaus-looking one that’s the original. Both timepieces feature the DUW 5201 calibre, an updated version of NOMOS’ previous world timer movement, now with the brand’s own patented Swing System escapement.
Interestingly enough, the older versions of the Weltzeit (or world clock in German) used to see the term “Heimat” or home where the little house now sits, for home time. Thomas Höhnel, head of product design, shared that the change was meant to make the timepiece easier to understand across the world.
Recently, the brand even launched a limited edition version of the Zürich Worldtimer called the Red Dot for our tiny island nation. Instead of Hong Kong on the dial, Singapore sits in its place. Another interesting change was the actual red dot used to denote home time instead of the home icon. Limited to just 50 pieces in total (15 for the salmon pink dial and 35 for the silver-plated white dial), the watches were sold out within an instant.
If you’re in the market for a watch that’s ideal for business and the travels that accompany it, the NOMOS Glashütte Zürich Worldtimer makes for quite the ideal piece.
NOMOS Glashütte is distributed in Singapore by Watches of Switzerland and select The Hour Glass boutiques. Drop by Watches of Switzerland boutiques at VivoCity, Tampines Mall and Paragon or The Hour Glass at Parkway Parade and Orchard Central to view the watches in the flesh.