Glashütte, Germany
Crafted in-house in Germany by NOMOS Glashütte, Tangente, the iconic NOMOS timepiece, has been a design classic since its launch in 1992 and now updated to emphasize the watch’s ecological design approach and sustainable manufacturing process.
Tangente Update recently won a 2021 Green Good Design® Award from The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum.
This latest iteration, Tangente Update features a unique ring date placed far out around the edge of the dial, with two red markers that frame the current date.
This new kind of display, now patented, was created by NOMOS’ R&D and product design departments before being handcrafted by expert watchmakers in Glashütte, Germany demonstrating the brand’s commitment to in-house production throughout.
NOMOS watches are precise and beautiful—retaining these qualities over decades.
The classic design of Tangente Update transcends trends, making it a treasured possession for
life.
As they are mechanical, these timepieces do not require batteries or charging.
Movement is enough to generate the energy they need; in Tangente Update’s case, its automatic caliber simply winds itself while it is worn on the wrist.
Like all NOMOS timepieces, Tangente Update was made to last a lifetime—using high-quality materials such as stainless steel, sapphire crystal glass, and Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan leather.
This premium leather is sourced from retired workhorses and tanned using vegetable liquors, avoiding unnecessary animal farming and industrial chemicals.
All individual parts of the watch can be repaired or replaced, and recycled over time.
When it comes to in-house production, NOMOS Glashütte works as efficiently as possible before recycling waste materials responsibly.
For example, the cooling oil, metal filings, and surplus brass blanks generated by the production process are all returned to the suppliers to be converted back into raw materials.
The water used to rinse newly produced parts is also thoroughly filtered before being returned to the wider water supply
All suppliers to NOMOS Glashütte are required to sign a strict codex of values, which ensures that they work in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.
The vast majority of watchmaking parts, down to the smallest pinion, are produced in-house by NOMOS in Glashütte.
In fact, up to 95% of a caliber’s value is generated on site—which is an exceptional achievement in itself.
This sustainable approach to watch production shortens supply chains, and therefore emissions generated by transporting materials.
It also allows the company to determine the quality of its timepieces in every detail.
When NOMOS timepieces are finally ready to travel out into the world and onto watch enthusiasts’ wrists, the company uses CO2-neutral shipping and recyclable packaging materials.
In this way, the products made by NOMOS Glashütte are as sustainable as possible from start to finish.
Project: NOMOS Tangente Update
Designers: NOMOS Glashütte/SA Roland Schwertner KG
Manufacturer: NOMOS Glashütte/SA Roland Schwertner KG