The History of Nomos

The Founding of Nomos

When you think of the brand Nomos, it immediately conjures images of their simple, functional, and understated design approach. What you may not know is the unconventional backstory behind the company’s instantly recognizable aesthetic. Nomos is a young brand, founded just a decade before the new millennium in 1990. Yet, the production headquarters lies in Glashütte, one of the most significant cities in the history of watchmaking. This balance of modernity and tradition is what defines Nomos.

New Wave of German Design

The timing of the brand’s founding and the location of its workshop are not just important influences on their approach to watchmaking. Just months after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the eventual end of the Cold War, Nomos established their brand. These crucial moments spurred the reconsolidation of Germany and a renaissance in German design. In the early 1900’s, Germany’s design trends, such as the Bauhaus movement, defined them in the world. However, after WWII, Germany’s global reputation changed. The reunification revived the appreciation for German design and the creativity of the German spirit, both of which are reflected in the success of the Nomos brand.

Establishment in Glashütte

Nomos’ presence in the Glashütte region also marked a moment of progress and change. The internationally famous town has a history of producing some of the most unique and high-quality watches since the mid-1800’s. Bearing the Glashütte designation of origin is a great honor. This is because watchmakers in this town must adhere to incredibly strict quality standards. Only companies that create at least 50% of the watch’s caliber in Glashütte may receive the coveted title of being a true Glashütte watch. The establishment of a brand new company in a region with such rigorous standards, pride, and rich history was a feat within itself—a feat that is emblematic of Nomos’ progressive nature and drive to set a new standard in the industry.

Since 2005, Nomos has not just met the rigid quality standard of Glashütte—they’ve exceeded them. Now, they only use in-house manufactured movements built up to 95% in the region. The brand has been fortunate to attract some of the most renowned watchmakers, many of whom are practicing their craft in the fifth generation. However, amidst the older customs of Glashütte, their reputation is the watch company who innovates. Again, Nomos is a brand that perfectly embraces the traditional and the contemporary.

Modern Influences on Tradition

Nomos’ approach to watchmaking further exemplifies the value of both tradition and progress through its research and development division. At a glance, it may appear that the practice of watchmaking has not changed drastically over the past few centuries. To an extent this is true. Much of modern watchmaking relies on principles established hundreds of years ago. However, Nomos embraces new technology and the improvements it affords. The brand prides itself in being one of the finest and most inventive watchmakers in the world. They stand firm that they can’t simply rely on successful methods from the past. As a result, the brand has formed a partnership with the Franhofer Institute and the Technical University of Dresden to tap the best fresh young minds who are on the cusp of technical innovations. This collaboration also allows Nomos to integrate the most recent discoveries of new materials into their timepieces.

The Nomos Standard

Nomos achieves their distinctly modern aesthetic while upholding the craft of traditional watchmaking by pairing their skilled artisans with the most high tech production systems available. The company believes in crafting each watch in the most precise possible way, no matter the component involved. If handcrafting is the most precise method, the craftsmen are put to work. If technology affords a more precise option, machinery is used. The question is simple: what will result in the best possible product? Whatever that answer may be, they pursue it.