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editorial: Interview with Dale Vito

Interview Dale vito Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam Limited Edition Ace Jewelers

Interview with Dale from Ace Jewelers about the new limited edition: Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam

Dale took time to share a cup of coffee and answer some questions about the new released limited edition: Ace x Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam.

He has been with Ace Jewelers since 2012 and spends his time at the Ace Online offices. Besides watches he likes cycling, and on a good day you might even catch him riding his bike from Amersfoort to Amsterdam and back. 

Interview Dale vito Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam Limited Edition Ace Jewelers

How did NOMOS come on your radar?

D: It must’ve been around 2004-2005, when I was endlessly browsing forums such as WatchUSeek and TimeZone. The first time I really took notice was with the release of the Tangomat.

Interview Dale vito Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam Limited Edition Ace Jewelers

What do you like about NOMOS?

D: Over the years I’ve come to appreciate the signature NOMOS style, and approach to manufacturing more and more. I like how they stick to a certain look and feel. You either love it or hate it, but you know a NOMOS when you see one! Since working with them I’ve also come to love the kindness of the people and their down-to-earth attitude. No wild champagne-showered parties, no polo matches, no flashy ambassadors – just watches.

You already unveiled a first limited edition with NOMOS in 2017, celebrating the 100 Years of de Stijl. How has it been received?

D: I’d say pretty well! It was the first time we embarked on a project like this, so it really was a big experiment for us. We knew the Orion de Stijl wouldn’t be for everyone, but it sold well and we got a lot of good press and reactions from around the world.

Interview Dale vito Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam Limited Edition Ace Jewelers

What made you interested in working on a second Limited Edition and what is special about it?

D: We had great fun with the Orion de Stijl, and at the same time we learned a lot. The fact that this watch was unique to us meant that we really had to market it ourselves. In the run-up Alon and I bugged them with a crazy amount of designs, concepts and ideas. I think we were both happy to be allowed to bring another one to fruition!

I think the best part is that it is the first limited edition based on the Club Campus that NOMOS has done. The contrasting sub dial and red numerals really give it a unique look – yet it is still 100% NOMOS.

Why a Club Campus?

D: It is well-published that the Club is my favorite NOMOS. It is classic with a funky twist. I like the robust and sturdy case, and highly appreciate its 100m water resistance. The fact that it is one of the most affordable models doesn’t hurt either…

What was the inspiration during the designing process?

D: As I said earlier, we made up a huge number of different designs. Some of them were quite out there! But black-red-white color scheme based on the Amsterdam city shield was something we kept getting back to. It’s a classic combination. It also works well on many models and hopefully we’ll be given the opportunity to do another NOMOS with these colors in the future.

Interview Dale vito Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam Limited Edition Ace Jewelers

What should I wear with this watch?

I’d love to see what people come up with in terms of straps. I’ve tried a few already but can’t wait to see more.  I’m looking forward the most to wearing mine on a beach with swimming trunks, on either a rubber or canvas strap.

How many pieces will be available and where can I buy it?

It’s made as a limited edition of 75 pieces. It is available in our boutiques, on AceJewelers.com and right here on Minimatikal.

Can you describe Amsterdam in three words?

Beautiful – When – Sunny

Or alternatively;

Terrible – For – Cycling (when clipped-in on a road bike that is)

What is your favorite spot in Amsterdam?

D: I’d love a top 10 Strava notation on the Plantage Middenlaan segment. But I’d need to shave off about 6 seconds!

Many thanks Dale for your time and answers!

More info about the watch: click here 😉

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editorial: Interview with Alon Ben Joseph

interview alon ben joseph nomos ace jewelers limited edition club amsterdam

Interview with the CEO of Ace Jewelers about the new limited edition: Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam

Alon Ben Joseph took time to share a cup of coffee and answer some questions about the new released limited edition: Ace x Nomos Club Campus Amsterdam.

He has been active in the family company since 1998. After obtaining his Bachelor degree in New York, Alon continued his Master degree in Business Economics at the University of Amsterdam. Very proud that Ace Jewelers was the first Dutch luxury jeweler in The Netherlands to open an eBoutique, Alon is also passionate about watches, gem stones, IT & E-commerce, Tennis and Cinema.

How did NOMOS come on your radar?

A: As a watch collector and jeweler as well I always try to keep track of the various watch brands out there. The year NOMOS was founded, they caught my eye immediately. I am a huge fan of both the Bauhaus movement as well as German engineering & pĂŒnktlichheit.

What do you like about NOMOS?

A: That is a great question and for me very easy to answer. It is these three things:

First of all it is their general philosophy and business ethos. Then there’s the superbly clean designs, which are executed to perfection. Finally there’s the fact that their such a well-rounded company. From design and marketing to manufacturing of cases, movements, dials and hands – most of it is done in-house in either Berlin or GlashĂŒtte. That’s cool!

You already unveiled a first limited edition with NOMOS in 2017, celebrating the 100 Years of de Stijl. How has it been received?

A: We made a dial design that has never done before, it was out of the ordinary, but very much in-line with NOMOS’ philosophy and style code. We knew it was not an easy sell, but we were blown away by the love and positive responses we received. Both from watch collectors as well as art aficionado’s! We are proud to say we have only a few left in-stock.

What made you interested in working on a second Limited Edition and what is special about it?

A: This is almost a rhetorical question, but actually a very good one. There are many reasons, buy maybe the most important: it is very exciting to take part in the design of a watch. A dream for many watch collectors. We got elevated from retailer & friend of the brand to co-designer. I consider this to be one of the highest honors a retailer can get!

And, what makes it even more special, we have had the privilege to apply the colors of our beloved Amsterdam to one of our favorite NOMOS watches. A perfect match!

interview alon ben joseph nomos ace jewelers limited edition club amsterdam

Why a Club Campus?

A: Again a lot of reasons
 Where should I start? A few things that come to mind;

I love dial with the mixed Arabic and Roman numerals. I was so happy NOMOS launched the Campus two years ago. It makes for such a fun dial!

The club really is an all-round watch. It is classic and timeless, yet also sporty, casual, fun, and not afraid of a bit of water. Basically like our hometown Amsterdam!

We think this watch was the best match for the colors of the coat of arms of Amsterdam.

We did an Orion as first Watch, we wish to do a collab for every single model in the NOMOS collection. This might be ambitious, but we hope to make it happen!

Should I keep on going?

What was the inspiration during the designing process?

A: We went back to the basics, the logo of Amsterdam, which it is believed dates back to 1280-ish AD. We think that black, red & white are timeless colors, but also a bit sporty. This is why we choose the Club model of NOMOS. We had many and intense discussion if we should choose a ‘regular’ Club or a Campus… But for me personally I love the inverted California dial. It makes it even more fun and makes it stand out more. When we (re)design a watch, we want it to add value
 It should compliment the current collection. And, for the record, we never ever would dare to say improve the original watch. That is a mission impossible. We just want to add a fun aspect… We believe that most buyers of this watch will either already have a Club or at least one NOMOS already.

What should I wear with this watch?

Whatever you like! I think it works well with both casual as well as more formal wear. Though for a really elegant occasion I’d probably wear my Orion de Stijl!

How many pieces will be available and where can I buy it?

We’ve had just 75 pieces made, which are all individually numbered on their case backs! There will not be more. It’s available in our boutiques and via www.Ace.am/NOMOSLE2.

Can you describe Amsterdam in three words?

It is the smallest metropolitan city in the world. It is stunningly beautiful, and the people are laid back, open & fun. Okay, that was more than three words.

What is your favorite spot in Amsterdam?

A. Ooooh, good one. So many
 If I had to choose one: Ace Photo Studio/Ace Online on the first floor of Koningsplein 1. Literally in the heart of Amsterdam, on the canal and the corner of the Flower Market. It does not get better than this. I can sit here all day and look out of the window! Stunning. We are so fortunate to have obtained this office space, after hunting it down since 1998!

Many thanks Alon for your time and answers!

More info about the watch: click here 😉

interview alon ben joseph nomos ace jewelers limited edition club amsterdam

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Hands-on: Nomos ZĂŒrich Weltzeit

“Travel the world with the push of a button”

I had the chance to wear the Nomos Zurich Weltzeit for a few weeks and I have to say that it was a pretty interesting experience.

The Nomos ZĂŒrich Weltzeit was released in 2014 and comes in two different color versions. One with a white silver-plated dial and the second with a midnight blue dial. The hands are faceted and rhodium-plated. The name of the watch is a tribute to the city where the designer of the watch Hannes Wettstein was living and working.

At first glance I thought that it would be way too big for me but once I got in on my wrist, I quite liked the oversized look!

The first noticeable thing while looking at this watch is obviously the different cities that lay on the dial which makes you instantly travel in less than one second.

A button enables you to travel the different time zones very quickly just by pushing it. I have to admit that it provides a very satisfying feeling and makes the watch very playful.

Nomos ZĂŒrich Weltzeit world time hands-on minimatikal

In terms of caliber, The NOMOS ZĂŒrich Weltzeit has the brand’s most complicated movement. This automatic caliber is equipped with a world time and 24-hour display. As well as a proprietary escapement, the NOMOS swing system. We can read the time both at home and in 23 other time zones (but not at the same time!).

Indeed, the ZĂŒrich Weltzeit is not a true worldtimer because it can display only two different time zones at the same time. To have an idea of what is a real World Time watch, have a look at the Patek Philippe 5230G World time.

Next to the « home symbol » you can set your home time thanks to the disc next to it, while the hands can be set to your current time zone or any time zone you want to check.

Nomos ZĂŒrich Weltzeit world time hands-on minimatikal

The ZĂŒrich Weltzeit’s case is very elaborate and add sophistication to the watch. No less than 10 separate pieces composed the case, Nomos even compares this case as a set diamond. A very welcome and important detail that distinguishes the Weltzeit to the others Nomos models that can be sometimes a bit stead for some people.

Nomos ZĂŒrich Weltzeit world time hands-on minimatikal

What do I think about his watch?

Two important things have to be said about this watch. Its lug-to-lug distance is around 48mm, which makes it honestly difficult for a small lady’s wrist to wear it if you are not crazy about oversized watches.

Another thing is that the home time displayed on the disc is very small and can be hard to read. 50+, get your glasses on.

But overall, The ZĂŒrich Weltzeit is a true good-looking watch. It gives you a travel style without any pretention. Thanks to its versatile design, it’s very easy to wear it with casual clothes as well as an elegant suit.

Of course the watch is really handy if you often travel the world or need to have the time of a specific time zone. In Nomos’ collection, the ZĂŒrich Weltzeit is truly the watch of the world.

More details : Ref. 805

CASE

stainless steel, tripartite
sapphire crystal glass back

GLASS

domed sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating

WINDING

automatic

DIMENSIONS

diameter 39.9 mm
height 10.85 mm
weight 74 g

WATER RESISTANCE

3 atm (splash-proof)

DIAL

galvanized, white silver-plated, with world time and 24-hour indicator

HANDS

rhodium-plated, faceted

STRAP

Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan black
lug width 20mm

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Hands-on: NOMOS Tangente Neomatik 41 Update

Tangente, updated.

 

For Baselworld 2018, Nomos unveiled their Neomatik classics: Orion, Tangente and Ludwig, updated.

Each of them features now a new unique tailor-made date display. This playful innovation showcases the watchmaking skills of Nomos GlashĂŒtte and we couldn’t resist putting our hands on the intriguing Tangente Neomatik Update. In this post we will briefly go over the basics of this watch!

 Tangente Neomatik Update Minimatikal hands on

THE CASE

The bipartite stainless steel case has a diameter of 40.5 mm, is 7.9 mm high and weighs 58 g. We measured the lug-to-lug distance: +/- 48.2mm. It features a sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating. Regarding the water resistance, the watch is suitable for showering (5 ATM).

THE DIAL

The dial is galvanized and white silver-plated with a playful Date ring. Two red dots highlights today’s date. The hands are oxidized black.

THE MOVEMENT

This automatic watch features Nomos’ in-house built caliber : DUW 6101. The movement diameter is 15 Âœ lines (35.2mm) with a height of 3.6mm. The power reserve is up to 42 hours. It is The first neomatik caliber with a date mechanism. Rob Nudds gave us all the ins and outs of this movement in a guest post, which you’ll find right here.

Tangente Neomatik Update Minimatikal hands on

THE STRAP

The watch comes with a Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan black strap with a lug width of 20mm. It is fitted with their winged buckle in 18mm. The folding clasp is optional – but available HERE.

Tangente Neomatik Update Minimatikal hands on

What do I think about this watch?

The circular date is very original and add a fun twist to the minimalist design of the Tangente. The touch of red is also very welcome on such a refined and neutral dial.

However, the 40.5mm diameter of the watch makes it difficult for a women to wear it. Even if oversized watches can look amazing on female wrists, I think this one is just not flattering [sorry ladies]. The lines are just too hard, and the lugs too long. It looked amazing on Dale’s wrist though; here it sat much more naturally and can be combined with many outfits.

Such a man’s world 😉

 

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editorial: Nomos Timeline

Please find below our new in-house Nomos metro map that highlights the key moments of Nomos history! Enjoy and try not to get lost!

We hope that you enjoyed travelling through time!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you think that something is wrong or missing.