Most Nomos models come in two versions that look almost the same from the front: one hand-wound, one automatic. The difference is the movement, and it changes how you live with the watch. Here is how to choose.
The hand-wound Alpha
The Alpha is Nomos's basic hand-wound movement, used in families such as the Tangente, Club, Ludwig, Metro, Orion and Tetra. It is about 2.6 mm thick, with a power reserve of about 43 hours. You wind it by the crown, ideally every day.
Choose it if you enjoy winding a watch, want the slimmest case, and want the lower price.
The automatic neomatik, caliber DUW 3001
The DUW 3001 is Nomos's slim automatic, introduced in 2014 and only about 3.2 mm thick. It uses Nomos's own swing system escapement and has a power reserve of about 42 hours. Watches with it carry "neomatik" in their names.
Choose it if you want a watch that winds itself on the wrist and still stays slim.
Side by side
| Alpha (hand-wound) | DUW 3001 (neomatik) | |
|---|---|---|
| Winding | By hand | Automatic |
| Movement thickness | About 2.6 mm | About 3.2 mm |
| Power reserve | About 43 hours | About 42 hours |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Both are made by Nomos in Glashütte. Our Nomos buying guide explains the families, and Orion vs Metro vs Ludwig compares three of them.
Every watch we sell is checked by our specialist before it ships, and the listing says what comes with it. We are an independent retailer, not an authorized dealer of the brands we sell.
Browse all Nomos Glashütte watches in stock; the movement row on each listing says which one it has.
Frequently asked questions
What does neomatik mean on a Nomos?
It marks the automatic versions with the slim in-house caliber DUW 3001.
Is a hand-wound Nomos less accurate?
Not because of the winding. Accuracy depends on the movement's regulation and condition.
How thin is the Nomos automatic movement?
The DUW 3001 is about 3.2 mm thick.
How long does a hand-wound Nomos run?
The Alpha has a power reserve of about 43 hours.
