Nomos gently upgrades its classic wristwatch with a new calibre and double-date display: the Tangente 2date retains the signature Tangente design but with the addition of a quickset, twin date display.

The same date is indicate twice, on the date disc at six o’clock and then again with a pair of brackets on the date scale located on the dial’s periphery. It’s powered by the DUW 4601, a new calibre that’s based on Nomos’ longstanding Alpha movement.

Initial thoughts

The Tangente 2date is essentially another iteration of a familiar model, inside and out. Though it still makes appealing, well-priced watches, Nomos hasn’t introduced anything truly novel in some time, and the Tangente 2date reflects that.

As the name implies, the only novel element is the double date display that adds detail to the dial, which is fairly stark in its original iteration. At the same time, the date is useful in filling the excess space on the dial that results from the small movement relative to the case. However, the double date is redundant in terms of functionality, and from that perspective, feels gimmicky.

The view from the back is appealing, with the extra-wide date module forming a decorative ring around the base movement. The DUW 4601  movement, however, is not exactly novel. Though Nomos describes the calibre as “newly developed”, the DUW 4601 employs the basic architecture of the Alpha, which in turn was a reworked Peseux 7001. In fairness, the DUW 4601 is substantially upgraded over the Alpha, amongst other things with a longer power reserve thanks to a longer mainspring.

True to form for Nomos, the Tangente 2date is priced fairly at US$3,020. While the dial and case are simple, the movement quality and decoration are excellent for the price. That said, Nomos has gradually increased its prices (and quality) over the years, and now it sits in a price segment where the competition, like Longines for instance, is competent.

A double date

The 2date retains the Bauhaus-inspired, classic Tangente design with a simple, drum-like middle with a thin bezel and narrow lugs. Water-resistant to 50 m, the stainless steel case is 37.5 mm in diameter and 6.8 mm in thickness. Despite the relatively compact size, the case feels larger due to the elongated, angular lugs.

The 2date is offered with two dials, one galvanic silver-plated with black print and the other in sun-ray blue with white print. Both have the same Tangente design with ultra-thin, rhodium-plated hands along with alternating baton and Arabic markers.

The double date display is driven by the same mechanism, which advances a twin discs under the dial, one for the date window and another for the peripheral date apertures. Importantly, the date mechanism can be quickset via the crown.

The traditional date window sits at six o’clock, while the second date display is indicated by a date scale on the edge of the dial. Each date numeral sites in-between apertures, and the current date is highlighted by the apertures on each side. Both date displays are coloured coded for each dial colour: red on the silver dial, and white on the blue dial.

The 2date is offered with either a solid back or a display back that costs a little more. Both versions are equipped with the DUW 4601, which is an attractive calibre and justifies the extra for the display back.

The layout of the movement is familiar and essentially identical to the Alpha, the very first Nomos movement that was based on the Peseux 7001. Though the architecture is unchanged, the movement has been reworked in several ways, both functional and aesthetic, and is also now manufactured entirely in-house by Nomos.

Amongst the aesthetic tweaks is the skeletonised balance cock and radial “sunbeam” striping on the bridges that was previously found only on solid-gold Nomos models. The technical upgrades include a longer mainspring (made possible by thinner mainspring wire) that boosts the power reserve to 52 hours.

Key facts and price

Nomos Glashütte Tangente 2date
Ref. 135 (white with sapphire caseback)
Ref. 135.SB (white with steel caseback)
Ref. 136 (blue with sapphire caseback)
Ref. 136.SB (blue with steel caseback)

Case diameter: 37.5 mm
Case height: 6.75 mm for sapphire caseback; 6.65 mm for steel caseback
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. DUW 4601
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and double date display
Winding: Manual-wind
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 52 hours

Strap: Horween shell cordovan with pin buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at NOMOS Glashütte boutiques and retailers
Price: US$3,020 for sapphire caseback; US$2,760 for steel caseback

For more, visit nomos-glashuette.com