NOMOS Glashütte Autobahn Director’s Cut Limited Editions
NOMOS Glashütte, a brand synonymous with clean design, has just unveiled the Autobahn Director’s Cut Limited Editions. The Saxony-based firm has released three new variants of the Autobahn, each limited to just 175 pieces. Each of these models is named after one of the prominent German ‘freeways’, the A3, A7 and A9. Meehna Goldsmith takes readers on a journey of discovery.
In 2018, NOMOS released the Autobahn. Created by German furniture designer Werner Aisslinger, the model proved to be so popular that the brand is temporarily enlarging the range with three limited edition watches. Called the Autobahn A3, A7 and A9, they are the names of Aisslinger’s preferred freeways. More on the meaning of the model names in a moment.
The Autobahn Director’s Cut Limited Editions have been created to honour 175 years of watchmaking in Glashütte. Thus, the reason for only 175 pieces per model in the series. Of course, Aisslinger was again tapped to give the originals a new, special aesthetic. Why tamper with a winning team?
NOMOS Glashütte has curiously dubbed this trio of limited editions, the Autobahn A3, A7 and A9, Aisslinger’s ‘Director’s Cut’, a movie term specific to Hollywood. When used in Tinseltown, the term means that the director recuts the film the studio first released to a version he or she would’ve preferred. Usually, the recut films are longer and contain scenes not included in the original.
I don’t think NOMOS meant to imply that Aisslinger wasn’t able to achieve his vision with the inaugural Autobahn models. Rather, the brand wants to designate these three watches as particularly special because Aisslinger picked his favourite three colours for the designs.
Compared to the non-limited Autobahn, the trio definitely has more pop. The A3 features white-orange red, while the A7 comes in a blue-yellow and the A9 in black-grey, the colour schemes reminiscent of cars on the motorways of Germany during the 1960s and 70s.
So, what exactly is the significance of the model names? The A3 is a congested tourist route spanning three countries from Holland through Germany and ending in Austria. Presumably, the landscape is beautiful despite the bad traffic, and that’s why, according to NOMOS, Aisslinger has a ‘love-hate’ relationship with it.
In contrast, Aisslinger could zip along the A9 and make good time. Interestingly, even before the Berlin wall came down, the A9 was the fastest way to move between Northeast and Southeast Germany.
Finally, Aisslinger chose the A7, which connects the north and south of Germany, because it leads to his house in the Allgäu region. This freeway stirs up warm feelings and anticipation of arriving home.
With the models under the heading Autobahn, the three limited editions obviously stick to the automotive theme, their faces inspired by vintage car dashboards. NOMOS has chosen the typography of the hour numerals to reflect this connection.
Just as freeways snake around the landscape, the dial also incorporates curves: around the edge of the raised dial and also on the sub-seconds dial. The design elevates the dial from a typical flat plane and gives it depth, which makes for rich aesthetics. Situated at the 6 o’clock position set into the curve, the large patented date window shows three dates, the current one in between the day before and the day after. And for viewing in low light conditions, NOMOS has included a luminous ring.
Inside all three models ticks the in-house neomatik (new automatic) DUW 6101 with its impressively thin profile of 3.2 millimetres. NOMOS calibrates the movement to chronometer standards in its Glashütte Manufactory.
Two other limited edition elements separate these three watches from their older brethren. You’ll notice the circular cut-out pattern on the bracelet secured with a deployant clasp, also designed by Aisslinger. NOMOS has also engraved on the case back that the A3, A7 and A9 are limited editions.
The original Autobahns are striking watches and these new limited editions designed by Aisslinger score another win for NOMOS. And, even better, they are priced the same as the non-limited editions.
Note: all images are Copyright – NOMOS Glashütte
Further reading
Technical specification – Tangente
- Model: NOMOS Glashütte Autobahn Director’s Cut Limited Editions
- Reference: 1301.S1 – A3 – white-orange red
- Reference: 1301.S2 – A7 – blue-yellow
- Reference: 1301.S3 – A9 – black-grey
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter 41mm; height 10.5mm; water resistance 10ATM (100 metres); sapphire crystal to front; exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours; minutes; small seconds; date
- Movement: Calibre DUW6101; automatic movement; 27 jewels; power reserve up to 42 hours.
- Strap: Bracelet Sport Director’s Cut
- Price: £3800 (RRP as at 20.10.2021)