NOMOS Glashutte Ahoi Atlantik
Angus Davies provides an in-depth review of the NOMOS Glashutte Ahoi Atlantik. This German watch features an in-house movement, Bauhaus design and offers incredible value for money.
This detailed review of the NOMOS Glashutte Ahoi Atlantik includes live images, specification details and pricing.
NOMOS Glashütte is a master in crafting high quality watches, featuring Bauhaus inspired aesthetics and in-house movements, all delivered at surprisingly accessible prices. The exquisitely styled timepieces are crafted in an atelier in Saxony and have earned much praise from many watch journalists over the years, myself included.
In 2013, the brand’s first foray into making diver’s watches led to the release of the Ahoi. This wristwatch was presented with a galvanised, white silver-plated dial and offered in two variants, the Ahoi, sans date, and the suitably named Ahoi Datum, with a date display positioned at 6 o’clock.
Earlier this year, the watch company from Glashütte, a town steeped in watchmaking tradition and home to several prestigious brands, released a new version of the Ahoi, the NOMOS Glashutte Ahoi Atlantik. This timepiece shares much in common with its older sibling, save for a new colour scheme, featuring Atlantic blue dial centre stage.
The dial
Atlantic blue is said to resemble “the surface of the wide ocean on a windless day”. The hue actually appears almost black and exudes a sultry air, one which is in stark contrast to the chaste complexion of the white silver-plated dial found on the “standard” Ahoi. It is this darker temperament which catches my gaze and, conforming to type and, contrary to “mother’s wishes”, I am drawn to the raven-haired beauty.
Often, when faced with two options, I am predisposed to favouring the costlier alternative. However, in this instance I am attracted to the less costly, non-date option. The absence of the date display accentuates the simplicity of line, distinguishing this design as special and granting an abundance of eye-appeal.
NOMOS Glashütte Ahoi Atlantik Datum (note – watch with crown pulled-out)
The gold plated hour and minute hands feature green Super-LumiNova. The colour scheme is cheerful and the legibility superb. The hands exhibit clean sharp lines imparting time with refreshing brevity.
Hours are denoted with gold coloured hour markers. Even-numbered hours are conveyed using Arabic numerals with the intervening hours indicated with slim, elongated strokes. Everything is crisp and fresh, enhancing readability.
Encircling the dial, a combination of short lines and rectangular shaped markings collaborate with the minute hand to aid the interpretation of time.
Positioned above 6 o’clock, a small seconds display is presented. It is charmingly executed with an eye-catching red hand traversing a sea of snailed detail.
NOMOS has created a wonderful vista, where a pleasing form is the welcome outcome of peerless functionality. Indeed, NOMOS has successfully subscribed to the Bauhaus ethos, something readily evident with one glance of the sublime dial display.
The case
The stainless steel bipartite case is highly polished, providing a judicious contradistinction with the dark persona of the dial.
When I placeed the watch upon my wrist it appeared larger than the 40mm diameter specified in the brand’s literature. This is not a criticism, rather the contrary, I found that the perception of greater scale most welcome. Indeed, the watch adequately covered my wrist, looking sufficiently large for my overnourished arm.
I suspect one reason why the perceived width of the watch seems greater than reality is owing to the crown protector gracing the right hand flank of the case. It grants a robust mien without appearing excessively macho. Moreover, the lugs are long and feature an angular profile, again fooling the wearer into thinking the watch is larger than it really is.
The dorsal area of the case features a large sapphire crystal, allowing the wearer to appreciate the added value housed within. The case back is held in position with six retaining screws. It has an angled edge, enhancing free movement of the wrist. Water-resistant to 200 metres, NOMOS shows that practicality does not necessitate forgoing style.
The watch is presented on a black textile strap with a winged clasp. I found the watch to offer excellent levels of comfort and the black strap provides an original and distinctively attractive appearance.
The movement
The automatic Calibre Epsilon doffs its hat to Glashütte tradition by including a three-quarter plate.
The bi-directional oscillating mass is open-worked and adorned with Glashütte ribbing, with the motif gracing the bridges beneath. Circular graining, or perlage, adorns the main plate.
There are many beautiful touches to this movement. The ratchet and duplex wheel feature Glashütte solarisation. The thermally blued screws, as well as being more resistant to corrosion, provide magnificent contrast with the rhodium plated movement.
A hacking seconds and power reserve of 43 hours complete the impressive specification.
Closing remarks
NOMOS Glashütte has produced a stunning watch. Whilst those of angelic character may favour the virgin-white dial, I find the Atlantic blue Ahoi Atlantik a more tempting proposition. However, despite my proclivity for naughtiness and the sexy tones of the Atlantik, both dial colours offer much merit with highly legible dials, cosseting wrist feel and an excellent in-house movement. Indeed, courtesy of its Bauhaus inspired brilliance and with a recommended retail price of £2600.00, the NOMOS Glashutte Ahoi Atlantik delivers a compelling case for acquisition.
Technical Specification
- Model: NOMOS Glashütte Ahoi Atlantik
- Ref: 552
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter 40 mm; height 10.64 mm; water-resistant to 20 bar (200 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds.
- Movement: Epsilon Calibre, automatic movement; frequency 21,600vph (3Hz); 26 jewels; power reserve 43 hours
- Strap: Black textile strap presented with winged clasp.
- Price: £2600 (RRP as at 24.9.2014)
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