Germany’s Nomos Glashütte traces its own origin back to 1990, but the tradition of fine Glashütte watchmaking that it carries on stretches back much farther ? 175 years, in fact. The brand commemorates that anniversary with the launch of three limited-edition models of its classical Nomos Ludwig model, whose design elements are derived from historical pocketwatches. Each version is limited to 175 pieces and is regulated and tested by Nomos to chronometer-level precision.

The Roman numerals and blued leaf hands are hallmarks of the Ludwig model.

All three of the new models borrow traditional features reminiscent of early pocketwatch designs. Each watch has a polished, enamel-white dial with rounded, tempered-steel blue hands, shaped in the classic leaf form, and bordered by a railroad-style chemin de fer minute track. Circling the outer edge of each watch’s caseback is an engraving spelling out “Limited Edition Ludwig – 175 Years Watchmaking Glashütte” in dark-gray-colored lettering as well as the watch’s limited-edition number (out of 175).
The new Ludwig editions range from 35-mm to 39-mm to 41-mm in case diameter.

Powering the watches are the manually-wound Nomos Alpha caliber, which is used in the smallest model, the 35-mm-diameter Ref. 205.S2; the automatic caliber DUW 3001, housed inside the Ludwig neomatik 39-mm model, which boasts a power reserve up to 43 hours; and the automatic Caliber DUW 6101, which ticks inside ...