I?ll admit that I never paid much attention to the Nomos Ludwig. It?s always been there?in fact, it was one of their first models?but it just never caught my eye. Nomos is a brand I associate with Bauhaus sensibilities and a flair for contemporary design, unique color combinations, and a playfulness that is lacking from most other brands entirely. The Ludwig, with its Roman numerals and railroad index, is austere and, dare I say, classical. Now, having spent some time with one, I can say that it?s those very elements mixed with Nomos? practiced use of restraint that make it so refreshing and successful.

With that said, it?s worth noting that the Ludwig featured in this hands-on is not the normal version of the model. It?s a boutique edition limited to 40 units and based on the 38 model, produced in collaboration with Timeless Luxury of Texas. The distinction here is a unique dial coloration that is exclusive to this version with a glossy, lacquer white surface and saturated blue indexes. Otherwise, the remaining details are identical to the hand-wound Ludwig 38. When looking at the Ludwig in top-down photos on the Internet, you might (as I did) think it shares a case design with the Tangente range, which has a cylindrical mid-case with straight, kinked lugs. After all, from above all you can see are the thin bezel and long, even-width straight lugs. Much to my surprise and delight, the case is actually totally different in person and actually exclusive to the Ludwig ra...