NOMOS Glashütte is a manufactory for beautiful, top-quality watches. We at NOMOS love watches with a passion. Yet, since the world does not revolve around watches alone, NOMOS and its employees also have other things they consider to be important.
1The use “Glashütte” as a designation of origin for watches is protected. It is comparable to the names “Parma” or “Champagne” that grace the labels of ham and sparkling wine respectively. It is very important to NOMOS that the name “Glashütte” continues to be an assurance of quality in the world of fine watches.
The regulations are strict: Not just anybody can adorn their watches with the “Glashütte” designation simply because they happen to have a company here or they themselves are from Glashütte. In order to be permitted to sell a watch as a “Glashütte watch,” the law stipulates that at least 50 percent of the movement’s value must be added in Glashütte. If a manufacturer procures movement parts for 100 euros from an outside source, they must then carry out work on the movement in Glashütte that is valued at a minimum of 100 euros. Of course, it is simply impossible for one producer to make all pieces across the board entirely by itself. Therefore, local manufacturers are permitted to acquire individual pieces (such as straps, clasps, or movement components) from suppliers outside Glashütte.
NOMOS movements are developed and constructed in Glashütte and, depending on the model, between 75 and 95 percent of the value is added here. This means the creation of jobs for local watchmakers, engineers, and toolmakers. It also means that our customers receive the best possible watches and the assurance that the name “Glashütte” will permanently remain a synonym for handiwork of the highest quality.
Lots of traffic at the flagship store, the place for NOMOS watches direct from Glashütte
2.Sustainable work According to the dictionary, sustainable means “having a strong effect over a long period of time.” In common usage, though, this is generally associated with protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. At NOMOS we strive as best as we can to produce in a way that allows us to make the best possible watches today without hanging someone out to dry tomorrow. That is to say that NOMOS tries to make its watches without displacing the costs to future generations.
A fitting story here is that of an employee who recently referred to the piece he was working on as a “slow watch.” Of course, the watch itself did not run slowly. What he meant was something else. In fact, it is quite a nice thought. “Slow food” is the name of a movement that started several years ago in Italy. The movement places emphasis on the pleasurable, sensible, and regional eating experience, in contrast to globalized fast food that is completely lacking in pleasure and generally has little to do with nourishment. This connection between this approach to food and our watches holds up in the sense that NOMOS works regionally, producing everything from A to Z right in Glashütte. What’s more, the production is sustainable and conserves natural resources. At the same time, they do not forgo creativity, culture, or quality – or the joy of beautiful watches, for that matter – be it in Glashütte, with those who make them, or throughout the wide world, on your wrist, for instance.
3 .Art and reading material NOMOS collects art, because art is good for you. Whether in the offices and hallways, or in the canteen and cafeteria, or even in the washrooms, you can find pictures, sculptures, video installations.
The collection so far includes – amongst others - the artists Stefan Höller, Sigune Siévi, Tilman Wendland, Klaus Schmitt, Lage Opedal, Dirk Skreber, Eric Lanz, Edward Keinholz, Gudrun Peukert, Michael Margos, Franz Goebel, Matthew McCaslin, Bertram Jesdinsky, Antje Heinrichs, Jörn Grothkopp, and Jörgen Erkius..