Nomos Metro 38 Ref. 1101
About This Watch
The Nomos Metro 38 Ref. 1101 is arguably the single most important watch Nomos has ever created, the model that announced to the world that this small Glashütte manufacturer could develop and produce its own in-house movements. Designed by Mark Braun — one of Berlin's most celebrated industrial designers — the Metro broke from the established Nomos design language with a contemporary aesthetic featuring a colorful power reserve indicator at the three o'clock position, rendered in a gradient from orange to blue that has become one of the most recognizable design elements in modern watchmaking. The DUW 4401 hand-wound movement inside was the first fully in-house caliber from Nomos, predating the Neomatik automatic line and establishing the manufacturing capabilities that would define the company's future trajectory. The dial design is a masterclass in modern graphic design: clean sans-serif numerals at 12 and 6, dot indices, delicate leaf-shaped hands, and that unforgettable power reserve arc that communicates the movement's remaining energy with both precision and beauty. At 38.5mm, the Metro wears as a substantial dress watch with genuine personality — something that the more austere Tangente and Orion cannot claim. The blue-orange color accent has inspired an entire design vocabulary that Nomos continues to explore across limited editions and special variants, making the original Metro a pivotal reference point in the brand's evolution.
In-Depth Review
# The Nomos Metro 38 Ref. 1101: Understated German Precision
German watchmaking has long championed restraint over excess, and the Metro 38 exemplifies this philosophy with uncompromising discipline. Introduced in 2014, this dress watch represents Nomos Glashütte's mastery of proportional design: the 38.5mm stainless steel case and 7.6mm thickness strike a balance between presence and wearability that has aged remarkably well. The white dial punctuated by blue and orange accents provides visual interest without sacrificing legibility, while the Horween Shell Cordovan leather strap grounds the watch in tactile authenticity. Underneath, the proprietary Nomos DUW 4401 caliber—a hand-wound movement featuring 21 jewels and a generous 42-hour power reserve—demonstrates the brand's commitment to in-house manufacturing and transparent horology. The small seconds subdial and integrated power reserve indicator serve functional purposes without cluttering the dial.
The Metro 1101 appeals to a specific collector: someone who values mechanical precision, appreciates German design sensibility, and seeks a refined tool watch rather than a statement piece. This is ideal for professionals who require a serious dress watch capable of daily wear, whether in boardrooms or casual settings. At current market prices around $2,800—well below the $3,260 MSRP—the Metro competes favorably against alternatives like the Longines DolceVita and Tissot PRX, both offering quartz or ETA movements at comparable prices. However, Nomos delivers a proprietary in-house caliber and aesthetic consistency that justifies its premium positioning. For buyers seeking German engineering married to understated elegance, the Metro 38 remains a compelling choice in the mid-
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Manual |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Nomos DUW 4401 |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph |
| Jewels | 21 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 38.5mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 7.6mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Bezel | Fixed polished |
| Dial Color | White with blue and orange accents |
| Lug Width | 19mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 47.5mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Horween genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap |
| Clasp | Pin buckle |
| Weight | 44g |
| Complications |