Unveiled at Baselworld 2018 and equipped with the new, innovative NOMOS neomatik date caliber, this self-assured timepiece also introduces a completely new look: Werner Aisslinger, the world-renowned product designer, has designed the model in collaboration with NOMOS Glashütte. Its name is Autobahn (motorways).
“I love speed,” says the designer. Everything about this timepiece expresses movement: The dial for instance, which transitions from curve to curve, once around the edge and again on the sub-seconds dial. The elongated date window at six o’clock displays three days at once—yesterday, today, and tomorrow; a luminous ring of superluminova- coated bars makes the watch legible at night too.
At 41 millimeters across, the decisively large case is an elegant setting for the dashing dial within—and its design makes reference to the mechanism beneath. For this new watch is powered by the second highly complex neomatik caliber from NOMOS Glashütte—now with a date. The date ring runs along the outer edge, set around the movement, and allows for the elongated date window way down at six o’clock. With impervious sapphire crystal glass on both sides of the case and a water resistance to 100 meters, Autobahn makes for a particularly sporty timepiece.
Arresting, unmistakable designs are characteristic of Werner Aisslinger. His works can be found in museums around the globe: in the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Fonds national d’art contemporain in Paris, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Aisslinger has also made a name for himself with his work for Vitra, futuristic hotels, the Loftcube living space, his greenhouse installations, and his renewable chairs. Since 2007, he and his creative partner Tina Bunyaprasit have been co-directing Studio Aisslinger with locations in Berlin and Singapore.
And now there is a watch. Werner Aisslinger worked with Tina Bunyaprasit and the NOMOS design department for over four years on Autobahn. The timepiece is available in three versions: The one with a white silver-plated dial is towards the most classic end of the NOMOS design spectrum. The racing version comes in the new shade of sports gray; the third model in deep midnight blue.
With each colorway, Autobahn brings together two worlds: dashing design from Berlin, engineering and watchmaking skill from the quiet streets of Glashütte. In every respect, it represents the best of Made in Germany—even cyclists will see the appeal.
Autobahn is available for purchase at selected retailers for $4.750,00 USD.
all images © Holger Wens