Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 vs Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver

In-Depth Comparison

The Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 and the Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Nomos and Nomos is a brand that needs no introduction. Comparing two models from the same manufacturer comes down to purpose, design philosophy, and intended use case. Both watches hail from Germany, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Tangente reference was introduced in 2003, while this Tangente reference debuted in 2020. The Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 beats the Nomos Alpha caliber offering a 43-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 17 jewels. The Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver is powered by the Alpha.1 with a 43-hour power reserve operating at 21,600 vph featuring 17 jewels. Both watches offer identical power reserves, making them equally practical for daily rotation.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 features a 35.0mm case at 6.6mm thick with a 44.5mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver comes in at 37.5mm and 6.8mm thick with 44.5mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Stainless Steel. The Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 37g, the Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 uses a Sapphire crystal crystal paired with a Fixed polished bezel, while the Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed bezel. On the wrist, the Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 comes on a Horween genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap with Pin buckle, while the Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver is fitted with Leather strap featuring Buckle.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver to 30m / 98ft. Both watches share the same water resistance rating, making them equally suited for aquatic activities.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 lists for $1,700 compared to $2,520 for the Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver. On the secondary market, the Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 trades around $1,460 while the Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver commands approximately $2,100.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 and the Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Silver ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Nomos Tangente 35 Ref. 139 is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.