Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 vs Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164

In-Depth Comparison

The Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 and the Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164 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 1992, while this Tangente reference debuted in 2005. The Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164 is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 beats the Nomos Alpha caliber offering a 43-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 17 jewels. The Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164 is powered by the Nomos Alpha 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 33 Ref. 122 features a 32.8mm case at 6.2mm thick with a 42.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164 comes in at 37.5mm and 6.6mm thick with 47.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Stainless Steel. The Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 33g, the Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 uses a Sapphire crystal crystal paired with a Fixed polished bezel, while the Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164 features Sapphire crystal crystal with a Fixed polished bezel. On the wrist, the Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 comes on a Horween genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap with Pin buckle, while the Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164 is fitted with Horween genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap featuring Pin buckle.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164 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 33 Ref. 122 lists for $1,580 compared to $1,780 for the Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164. On the secondary market, the Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 trades around $1,350 while the Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164 commands approximately $1,520.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 and the Nomos Tangente 38 Ref. 164 ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 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.