Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 vs Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue

In-Depth Comparison

The Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 and the Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue 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 2006, while this Tangente reference debuted in 2021. The Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 beats the Nomos Alpha caliber offering a 43-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 17 jewels. The Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue is powered by the DUW 3001 with a 42-hour power reserve operating at 21,600 vph featuring 27 jewels. The Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 wins on power reserve with a 1-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 features a 37.5mm case at 7.0mm thick with a 47.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue comes in at 38.5mm and 7.2mm thick with 45.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Stainless Steel. The Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 42g, the Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 uses a Sapphire crystal crystal paired with a Fixed polished bezel, while the Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed bezel. On the wrist, the Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 comes on a Horween genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap with Pin buckle, while the Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue is fitted with Leather strap featuring Buckle.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue 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 38 Date Ref. 170 lists for $2,080 compared to $2,960 for the Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue. On the secondary market, the Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 trades around $1,750 while the Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue commands approximately $2,500.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 and the Nomos Tangente Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Nomos Tangente 38 Date Ref. 170 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.