Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 vs Oris Big Crown Pointer Date

In-Depth Comparison

The Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 and the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 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 Oris are both highly respected names in watchmaking. The Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 comes from Germany, while the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date originates from Switzerland. This particular Tangente reference was introduced in 1992, while this Big Crown reference debuted in 2018. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 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 Oris Big Crown Pointer Date is powered by the Oris 754 (Sellita SW200-1) with a 38-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 26 jewels. The Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 wins on power reserve with a 5-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

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 Oris Big Crown Pointer Date comes in at 40.0mm and 11.5mm 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 Oris Big Crown Pointer Date features Sapphire 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 Oris Big Crown Pointer Date is fitted with Brown leather strap featuring Pin buckle.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date to 50m / 164ft. For water sports and diving, the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date provides superior depth capability.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 lists for $1,580 compared to $1,650 for the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date. On the secondary market, the Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 trades around $1,350 while the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date commands approximately $1,300.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Nomos Tangente 33 Ref. 122 and the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 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.