Introducing NOMOS Glashütte’s newest Neomatiks.

At Baselworld 2018, impeccably streamlined German watch brand NOMOS Glashütte was proudly showcasing a number of watches based on its latest Neomatik DUW 6101 movement. With a depth of 3.6mm, this is a little chunkier than its predecessor, the 3.2mm DUW 3001 (which debuted in 2015), but as it adds date functionality (which has been fully integrated into the lightweight movement), it’s hard to get all that upset about it. Especially when you get your hands on a watch like the Autobahn – a stridently graphic collaboration with the German designer Mr Werner Aisslinger, which starts with the DUW 5101 and adds a pleasingly curved dial and a luminous ring in the shape of a speedometer to help you to read the numerals when it gets dark.

If you’re a Kraftwerk fan (yes, the band of “Autobahn” fame), you will of course appreciate these pared-back graphic stylings. But don’t worry, a penchant for early electronic music is not at all essential: thanks to its nylon strap and wonderfully lightweight feel, this is a watch that’s an absolute pleasure to wear, with an aesthetic crisp and modern enough to work with almost any casual outfit. What’s more, it’s a breeze to set and adjust – one of the features of the new movement is that the numbers shown in the elongated date window (yesterday, today, tomorrow) can be quickly moved back and forward via a simple twist of the crown. And, yes, it comes in a trio of smart colours – all of which, as of today, are available on MR PORTER.

One of the most striking things about NOMOS’ watches are their pared-back design language, which means, like a set of shelves by Mr Dieter Rams, they are able to blend in wonderfully with almost anything. The Autobahn, though, has a particularly clean and graphic sensibility to it, which makes it a great accessory for fans of what you might call “the art director look”. Think black rollnecks, navy chinos, well-polished Derbies and, for those that need them, a pair of Le-Corbusier-worthy round glasses.