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The Nomos Glashütte Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric Ref. 123.U4 is an artistic manual winding watch featuring a handcrafted gold-leaf dial created through a unique gilding process.
A Remarkable Fusion of Gold Artistry and German Watchmaking
The Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric Ref. 123.U4 from Nomos Glashütte is an extraordinary expression of minimalist design, handcrafted artistry, and refined German horology. Introduced in 2026 as part of the exclusive “Twice Unique” collection, this exceptional timepiece reimagines the iconic Tangente through an artistic gold-leaf treatment unlike anything previously seen in the NOMOS universe. The Twice Unique concept revolves around highly artistic interpretations created as inseparable pairs in both stainless steel and 18 kt gold, with only five artistic executions developed for each collection. Within the Auric series, the Tangente 33 becomes a stunning canvas for handcrafted gilding techniques developed in collaboration with Berlin-based gilder Michelle Sachs. The result is a watch that feels less like a conventional luxury timepiece and more like a wearable piece of contemporary art.
The Iconic Tangente Case in Refined Stainless Steel
The watch features the instantly recognizable Tangente stainless steel case, celebrated worldwide for its clean geometry and Bauhaus-inspired proportions. Measuring 32.8 mm in diameter, 6.45 mm in thickness, and approximately 42.2 mm lug to lug, the case offers elegant proportions that sit beautifully on the wrist while maintaining a refined and understated profile. The polished stainless steel surfaces emphasize the purity of the design, while the straight angular lugs and narrow bezel preserve the architectural character that has made the Tangente one of the most iconic modern dress watches. The slim construction enhances both comfort and sophistication, allowing the watch to slide effortlessly beneath a cuff while maintaining a graceful wrist presence suitable for both formal and everyday wear.
An Extraordinary Gold-Leaf Dial Inspired by Artistic Gilding
The defining feature of the Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric is undoubtedly its breathtaking gold-leaf dial, which transforms the watch into a true work of wearable art. Developed in collaboration with artist and gilder Michelle Sachs, the dial surface undergoes a complex handcrafted gilding process that involves preparing the base with gilding size before carefully applying layers of delicate gold leaf over extended drying intervals. Portions of the gold are then selectively lifted and reworked, creating rich texture, subtle irregularities, and a visually dynamic surface that changes beautifully depending on lighting and viewing angle. This handcrafted process ensures that every dial possesses its own individual character, depth, and artistic personality.
A Minimalist Dial Without Typography
Unlike traditional Tangente models that feature Arabic numerals, typography, and a subsidiary seconds layout, the Auric edition completely removes conventional dial markings to focus entirely on the beauty of the gold-leaf surface. This bold artistic decision creates a remarkably pure and minimalist visual experience where the dial itself becomes the centerpiece of the watch. The absence of numerals allows the texture, reflection, and layered gold composition to dominate the design, while the elegant stick hands float cleanly across the surface. This reduction to only essential visual elements perfectly reflects the Bauhaus philosophy of simplicity and functional beauty while simultaneously transforming the watch into an abstract artistic object.
Powered by the Renowned NOMOS Alpha Manual Movement
Inside the Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric beats the respected Nomos Glashütte Alpha caliber, one of the brand’s most celebrated hand-wound movements. Entirely developed and produced in-house, the Alpha movement is admired for its reliability, slim architecture, and refined engineering. Measuring just 2.6 mm in height, the movement enables the watch to maintain its ultra-thin profile while delivering precise and dependable performance. The caliber features 17 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 53 hours, making it both technically impressive and practical for daily wear. Visible through the open sapphire case back, the movement showcases the clean finishing and precise craftsmanship associated with traditional German horology.
The Beauty of Hand-Wound Mechanical Watchmaking
The manual-winding nature of the Alpha movement creates a deeply personal connection between the wearer and the watch. Unlike automatic movements that operate passively, a hand-wound watch requires regular interaction, turning the daily act of winding into a meaningful ritual that highlights the artistry and engineering inside. This tactile experience allows collectors to appreciate the mechanics powering the watch while reinforcing the emotional connection that defines traditional horology. For many enthusiasts, manual winding represents the purest expression of watchmaking because it celebrates craftsmanship, precision, and human interaction rather than convenience alone.
Slim Proportions and Exceptional Wearability
One of the most impressive qualities of the Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric is its balance between artistic presence and everyday comfort. With its 32.8 mm case diameter, slim 6.45 mm profile, and lightweight stainless steel construction, the watch wears elegantly and comfortably throughout the day. The straight lugs help distribute the watch naturally across the wrist, while the refined proportions ensure a timeless and sophisticated appearance. Its understated dimensions make it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes while preserving the discreet elegance expected from a classic NOMOS dress watch.
Open Case Back and Visible Mechanical Craftsmanship
Unlike many artistic watches that conceal their mechanics, the Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric features an open sapphire case back, allowing the wearer to admire the finely crafted Alpha movement inside. This transparency creates a beautiful contrast between the artistic gold dial on the front and the precise mechanical engineering on the reverse. The movement’s clean architecture, Glashütte-inspired finishing, and traditional manual construction reflect NOMOS’ dedication to honest craftsmanship and technical refinement. The visible movement reinforces the idea that the watch is not only an artistic creation but also a serious piece of mechanical horology.
An Exclusive Collector’s Piece with Artistic Significance
Although the reference is not officially limited in the traditional sense, the handcrafted nature of the Auric dial treatment and its role within the highly artistic Twice Unique collection make the watch exceptionally rare and collectible. The collaboration with Michelle Sachs adds genuine artistic depth, transforming the watch into a fusion of contemporary craftsmanship and horological design. The gold-leaf application process ensures that no two dial surfaces appear exactly alike, giving every piece an individual identity and character. For collectors who value originality, craftsmanship, and artistic innovation, the Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric represents an extraordinary modern creation.
A Masterpiece of Bauhaus Elegance and Contemporary Art
The Nomos Glashütte Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric Ref. 123.U4 ultimately stands as a remarkable fusion of Bauhaus-inspired minimalism, handcrafted artistic expression, and refined German watchmaking. Every detail—from the luminous handcrafted gold-leaf dial and elegant stainless steel case to the sophisticated Alpha manual movement and visible mechanical finishing—has been carefully considered to create a watch of exceptional individuality and beauty. More than simply a timepiece, this watch represents creativity, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of mechanical horology interpreted through contemporary artistic vision.
Discover Nomos Glashütte Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric Ref. 123.U4 is a remarkable celebration of artistic craftsmanship, Bauhaus-inspired minimalism, and refined German watchmaking excellence. Its extraordinary handcrafted gold-leaf dial, developed through a unique gilding process with artist Michelle Sachs, transforms the iconic Tangente into a wearable piece of contemporary art.
| Brand | Nomos Glashütte |
|---|---|
| Case Metal | Stainless Steel |
| Case Width (mm) | 32.80 mm |
| Strap | Brown Leather Strap |
| Watch Info | Tangente 33 Twice Unique – Auric Ref. 123.U4 |
| Caliber | Nomos Glashütte DUW 4001 |
| Gemsetting | No |
| Lug to Lug (mm) | 42.20 mm |
| Case Length (mm) | 42.20 mm |
| Case Shape | Round |
| Strap | Brown Strap |
| Hands | Brown Strap |
| Dial Info | Handcrafted Gold-Leaf Auric Dial with Minimalist Finish |
Nomos is a German watch brand known for its simple yet elegant design, technical sophistication, and minimalist aesthetic. They offer a wide range of watches, from classic to contemporary styles, all equipped with sapphire crystal front and caseback. Nomos watches come with a standard international warranty of two years and are popular among young watch collectors and enthusiasts due to their affordability and high-quality construction.
