I’m not exactly the type of guy to gravitate toward a dressy, white-dial watch on a leather strap. Let’s just get that out of the way. But since I became aware of Nomos, I always thought the Metro and the Club were the two most attractive models they offered. To me, the Club is one of the best entry-points offered by any brand, anywhere. So now that it’s been refreshed for 2023, I can’t seem to get this little watch off my mind.
The Nomos Club reference 701 was a cool watch when it first came out in 2007. It was sportier than most Nomos watches, and it had big numerals on the dial. Plus, it was priced lower than other models. They stopped making it in 2017, but folks kept asking for it and now, we have an update. The new Club reference 701.1 looks like a grown-up version of the original.
The most noticeable change in the updated Nomos Club reference 701.1 is the bold numerals on the dial. They’ve grown slightly and now have a black outline, which adds to their visibility. They’re now lumed with Super-LumiNova, making it easier to read in the dark. The minute track is positioned closer to the dial’s edge, evident by the placement of the “Made in Germany” text at 6 o’clock. This adjustment has a subtle impact on the watch’s overall design, enhancing its look.
The minute markers and five-minute numerals on the updated Nomos Club are a bit smaller and have a brighter red color, aligning better with the luminous material on the hour and minute hands. These hands have also been refined, being slightly longer and wider than their predecessors, providing a more balanced look on the dial. The sub-seconds dial introduces numerals at 20, 40, and 60 seconds. While the dial’s color is now lighter and more vibrant, the Nomos logo maintains its elegance. Despite these changes, the case dimensions remain consistent with the original, preserving the watch’s classic look.
Now to the movement. The Nomos Club 701.1 retains the brand’s in-house hand-wound Alpha caliber. With a 43-hour power reserve, 17 jewels, and a 21,600vph frequency, this movement has proved its reliability over the years. The watch also maintains its distinctive brown Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap with red stitching. However, the most notable difference is the price tag. The updated Club 701.1 now comes in at $1,500 USD with a stainless steel caseback and you can get an exhibition caseback for $300 more.
Nomos Club 701.1 Specs
- Case Diameter: 36mm
- Case Thickness: 8.2mm
- Lug to Lug: 47.5mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Movement: Nomos Alpha
- Power Reserve: 43 Hours
- Crystal: Domed Sapphire
- Strap: Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan
- Price: Starting at $1,500 USD
For those who have been patiently waiting for the return of the original Club, the Nomos Club 701.1 offers a new, refreshing take on a beloved classic, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost. Maybe I’ll make this my 2024 watch. I’d absolutely love to try one of these in person soon.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
Where it says “Nomos Metro 701.1 Specs”, I think you meant to say Club instead of Metro
Corrected. Thank you!