The Nomos Worldtimer is an interesting watch in the German Watchmaker’s catalog. It’s Nomos’ most complicated watch and their second most expensive, underneath the precious metal Lambda collection. The Zurich is called a worldtimer in name, but in reality it serves more as a GMT watch than a true worldtimer. Worldtimer’s tell time across time zones at a glance whereas the Zurich has the ability to advance the local time in 1hr increments while the sub-dial maintains 24-hr time in a set time zone. Nomos has made this watch for a long time. I found articles and blog posts referencing it going back to 2011. This is remarkable, on one hand, because it mean that Nomos’ has resisted the urge to build increasingly complicated watches and focused on truly honing their craft on the existing catalog.
The Zurich is powered by Nomos’ in-house DUW 5201, which is showcased through the watch’s sapphire display back. Like Nomos’ other watches, the Zurich features the trademark Glashutte three-quarter plate design. The DUW 5201 has a 42-hour power reserve and has been adjusted in six positions.
Nomos Zürich World Time Specifications
| Case Size | 40mm (diameter) x 50mm (lug-to-lug) x 11mm (thick) |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Movement | DUW 5201 |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Strap | 20mm shell cordovan leather |
| Price | $6,100 |
All of this can be had directly from Nomos for $6,100 USD on an OEM shell cordovan leather strap. One thing to note about Nomos’ packaging: Their watches are delivered in these really elegant leather watch folios that aren’t too big to store (looking at you Omega) and could also potentially be useful for storage of the watch itself if you were so inclined to do such a thing.
Pros
- Beautiful and unusual GMT watch that could be dressed up or down as needed.
- Capable of adjusting local time with the press of a button, no crown use required.
- Details of the watch are exceptionally done, the home time and cities dial offer a ton of depth and visual interest to the watch.
- Unique, you’re unlikely to see another one of these in passing.
Cons
- Very long lug to lug, won’t suit wrists that would otherwise be comfortable with a 40mm case.
- Low water resistance, this is not a sports watch.
- The case is entirely polished and has the potential to show some wear if you’re not careful.
- If you bought this wanting a worldtimer, you’re gonna get a GMT instead. (technically)
- Expensive in the states. I bought this in Germany where it is considerably cheaper.
After nearly ten months of being in my watch rotation I think I can safely say that I am a big fan of the Nomos Worldtimer. It’s a watch with an interesting complication, that has a ton of visual appeal, and is most likely unique on the wrist of whomever is wearing it. I recently wore mine to Windup Chicago and it was a hit amongst the folks I met there. Would I recommend purchasing a Nomos Worldtimer, generally speaking? Yes. As I would with most of Nomos’ collection. I think as a brand they offer an immense amount of value and interest for one of the more accessible prices from Glashutte-based watch brands.
Aaron is a Nashville based watch collector and road bike rider. In addition to TBWS, his articles can been seen on ABlogtoWatch and Bladereviews.com. Aaron’s interests primarily focus on tool watches — specifically in the dive, pilot, or field watch arenas. When not over enthusiastically asking someone about the watch they’re wearing, Aaron can be found traveling, cycling, trying new restaurants with his partner Carissa, or petting any and all dogs within his sightline.