NOMOS GLASHÜTTE has released a Japan-exclusive model, the "Tangente Japan Blau." This timepiece is distinguished by its beautiful design, inspired by ukiyo-e prints, and notably incorporates "Prussian blue," a traditional Japanese color.

Discovered in Berlin in the early 18th century, the pigment Prussian blue is known as the blue favored by ukiyo-e masters like Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. Named "Berlin blue" or "Prussian blue" after its place of discovery, it became a crucial color in ukiyo-e, lending depth and expanse to skies and waves. This striking blue later influenced many European painters and continues to play a significant role in traditional Japanese art.

Nomos was founded in 1990 in Glashütte, the heart of Germany's watchmaking industry. Since its inception, the company has focused on the research, development, manufacturing, and assembly of its movements in Glashütte, while its designs are crafted in its Berlin design studio. The brand's designs, reflecting the principles of the Deutscher Werkbund and Bauhaus, are globally recognized and have garnered over 150 design awards.

Launched in 1992, the "Tangente" is Nomos's iconic and consistently popular best-selling model. Its incorporation of Prussian blue for this Japan-exclusive release is a testament to Nomos's refined sensibility.

The dial of the "Tangente Japan Blau" features an off-white, milky hue reminiscent of the soft clouds depicted in ukiyo-e, with indices in a vibrant blue found in the prints. Complementing this are traditional German blued-steel hands, creating a design that masterfully fuses Japanese aesthetics with German watchmaking expertise. This model reflects how the blue of ukiyo-e symbolizes the Japanese spirit and aesthetic sensibilities, embodying Nomos's philosophy of simple, refined elegance.

To signify its status as a Japan-exclusive model, the case back is engraved with "TANGENTE SONDERMODEL JAPAN" and the serial number. The strap is crafted from Horween cordovan in brown, chosen for its harmony with the blue dial, and features a deployment clasp, adding a touch of flair and sophistication to the wrist.

The watch is powered by the in-house Alpha manual-winding movement, produced in Glashütte and highly regarded for its precision and reliability. The intricate craftsmanship of the movement is a hallmark of Nomos's high-quality products, ensuring accurate timekeeping.

Furthermore, this limited edition comes with a special sleeve featuring Katsushika Hokusai's renowned "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" from his "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" series, along with a leather travel case, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors.

The "Tangente Japan Blau" is a model where the simple, refined design of Nomos watches is beautifully integrated with Japanese traditional beauty, offering a finish that evokes the spirit of blue found in ukiyo-e. Its delicate yet robust appearance, influenced by Bauhaus and Japanese aesthetics, is sure to appeal to all ages.

Nomos Glashütte Tangente Japan Blau
Case diameter | 35mm
Case thickness | 6.6mm
Crystal | Sapphire crystal
Water resistance | 3 ATM
Dial | Pearly white finish, blue indices
Case | Stainless steel, see-through case back, engraved with "Japan Exclusive" and serial number
Hands | Blued-steel (hour and minute hands)
Movement | Manual Alpha
Strap | Horween Shell Cordovan, brown, folded edge
Buckle | Stainless steel deployment buckle

NM139.S53B
Inspired by "Ai-e," a technique using only blue to depict scenes.
Nomos Boutique Exclusive: 15 pieces sold
Second hand | Blued
Price | ¥382,800 (incl. tax)

NM139.S53R
The "red" that adds vibrancy and definition to ukiyo-e compositions, used for the small seconds sub-dial.
Authorized dealers Exclusive: 35 pieces sold
Second hand | Red-dyed
Price | ¥382,800 (incl. tax)