HANDS-ON: Simpler and more compact – the NOMOS Club Sport neomatik 37
Borna BošnjakWe’ve sung many praises for the unique way that NOMOS integrates their Bauhaus-driven design language even when creating tough, water-resistant watches like the Ahoi. The same can be said for the new NOMOS Club Sport neomatik 37, thus far only available in a date-equipped 42mm model. This new, downsized release houses the impressively thin neomatik calibre, with coloured sunburst dials reminiscent of the larger models, yet simplified by the exclusion of a date.
Subdued hues
It’s not often that NOMOS strays too far from the three-colour block palette synonymous with Bauhaus – yellow, red and blue – and the respective colours that they mix up to become. The new Club Sport neomatik 37 comes in two such colours, though the effect is compounded by their sunburst execution. The petrol colourway employs a washed-out olive, making it a funky twist on the green trend that’s been dominating new releases in the last few years. The sunray brushing is actually much less apparent in person, disappearing completely until the light hits it at a particular angle.
The polar is a similar affair. I’m usually not overly drawn to blue dials, but this particular execution really caught my attention. It appears almost soft, with the circular graining of the small seconds providing just the right amount of texture. The numerals on both models are a familiar sight within the Club family, with interchanging printed Arabics and stick indices. It wouldn’t be a NOMOS without minimal printing, and the same can be said of the new Club Sport neomatik 37.
Lume-wise, the new Club Sport is impressive. Instead of simply applying the lume atop the printed dials, NOMOS recesses the hour markers. This means they can hold much more luminous material, and have a strong initial glow. Their longevity still suffers somewhat and would be improved with applied indices, but it’s praiseworthy nonetheless considering the execution.
Versatile dimensions
If you’ve worn any NOMOS, you’ll know that the ever-important measurement of lug-to-lug becomes even more crucial. The new Club Sport neomatik 37 does indeed have a 37mm diameter and is impressively thin at only 8.7mm thanks to the calibre within, yet comes in at a large 47.7mm lug-to-lug. Of course, this isn’t a huge measurement in itself, but considering it in proportion to all the others, it makes the Club Sport wear larger than its name suggests.
Although it bears the name Club Sport and has an impressive 200 metres of water resistance from a non-screw down crown, this watch seems to be anything but style-wise. This is especially apparent in the case design and finish, as it’s completely polished, and the large crown juts out unguarded. The same can be said about the three-link bracelet. It’s very slim and fairly comfortable on the wrist, with smooth vertical brushing running the length of the bracelet along the outside links, with the midlinks in high polish.
The double-pusher clasp is also highly polished, and a complete fingerprint magnet, just like the midlinks. While I’d prefer these surfaces to be brushed, both stylistically and because this is a “sports” watch, I must commend the execution of the clasp. The machining is very well-executed, and NOMOS manages to keep the overall construction slim to match the rest of the watch. With quick-release on both the endlinks and micro-adjust springbar, it’ll be easy to swap onto another 18mm strap. Link adjustment is more of a challenge, however, due to the decision to use basic push pins instead of screws.
Ultra-slim calibre
From the entry-level Alpha manual wind movement to the gorgeous DUW 1001 in the Lambda, NOMOS has an excellent line-up of movements. The DUW 3001 neomatik in the Club Sport neomatik 37 is a common feature in the German watchmaker’s mid-range offering. Amazingly slim, at only 3.2mm, it features the NOMOS Swing System proprietary escapement, DUW regulation system and a double-sided balance bridge for added shock protection. With fine finishing, with countersunk jewels and blued screws, striped three-quarter plate and skeletonised rotor, NOMOS also excels at filling out the display casebacks of their watches well, giving them a much more premium look. Where this movement lacks however, is power reserve as the 43 hours is a little modest when compared to other watches in the price bracket.
The verdict
The Club Sport neomatik 37 has been the toughest NOMOS to review yet, as it seems to suffer from a mild identity crisis. Its name suggests it to be a unisex take on a simple sports watch, with specs to boot, yet its polished surfaces and unguarded crown suggest otherwise. These represent great daily pieces, rather than out-and-out sports watches. Alongside that versatility, the Club Sport neomatik 37 has a mostly excellent build and a well-decorated movement, making it the perfect understudy to the quirkier Ahoi, sitting atop the Club line-up alongside the 42mm date model.
NOMOS Club Sport neomatik 37 pricing and availability:
The NOMOS Club Sport neomatik 37 is available now from Nomos. Price: A$4,940
| Brand | Nomos Glashütte |
| Model | Club Sport neomatik |
| Reference Number | ref. 746 (Club Sport neomatik petrol) ref. 750 (Club Sport neomatik polar) |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm x 8.7mm x 47.7mm, 18mm lug width |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Domed sapphire crystal |
| Dial | Sunburst petrol or polar blue |
| Strap | Three-link stainless steel bracelet with double pusher deployant clasp |
| Movement | Nomos DUW 3001 calibre, Nomos Swing System escapement, 43-hour power reserve |
| Price | A$4,940 |