HANDS-ON: Pretty in pink (and purple) – NOMOS spin the colour wheel
Borna BošnjakColour is no longer a novelty in the watch space, with many brands releasing rainbow-inspired dials in their everyday wear pieces. We’ve extensively covered the contributions from Rolex and Omega to name but a couple. Nomos is also no stranger to colour, previously applying a bright touch to the Ahoi. With the new Club Campus “blue purple” and “deep pink”, however, they jump on the colourful everyday watch scene at a fantastically approachable price point. So, hue wants one? Sorry, a few more colour-related puns may follow.
Bright Here, Bright Now
How about that for a colour? It’s a searing hot pink with salmon minute markings. The lipstick shade contrasts well against the white, California-style numerals. White stick hands pick out the numerals and minute track, while the recessed small seconds subdial features a bright orange hand. While it works on the blue purple model, I feel that a subtler small seconds hand may have worked better. It has to be said though, that all Club Campus models sport it, so it probably makes sense for these to continue the lineage.
Unassumingly wonderful, is how I’d describe the Club Campus blue purple (blurple?). While the block colours are more in line with what we’ve come to expect from Nomos, the blue purple comes alive in person. The neither-here-nor-there colour gives it amazing depth, and the rough yet subtle texture contrasts against the polished sides of the case. The effect makes the Cali numerals pop that much more, highlighted by the orange of the sub seconds and minute markings.
The printed numerals, bordered in light blue on both models, all receive blue superluminova treatment. In the press material we received for this release, Nomos says “don’t be shy”, which frankly says it all.
Classic Club Campus Case
Much like the other Club Campus models, we’ve got two size options. I was lucky to spend some time with the smaller of the two, at 36mm. On my 15.5cm (6.1in) wrist, the long 47.5mm lugs sit below the caseback, making for a comfortable wear. The finish is simple, with a high polish throughout, including the large crown which is perfectly suited for manual winding.
Having owned a Club Campus 38 Nacht for just over a year, the larger size is quite familiar. With a diameter of 38.5mm and a lug-to-lug of 48.5 makes it a small step up in size. Being Nomos, especially manually wound, both sizes are very slim. The 36mm and 38.5mm cases have thicknesses of 8.2mm and 8.5, respectively. It’s worth noting that if Nomos ever releases these with sapphire casebacks, there should be no change in thickness.
As an everyday watch, it’s only suitable for the Club Campus to have a reasonable water resistance rating. This is confirmed with the caseback engraving, the smiling wave proudly stating 10 ATM.
Both models feature supple velour leather straps in anthracite or grey. I’ve got to give credit to Nomos for the pink and grey combination here, it’s a stunner. Their rough surface is a great pairing with the highly polished case, as it complements the matte dial finish.
In-house and manually wound
The Alpha calibre is Nomos’ entry-level movement, though that is by no means a drawback. Produced in-house and only 2.6mm thick, it’s inspired by the Pesseux 7001, though adorned with the Glashutte three-quarter plate and with many modern upgrades (hacking seconds, to name one). Handsomely finished with Glashutte ribbing, Nomos perlage and with tempered blue screws, the 17-jewel movement is adjusted to six positions and has a power reserve of up to 43 hours.
Nomos Club Campus blue purple and pink pricing and availability:
The Nomos Club Campus blue purple and Nomos Club Campus deep pink are available now. Price: $1,870 AUD (Club Campus), $2,060 AUD (Club Campus 38)
| Brand | NOMOS |
| Model | Club Campus Club Campus 38 |
| Ref. Number | Ref. 711 (Club Campus deep pink) Ref. 713 (Club Campus blue purple) Ref. 728 (Club Campus 38 deep pink) Ref. 730 (Club Campus 38 blue purple) |
| Case Dimensions | 36mm x 8.2mm x 47.5mm with 18mm lug width (Club Campus) 38.5mm x 8.5mm x 48.5mm with 20mm lug width (Club Campus 38) |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Deep pink with California layout Blue purple with California layout |
| Strap | Velour leather in gray or anthracite |
| Movement | In-house Alpha calibre, manual wind, 43-hour power reserve |
| Price | $1,870 AUD (Club Campus), $2,060 AUD (Club Campus 38) |