A perfect match for the 2024 trend! A review of the Nomos Clubsport Neomatik 39

NOMOS Glashütte's Clubsport has gained popularity for its contemporary design. The 39mm Clubsport Neomatik 39, featuring a new, more compact and slimmer movement, will be released in 2023. What potential does this elegant watch, with its dial in nuanced colors like beige and gray, hold? A journalist specializing in fashion and watches shared his impressions.

Not only sporty and elegant, but also perfect for fashion?　

　For me, who has focused on men's fashion, a watch is not only a mechanical item, but also an essential accessory for any outfit. Therefore, when I see a watch, I think about it from the perspective of how it will affect my outfit. How will adding this watch to my outfit change the impression? In that sense, I felt that the NOMOS Glashütte Clubsport Neomatik 39 had great potential.

　The NOMOS Glashütte Club series was first released in 2007 and was initially targeted at students, new employees, and other so-called "freshmen." Based on a simple, entry-level mechanical watch model, the line has since expanded with the addition of automatic models, models with date displays, and the brightly colored Campus series.

　The Club Sport Neomatik 42 was released in 2021. Then, in 2023, a new model with a 39mm case and the even thinner and more compact movement, Cal. DUW 3001, was released. Until now, most models in the NOMOS Glashütte collection have followed a dress watch-like case design with a slim bezel. However, the Club Sport features a robust and powerful wide bezel. Combined with a stable three-link bracelet, it creates a sporty yet clean finish. The screw-down case back and 20 bar water resistance make this a smart and practical model.

The gentle amber color stimulates your fashion sense.

　The model we have chosen for this review is an amber dial model that exudes a very gentle and elegant atmosphere. We would like to take a closer look at it to see if it can withstand active daily use and whether it can be used stylishly.

　First, I started by setting the time. The crown is large enough, but its wide shape is the key point. The way it can be firmly gripped with your fingers is reminiscent of a hand-wound military watch. I pulled it out and tried to operate it, but there was no wobble, and even the minute hand adjustment was perfectly accurate.

　Next, the bracelet. The three links are assembled with a moderate amount of slack, without being too tight, and the fit is just right. I didn't feel any discomfort on my wrist even when wearing it all day. The push-type folding clasp also opens and closes smoothly without any snags or discomfort, and you don't even have to think about how much force you apply. The buckle also has a fine-tuning mechanism, so you can get the fit you want.

　One thing that bothered me a little about the bracelet was the connection to the case. It has a quick-release spring bar, which means it can be attached and detached with simple tools. However, this may not always be the case. There is a delicate skill involved in fitting it, and beginners will probably spend a fair amount of time installing it. However, once it is in place, there are no problems. I would like to add that it is firmly attached with almost no loosening.

　As mentioned above, the dial of the model we've picked out this time is a soft and elegant amber color. Combined with a sunray finish, it gives off a light and glamorous impression. The indexes are white Super-LumiNova with flying Arabic numerals. The unobtrusive typeface, combined with the white color, makes it clean and very easy to read. When exposed to a strong light source, the pale tone and the way the light is reflected can make it appear a little flat. However, the Arabic numeral indexes and pencil hands have a striking style, so there shouldn't be any problems checking the time.

Equipped with a new movement that is both interesting in appearance and internal features

　Peeking through the case back is the in-house automatic movement, Cal. DUW 3001. It took NOMOS Glashütte seven years to develop this next-generation movement, resulting in an extremely slender movement, just 3.2 mm thick. In addition to thinning the ratchet wheel, new materials have been actively used to reduce the coefficient of friction. While the barrel itself, including the mainspring, has also been made thin, the angle of the gears has been optimized to reduce torque loss as much as possible, improving transmission efficiency. The inclusion of a small seconds hand likely contributes to this sleek, slim design.

　What kind of outfit should pair such an elegant and stylish sports watch with? With a soft amber dial, modern white indexes, and a clean steel bracelet, I thought a suede blouson in the same color would go well with it to create a unique look.

It goes perfectly with the trendy light-toned style!　

　The image of this outfit is of a leisurely stroll through the countryside, surrounded by nature, or a park. The jacket is lined with a loose-gauge knitwear piece that has a hand-knitted feel. The soft, warm knitwear also matches the watch's soft character. Until now, I've worn a pull-through fabric band with this type of outfit. However, textile bands don't do well with moisture or sweat. This Clubsport Neomatik bracelet will likely be comfortable enough to wear in the summer.

　Also, even if it's not a suede blouson, I felt that it would look good even if paired with a tailored jacket in beige or light brown.The period during which this test was conducted coincided with the time when the 24 Spring/Summer apparel exhibition was being held.

　At a men's presentation at a major select shop, a light, sporty look centered around pale beige was being touted as the style for the coming season. Watches with soft colored dials are a perfect match for this style, and I felt that a gentle, thin watch with a somewhat Nordic look would suit it better than a chunky diver's watch or some other over-the-top watch.

　Light, comfortable, and moderately sporty styles are the trend for men's adult fashion. If that's the case, having a watch like this NOMOS Glashütte is a great way to complete your outfit.

　It matches the light and sporty style with ease, while also offering practicality such as water resistance to 20 ATM. While the power reserve of approximately 43 hours may be debatable, it can be said to just about pass. Could the Club Sport Neomatik rival the Longines Conquest or the Tag Heuer Carrera Date?　

　However, in terms of smartness and elegant looks, the Nomos wins. What points do most people consider important when deciding to buy one? It's an interesting question.