Entry-level models are definitely worth paying attention to. This is because they incorporate the appeal that brands want to present to potential customers who will likely purchase more serious models, turning them into fans. Martin Green, an editor and writer for the US edition of WatchTime, takes a look at the NOMOS Glashütte Club Campus 38 Endless Blue. This watch is packed with all the elements that make it a NOMOS Glashütte watch.
An entry-level model with reliable quality and a fun feel
Entry-level models (entrance watches) often require more to prove their worth, even when manufactured by prestigious brands. The balance of quality and price is particularly important in this market. The evaluation of the NOMOS Club Campus fits perfectly into this context, as the company itself actively promotes this model as an "entrance to mechanical watches."
Given that many of these watches will be firsts, NOMOS has opted for a solid case back, allowing for extensive engraving. While the concept is impressive, it does conceal the Alpha movement inside. Featuring a Glashütte-style three-quarter plate and blued screws, this movement is manufactured in-house by NOMOS and is incredibly slim at just 2.6mm thick. Once you see it, your perception of the Club Campus may change forever.
A playful blue California dial
The reason it's called "mighty" is because the watch maintains a serious yet playful side. The California dial style mixes Arabic and Roman numerals, and even includes some additional indexes.
The watch is extremely legible, and the bright orange small seconds hand is a sharp and eye-catching accent. The lugs are longer than you might expect, giving the watch a richer character.
Some say that NOMOS is jumping on the Tiffany Blue bandwagon, but even though this color is currently trendy, NOMOS has always maintained its own unique aesthetic. If you look closely at the dial, you'll notice that the indices and numerals are outlined in pink. This small detail really adds to the overall look.
Even without going to such lengths, this Nomos still has enough appeal to draw people in. I personally own some more expensive Nomos models, but the experience of wearing the Club Campus is comparable. It reaffirms my love for Nomos and also makes me want to add it to my collection.
One reason for this is that the more serious NOMOS watches I own come with black or silver dials, whereas the Club Campus offers more colorful options, including the addition of "Nonstop Red" and the "Endless Blue" featured here.
A grey vegan strap matches the vibrant blue dial
With a case diameter of 38.5mm, the Club Campus fits a wide range of wrist sizes and shapes. It's a very wearable watch that complements almost any outfit. In other words, there are very few watches that complement this colorway.
As if to demonstrate this, Nomos has paired the watch with a gray strap. It's made of vegan material, which came as a pleasant surprise to me. Vegan straps are often made from 20% apple peel and 80% plastic and glue, which often doesn't match the aesthetics or feel of a luxury watch. However, this Nomos strap is so natural that I didn't even realize it was vegan until I read the press release, and I've already worn it and loved it.
Affordable yet high-quality watches that live up to the Nomos name
As such, the NOMOS Club Campus 38 Endless Blue is positioned as an entry point to luxury watches, but also offers a great way for experienced collectors to add some color and fun to their collections. Its affordable price tag doesn't compromise on refined standards. Therefore, it's safe to say that there's no such thing as an "entry-level NOMOS." Regardless of price, all NOMOS watches are created equal.
Manual winding (Cal. Alpha). 17 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 43 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 38.5 mm, thickness 8.5 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 264,000 yen (tax included).
