I find myself in a bit of a cycle with both the Max Bill and many NOMOS watches, ...the 38mm Orion in particular.

I love the design, get sort of close to buying one, and then remember that I really (really) prefer vintage timepieces. Even the idea of being obligated to keep up with the box and papers of a new watch is enough to change my mind. (You don't have to say it...I know).



So. Are there any interesting vintage pieces that you would describe as direct forefathers of the minimalist aesthetic these two watches embody so well? And preferably larger than 35MM.

With nothing quite as Bauhaus about them, certain IWC Portuguese models tick some of the same boxes for me – thin, simple, easy to read. The ones below are a Jubilee edition from '93 – vintage enough, but difficult to find and pricey at 15K and up.



Seiko might be a good place to look. I am basically seeking a white dial dress watch that is simple, looks good on a leather strap and is not a DJ. No date windows! A sub-dial, yes please. But no date windows.

 

I bought this one because i saw it as a Nomos forefather. Not white dial though

Unused Baume & Mercier from the 40's

 

Gorgeous. Very distinct. What’s the size? Easy to see the lineage to NOMOS as well. Great find.

To correct myself, it needn’t necessarily be white – silver, pearl or off-white might even be preferable. As long as it’s light.

 

I couldn't resist when i saw it, the salmon dial, the blue hands, the font, the minimalist aesthetic... but i never wore it, i think that i was not made for new watches even if from the 40's. The size is 34/35mm without crown:

 

The 1958 Tissot Nuevo Horizonte has some of the look you're going for:


(thanks)


(thanks)

 

Yep. This watch. The Max Bill. The Wittnauer 242t – they are the edge-to-edge smartphones of their day – nothing but dial! Or, OK, mostly dial. I like the look of the first one, would be great in stainless but probably impossible to find larger than 35mm.

 

Lord Elgin Everest as a roughy though only 35ish mm.

 

The Tissot was produced between 1958 and 1960, and came in 18k, 14k, and 20µm rose-gold or yellow-gold plated cases; with date and without; center second and sub-second. All are 35.5mm but they wear big. I've never seen a version in steel.

 

Late thirties - early forties Eterna.

I have a 1940 chronograph with the exact same lugs and numerals as Nomos uses.

 

Wow.

 

and it's looking even better in reality! Still sad that it is a chromed case...

Dibs!

 

Love this piece.


Too bad it's 33mm.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ti...l-/362160937791?&_trksid=p2056016.m2516.l5255Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Well we're do you want me to start........ All ( nearly ) my vintage are non date 35mm at least

Longines 8888


Last few purchases that went to the safe for cyclone season

 

PP Calatrava since 1930s with minor variations.... still a great contemporary classic!

 

Minimalistic, classic, elegant = gentleman's watch

 

Jokes aside the Seamaster 30's are perfect

 

Junghans max bill chronoscope and meister chronoscope.
Once every couple of month i put obe in the basket but eventually i dont pull the trigger.

Nomos orion 38 as well.

I want to see the junghans face with the nomos lugs.. that i would buy instantly

 

For a 2017 design it's remarkably minimalist. Maybe a future classic

In my book it's a home run, and if the case were just 2mm narrower it would have been a grand slam.

 

Wow!!

 

The 3531 is a smaller version of the Jubilee- but at 35mm