The NOMOS Sundial is a 19 mm metal ring that tells local solar time with a beam of sunlight—not a movement, battery, or electronic display. Set its calendar ring, point its aperture toward the sun, and the light marks time on the inside. It also wears as a pendant on its included cord. The key practical question is whether a listed city calibration is close to your latitude.
How does the NOMOS Sundial ring tell time?
A small aperture lets sunlight into the ring. When the ring is set and oriented correctly, the beam falls on time markings on its inner surface. NOMOS describes the steel version as having laser-cut time and month markers; its product page says the time can only be read when the sun shines.
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That makes it a sundial in miniature, not a conventional watch. It needs direct sunlight and the wearer’s adjustment, so it cannot provide the ordinary reading method indoors or under cloud cover.
How do you use it?
- Set the calendar ring. Adjust the relevant ring to the month and date as directed for your model. NOMOS’s wording varies by variant and market, so use the instructions for the exact version you have.
- Orient the aperture. Turn the opening toward the sun so light can pass through it.
- Read the mark. Follow where the beam lands on the inner time markings.
The maker’s instructions for the exact variant should take precedence over a generic description, especially for setting the calendar ring.
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- Sundial Ring - Tells Time in Multiple Latitudes
- A Modern Vesion of the Aquitaine Sundial - Elegant and Eye Catching
- Can be Worn as a Ring (Size 10) or on a Chain as a Necklace (not inlcuded)
- No Other Sundial Ring Allows for Lattitude Adjustment - Works in Tucson as well as Seattle
- Solid State - No Batteries Stainless Steel/Acid Etched Markings
Will it work where you live?
Location is central to choosing the right version. NOMOS advises selecting the listed city that most closely approximates your latitude when your own city is not available. A ring calibrated for a different location should not be assumed to give a universally accurate reading.
Time+Tide’s 2023 coverage named city versions including Chicago, Istanbul, Los Angeles, London, Madrid, New York, Zürich, and Glashütte. That is an article-era list, not a current catalogue. Check the live NOMOS product page for the city options offered in your market. Time+Tide also made a broad caution about Southern Hemisphere use; the manufacturer’s latitude guidance is the more precise basis for choosing a version, and the reviewed sources do not establish a blanket hemisphere-wide limitation.
What are the documented versions?
| Version | Documented details | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | NOMOS describes a 19 mm ring with laser-cut time and month markers and a leather cord. | Finish, closest available city calibration, and local price and stock. |
| Gold-plated | NOMOS describes 23 kt gold plating, a 19 mm diameter, and a goatskin cord. Its regional page lists Glashütte and London calibrations. | Calibration choice and current regional availability. A US page showed it sold out online when accessed in 2026. |
| Black-coated steel | A NOMOS regional page describes black-coated stainless steel calibrated for New York and says it can be worn as a ring or pendant. | Whether this edition is still offered in your market and whether its calibration suits your location. |
These details describe the variants documented on the cited pages; they do not guarantee that every option remains in every market.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you wear it as a regular ring?
NOMOS describes the Sundial as wearable on a finger or on its cord as a pendant. The official pages reviewed give a 19 mm product diameter but no conventional ring-size chart. Diameter alone does not establish whether it will fit a particular finger, so confirm fit with the seller before buying.
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What do price and availability tell you?
Listings are market- and date-specific. When accessed in 2026, Wempe’s US listing identified the seller as an “Official concessionaire,” showed the stainless steel ring at US$185 excluding tax, and marked it available. NOMOS’s US gold page showed US$310 and “Sold out online.” These are snapshots, not general or guaranteed current prices and stock; check the relevant regional product page or seller listing before purchasing.
Wempe identifies the manufacturer as NOMOS Glashütte/SA, Roland Schwertner KG, and lists the stainless steel ring as 19 mm with a leather cord. Its listing provides a retailer option, but does not establish an affiliate arrangement.
Quick Recap
What should you check before choosing one?
- Calibration: Find the city version closest to your latitude using NOMOS’s guidance.
- Use conditions: A sunlight-powered reading requires the sun to shine through the aperture.
- Fit: Ask the seller how to assess finger fit; the published 19 mm diameter is not a ring-size chart.
- Finish and stock: Confirm the exact variant, price, and availability for your market at the time you order.
- Instructions: Use the directions for your specific version to set its calendar ring.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
