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The Classic NOMOS Tangente 35 mm Hand-Wound: Ref. 101 Explained

The classic 35 mm hand-wound Tangente is NOMOS Ref. 101, with a steel back, 6.2 mm case height and manual DUW 4001 movement. Here’s how it compares with display-back Ref. 139.
Estimate2–3 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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The classic 35 mm hand-wound NOMOS Tangente is Ref. 101. NOMOS lists it at 35.0 mm in diameter, 6.2 mm thick and 45.0 mm from lug to lug, with a manual DUW 4001 movement rated for up to 53 hours of power reserve. The similar Ref. 139 is a distinct display-back version, not another name for Ref. 101.

What is the classic NOMOS Tangente?

NOMOS calls the Tangente the “classic watch in its original form” at 35 mm and says it has been on wrists for a quarter century. Those are the manufacturer’s descriptions. For the specific stainless-steel-back, hand-wound model covered here, the reference is 101. Its dial is galvanized and white silver-plated, with tempered-blue steel hands and a small-seconds display. NOMOS describes the numerals’ typography as reminiscent of the Bauhaus era. NOMOS Tangente Ref. 101

Ref. 101 specifications

Specification NOMOS Tangente Ref. 101
Case and back Stainless steel case and stainless-steel back
Crystal Sapphire crystal glass
Diameter 35.0 mm
Height 6.2 mm
Lug-to-lug 45.0 mm
Lug width 18 mm
Movement DUW 4001, in-house built, manual; 17 jewels
Power reserve Up to 53 hours
Movement dimensions 2.6 mm high; 23.3 mm diameter
Water-resistance wording 5 atm; NOMOS labels it “splash-proof”
Dial and hands Galvanized, white silver-plated dial; tempered-blue steel hands; small seconds
Listed strap Black Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan

These are NOMOS product specifications, not independent measurements or test results. NOMOS Tangente Ref. 101 specifications

What the 35 mm dimensions mean for fit

Diameter is only one part of how a watch wears. Ref. 101’s 45.0 mm lug-to-lug measurement and 6.2 mm height help distinguish it from watches with the same diameter but longer lugs or thicker cases. Use all three figures when comparing watches; they are a starting point, not a substitute for trying one on. The listed strap width is 18 mm, but that alone does not establish compatibility with every strap design.

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#1 Best Overall
Nomos Tangente Galvanized White Dial Black Leather Men's Watch 101
  • Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal

What manual winding and a 53-hour reserve mean

Ref. 101 uses the manually wound DUW 4001. Rather than relying on wrist motion to wind it, the wearer winds the crown. NOMOS specifies up to 53 hours of power reserve, so a fully wound watch can continue running for up to that period under the manufacturer’s specification. The phrase “up to” is a maximum, not a promise that every watch will run for precisely 53 hours in all circumstances. If the watch stops, wind it again; the cited product information does not prescribe a winding schedule or service interval.

Ref. 101 vs. Ref. 139: steel back or display back

Both references are 35 mm, hand-wound Tangentes with the DUW 4001, but their case backs and listed thickness differ. NOMOS’s Ref. 139 listing describes a sapphire crystal back that reveals the caliber; the Ref. 101 listing specifies a steel back. NOMOS lists Ref. 139 at 6.6 mm tall. Check the reference number and case-back photos when comparing a listing with the manufacturer’s description.

Rank #2
Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Leather Men's Watch 130
  • Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Leather Men's Watch 130
Detail Ref. 101 Ref. 139
Diameter 35 mm 35 mm
Case back Stainless steel Sapphire crystal display back
Listed height 6.2 mm 6.6 mm
Winding and caliber Manual, DUW 4001 Manual, DUW 4001

NOMOS’s Ref. 139 page also says its hands’ cornflower-blue color is produced by heating them to 290°C. That detail is specific to the manufacturer’s description of Ref. 139 and should not be confused with a separate Ref. 101 specification. NOMOS Tangente Ref. 139

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Water resistance and purchase checks

NOMOS specifies 5 atm and describes Ref. 101 as “splash-proof.” That wording does not establish a swimming or diving recommendation. For a purchase, confirm that the listing is actually Ref. 101 if you want the steel back, and verify local price, availability, warranty terms, service access and seller authorization for your market. The cited product pages do not establish those market-specific details.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nomos Tangente Galvanized White Dial Black Leather Men's Watch 101
Nomos Tangente Galvanized White Dial Black Leather Men's Watch 101
Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
$2,199.99
Bestseller No. 2
Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Leather Men's Watch 130
Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Leather Men's Watch 130
Nomos Tangente 38 Datum Leather Men's Watch 130
$2,780.00
Bestseller No. 3
Nomos Tangente Neomatik Automatic Blue Dial Men's Watch 142
Nomos Tangente Neomatik Automatic Blue Dial Men's Watch 142
Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
$3,880.00
Bestseller No. 4
Nomos Tangente Galvanized White Dial Leather Unisex Watch 139
Nomos Tangente Galvanized White Dial Leather Unisex Watch 139
Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
$2,550.00
Bestseller No. 5
Nomos Tangente Neomatik Nachtblau Automatic Unisex Watch 177
Nomos Tangente Neomatik Nachtblau Automatic Unisex Watch 177
Nomos Tangente Neomatik Nachtblau Automatic Unisex Watch 177
$3,500.00
Best Value
Nomos Tangente Neomatik Nachtblau Automatic Unisex Watch 177
  • Nomos Tangente Neomatik Nachtblau Automatic Unisex Watch 177
Rank #4
Nomos Tangente Galvanized White Dial Leather Unisex Watch 139
  • Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
Rank #3
Nomos Tangente Neomatik Automatic Blue Dial Men's Watch 142
  • Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal

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.

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