As we find ourselves in the midst of the summer vacation period, with the time to return to work or school approaching faster than we’d like, we've turned our attention to the Nomos Club Campus collection. The slightly more relaxed appearance of the Club Campus is perfect for celebrating significant events like graduation. Available in sizes of 36mm and 38.5mm (marketed as 38mm), they have received new dial colors in the 'California' style. The mix and match of these two newcomers works quite well, even if it reminds the Dutch of the country's stereotypical love for all things orange.
Nevertheless, the Nomos Club Campus Absolute Grey and Future Orange watches were introduced earlier this year at the Watches & Wonders 2021 exhibition, as the brand was one of the participating brands. The Club Campus model has always been the more playful, less serious side of Nomos. This is mainly due to the choice of the California-style dial, combining Arabic and Roman numerals, as well as the choice of colors, shapes, and sizes, which I will get to in a minute.
Available in diameters of 36mm or 38.5mm, which Nomos markets as 38mm, the Club Campus watches are on the smaller side of the spectrum. The 36mm model might be too small for most, but the 38.5mm model is just right in size and proportions for almost everyone. These watches are also quite thin, as the height of both sizes is less than 9mm. The stainless steel case is fully polished from top to bottom, giving it a soft, smooth profile.
The Club Campus watches, regardless of their size, have a robust appearance and a sense of reliability, without creating a tool-like feel. The sturdy watch case features a closed steel back and a domed sapphire crystal, ensuring peace of mind when wearing the watch on the wrist. The size of the watch is visually increased due to the slightly wider bezel (compared to, for example, the Tangente) and elongated lugs, which is particularly noticeable on the smaller of the two models.
The California dial is now available in two new colors: Absolute Grey or Future Orange. Despite the similar design, these two colors couldn't be more different. The Absolutely Grey version is subdued, with a slight hint of bright orange, making it quite playful and pleasing to the eye, yet not too intrusive or eye-catching. The Future Orange model more than makes up for this with its bright orange dial. Having handled both models, in both sizes, I must say I lean more towards the orange dial of the Club Campus. Thanks to its vibrant hue, it simply stands out on the wrist.
The numbers on the dials are a mix of Arabic and Roman numerals, which may not be to everyone's taste. I think it fits quite well with the more fun and carefree spirit of the Club Campus. The Future Orange dial has grey numbers and markers with white luminescent Super LumiNova, while the Absolute Grey dial does the opposite, with orange luminescence. Both models feature a neon orange small seconds hand, as well as a pair of steel hour and minute sword-shaped hands with white Super LumiNova inserts. A black minute track runs along the outer edge with small white double digits at every 5-minute interval.
The Club Campus model uses the in-house developed Nomos Alpha caliber with manual winding. It has been part of Nomos' portfolio for several years and is a reliable movement. The small size of the movement (23.3mm in diameter and 2.6mm in height) allows it to be used in many Nomos collections, which it is. You can find it in some other Nomos watches, such as the Metro, Tangente, and Tetra, for instance. Although the movement uses a gear train similar to the Pesseux 7001, the Nomos Alpha design is mostly manufactured in-house. It is equipped with a stop-seconds mechanism and a Glashütte three-quarter plate. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 per hour (3 Hz) and has a total power reserve of 43 hours. Although you can't see it due to the solid case back, it is decorated with Glashütte ribbing and perlage.
The Nomos Club Campus watches come on a grey (36mm) or anthracite (38.5mm) velour leather strap. Nomos maintains a competitive price for the Club Campus collection: 1,100 euros for the 36mm model and 1,200 euros for its bigger sibling. As an option, metal bracelets can be ordered for both watches (at an additional cost). Prices range from 70 euros for a standard steel bracelet (only 38.5mm) to 310 euros for a metal sports bracelet, which is available for both sizes. Lastly, Nomos also offers the option to engrave a personal message of up to 88 characters on the case back to commemorate a key moment in life.
Concluding the review, it can be said that the Nomos Club Campus remains a well-made, affordable watch, perfect for young individuals just beginning to explore the world of mechanical watches. On the other hand, they will also look great on the wrist of a more experienced enthusiast looking for carefree and fun watches for more relaxed situations.
For more information, please visit Nomos-Glashuette.com
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - NOMOS CLUB CAMPUS ABSOLUTE GREY & FUTURE ORANGE
Case: 36mm x 8.2mm height or 38.5mm x 8.5mm height - stainless steel case - polished surfaces all around - domed sapphire crystal - solid steel screw-down case back - water resistance 100m
Dial: absolute grey or orange - California-style dial with a mix of Roman and Arabic numerals - white numbers and Super LumiNova markers - sword-shaped hour and minute hands with Super Luminova inserts - small seconds subdial with neon orange hand
Movement: Nomos Alpha caliber, in-house developed - manual winding - 23.3mm x 2.6mm - 17 jewels - 21,600 per hour (frequency 3 Hz) - 43h power reserve - central hours and minutes, small seconds hand
Strap: grey or anthracite velour leather strap - optional steel bracelets
Price: 1,100 euros (36mm) and 1,200 euros (38mm) on leather strap, optional steel bracelets cost extra