# Nomos Glashütte Metro (Ref. 1101) – A Bauhaus‑Inspired Dress Watch Reviewed The Nomos Glashütte Metro arrived in 2014 as the brand’s answer to the ever‑present demand for a slim, elegant dress watch that doesn’t compromise on in‑house craftsmanship. At 37 mm the case is modest, the dial is a study in restrained colour, and the hand‑wound DUW 4401 movement sits just 7.65 mm below the wrist. In practice the Metro delivers a surprisingly rich package for a price that most enthusiasts will call “affordable”, yet it also carries a few quirks that keep it from being a universal love‑at‑first‑sight piece. Below we break down the watch’s strengths and shortcomings across design, movement, wearability and value. ## Design & Case Nomos stays true to its Bauhaus roots with the Metro’s clean geometry. The 37 mm stainless‑steel case is deliberately restrained – a size that sits comfortably between the classic 36 mm dress watch and the modern 40 mm trend. Its thickness of 7.65 mm gives the piece a whisper‑thin profile that slips under shirt cuffs without a hint of bulk. The dial is finished in a white silver‑plated base, punctuated by mint‑green hour markers and a thin red seconds track. This colour trio is “non‑typical” but, as one reviewer put it, “gives the dial a fresh, original appearance while remaining legible.” The off‑centre power‑reserve indicator sits at the three‑o’clock position, a signature Nomos touch that adds visual interest without sacrificing readability. Finishing is where the Metro truly shines. The three‑quarter plate – the small metal bridge that supports the balance wheel – receives a “superb” surface decoration, a level of detail that is usually reserved for far pricier timepieces. The case edges are polished, the lugs are subtly tapered, and the overall aesthetic feels both contemporary and timeless. A minor point of contention is the lug width. Nomos equips the Metro with 15‑16 mm spring bars, yet the strap holes are cut for an 18 mm strap. This mismatch makes swapping straps a bit awkward and is noted as a downside by several owners. ## Movement & Performance At the heart of the Metro sits Nomos’ in‑house DUW 4401 hand‑wound calibre. The movement features 23 jewels, a patented “swing” system that reduces friction, and a claimed power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Reviewers consistently praise its accuracy, describing it as “excellent” for a manual winding watch in this price bracket. Because the movement is hand‑wound, the Metro requires daily winding (or at least a winding every two days) to keep the reserve topped up. The off‑centre power‑reserve indicator provides a clear visual cue of the remaining energy, eliminating the guesswork that often accompanies manual watches. The DUW 4401 also drives the date function, but the crown is shared between time setting and date adjustment. Setting the date therefore demands a “cumbersome workaround” – you must pull the crown to the time‑setting position, rotate the hands past midnight, and then adjust the date, a process that feels less ergonomic than dedicated date crowns found on many competitors. Water resistance is modest. Nomos lists the Metro as water‑resistant to 30 m (3 bar) in its official specifications, although some retail listings cite 50 m. Either way, the watch is best kept clear of rain, splashes, and certainly any swimming or diving. ## On the Wrist The Metro’s 37 mm case translates to a refined wrist presence that most owners find elegant, especially on smaller to medium‑sized wrists. The slim 7.65 mm thickness contributes to a “comfortable, elegant wrist presence for dress‑or‑smart‑casual wear,” as one reviewer noted. On larger wrists the watch can feel “a bit small,” a sentiment echoed across several critiques. Lug‑to‑lug measurement is not explicitly listed, but given the modest case diameter and thin profile, the watch sits relatively low on the wrist, enhancing its dressy character. The stainless‑steel bracelet (when paired with the factory strap) feels solid yet light, and the overall weight is balanced, avoiding the “floppy” feel some ultra‑thin watches suffer from. Comfort is further aided by the polished case edges and the subtle curvature of the lugs, which sit gently against the skin. However, the aforementioned lug‑width mismatch can be a nuisance for owners who like to experiment with leather or NATO straps; the 18 mm strap holes require adapters or custom spring bars, adding a small but real inconvenience. ## Value & Verdict Nomos positions the Metro as an entry‑level in‑house offering, and reviewers repeatedly describe its pricing as “affordable” and “a revelation” given the level of finishing and the presence of a proprietary manual movement. While the exact retail figure is not disclosed in the source material, the watch sits comfortably below the €3,000‑€4,000 range that many automatic‑movement dress watches command, making it a compelling proposition for those who want a genuine in‑house calibre without breaking the bank. **Pros** - Impeccable finishing on case and three‑quarter plate. - Distinctive mint‑green and red dial accents that stand out while staying legible. - Thin 7.65 mm profile – perfect for dress occasions. - Hand‑wound DUW 4401 offers 42‑hour reserve and reliable accuracy. **Cons** - Styling (bold colour accents) may not suit traditionalists. - 15‑16 mm lug width versus 18 mm strap holes makes strap changes awkward. - Date setting shares the crown with time‑setting, leading to a less intuitive adjustment. - Limited water resistance (30 m) restricts everyday wet‑weather use. - Small 37 mm case can feel undersized on larger wrists. **Verdict** The Nomos Glashütte Metro is a masterclass in minimalist design married to serious horological engineering. Its Bauhaus‑inspired dial, ultra‑thin case and hand‑wound DUW 4401 movement deliver a level of craftsmanship that is rare at this price point. For collectors who value in‑house movement heritage and appreciate a watch that looks as good in a boardroom as it does at a weekend brunch, the Metro is a standout choice. If you prefer a more conventional colour scheme, need a higher water‑resistance rating, or require a larger wrist presence, you may look elsewhere. But for anyone seeking a refined, technically solid dress watch that punches well above its price class, the Metro remains one of the most compelling offerings in Nomos’ current lineup.