Dubbed “Director’s Cut” for who knows what reason — considering that’s a film term — the latest Autobahn timepieces, designed by Werner Aisslinger, are as much an enigma as the brand itself.

Apart from the kooky naming logic, the three new colorways are eye-catching and are a welcome departure from the Teutonic designs that Nomos is known for. They’re clearly trying to offer a sportier watch — but without actually doing anything functional to make it, you know, actually sportier. This is perhaps a case study in form over function?

Speaking about function, the central minute hand actually looks like a traditional center second hand (thin, long, with a contrasting colored tip, which takes away from legibility (function) but looks more like a speedometer (form). How does that help the watch other than making it visually more sporty, with no added functional element?

The colorways are cool, the in-house movements are very well done (caliber DUW 6101 powers the Autobahn), but paying upwards of five thousand dollars for a timepiece with a dial configuration that does not make much sense, is a tough sell. Then again, maybe that’s the point: to be different, to offer something that will start conversations. Not to mention, each version is limited to 175 timepieces, which could help conversions due simply to the fact that the availability will be limited.

The Autobahn Director’s Cut Limited Edition watch case measures 41 mm x 10.5 mm and comes on a unique Breitling Air Racer-style stainless steel bracelet, with rigid links and huge perforations towards the lug ends and with more traditional articulating links towards the clasp. The retail price is $4,800.

 

Photo by Nomos Glashutte.