NOMOS Orion 38 Gray mechanical open caseback grey dial black leather strap 38 mm

Orion 38: Timeless elegance in shades of gray

Since its creation in 1992, the Orion line has embodied the very essence of Nomos style: a pure, uncompromising aesthetic where every element has a purpose. With its slim case and elongated indexes, the Orion has become a signature of the Saxon manufacture, admired for its rigorous minimalism and discreet elegance.

In this 38 mm version, Nomos offers a subtle and contemporary interpretation with a galvanized gray dial. Warmer than white, less striking than black, it asserts itself as an intermediate, sophisticated shade, capable of playing with the light and reflecting either cooler or softer tones depending on the environment. Both modern and timeless, this color makes the Orion Gray a versatile model, equally at home on the wrist of a Scandinavian design enthusiast or a traditional watch aficionado.

With its contained diameter and thickness of less than 9 mm, the Orion 38 slips easily under a cuff and epitomizes the dress watch par excellence. But behind this apparent simplicity lies a wealth of detail: a three-part polished steel case, a domed sapphire crystal caseback revealing the Alpha movement, elongated indexes and rhodium-plated hands that catch the light with finesse.

The Orion Gray perfectly illustrates the philosophy of Nomos: a watch that appears simple, yet possesses great aesthetic and technical depth, appealing both through its timeless design and the mechanical precision that drives it.

Pared-down design and contemporary refinement

The Orion 38 Gray brilliantly illustrates the art of sobriety according to Nomos Glashütte. Its slim, elongated silhouette is defined by a three-part polished stainless steel case, whose clean lines extend seamlessly into slender lugs. With its 38 mm diameter and thickness of under 9 mm, the watch features harmonious proportions, perfectly balanced between formal elegance and everyday comfort.

The true highlight lies in its galvanized gray dial, full of subtle depth. Neither austere like black nor too neutral like white, this delicate gray captures the light to reveal all its nuances, shifting between cool brilliance and softer reflections. The applied rhodium-plated baton indexes enhance legibility while adding discreet relief. The polished, rhodium-plated hands stand out with refinement against the dial, bringing a touch of brilliance without disrupting the minimalist balance of the whole.

The choice of strap completes this pursuit of authenticity. Nomos equips the model with a black Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap, renowned for its suppleness and durability. Hand-stitched, it delivers immediate comfort on the wrist while adding a handcrafted dimension to the watch. Its 19 mm width integrates naturally with the slim lugs of the case, further enhancing the fluid aesthetic that characterizes the Orion collection.

Finally, the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the in-house caliber, creating a subtle contrast between the understated dial and the richness of the mechanics on display. The Orion 38 Gray thus stands out as a watch with a minimalist yet refined aesthetic, where every detail—from polished surfaces to the dial’s hue—contributes to an impression of timeless harmony.

Manufacture movement

Beneath its minimalist appearance, the Orion 38 Gray houses the Alpha caliber, the first in-house movement developed by Nomos Glashütte. Entirely designed and assembled in the brand’s Saxon workshops, this hand-wound caliber embodies the Nomos philosophy: blending German watchmaking tradition with contemporary innovation.

Thin and precise, it provides a 43-hour power reserve, ensuring reliable accuracy day after day. Its architecture, typical of Saxony, highlights Glashütte ribbing, perlage, and rhodium plating across its surfaces. Visible through the domed sapphire caseback, it reveals all its refinement to enthusiasts.

With 17 jewels and a balance adjusted in six positions, the Alpha caliber demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship rarely achieved in this price range. This rigor is what makes Nomos unique in the watchmaking landscape: offering an authentic manufacture movement, as meticulously designed as it is engineered.

Beyond the technical aspect, this caliber also contributes to the charm of the Orion: the daily ritual of hand-winding fosters a special connection with the watch, strengthening the bond with a timepiece conceived to accompany its wearer for years to come.