Introduction
Founded in Glashütte in 1990 following German reunification, Nomos has established itself as one of Germany's most respected modern watchmakers through its distinctive Bauhaus-inspired design language and accomplished in-house movements. In 2022, to celebrate 175 years of watchmaking in Glashütte, Nomos released a special series of four limited-edition Tetra Neomatik models, each produced in just 175 examples and distinguished by its own dial colour.
The present reference 421.S4 features the black dial, giving the angular Tetra arguably its most restrained appearance. The dark dial places particular emphasis on the model's typography and geometric layout, with the small seconds display at 6 o'clock providing the visual balance characteristic of the collection. Housed within Nomos' distinctive square stainless steel case and powered by the ultra-thin in-house DUW 3001 automatic calibre, the 421.S4 combines the cleanest colourway of the anniversary series with the unconventional proportions that have long made the Tetra one of Nomos' most recognisable designs.
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Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, warranty and cloth
Est. value range
$2,000 – $3,000
The Details
Brand
Nomos
Dimensions
33mm
Model
Tetra Neomatik
Movement
Automatic Nomos calibre DUW 3001
Reference
421.S4
Bracelet
Shell Cordovan leather strap
Year
2022
Condition
Near mint
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Box, warranty and cloth
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Reference 421.S4 is distinguished by its black dial, bringing an especially crisp, graphic quality to the Tetra's familiar combination of Arabic numerals, slender indexes and small seconds at 6 o'clock. Of the four anniversary colourways, the black execution is perhaps the most understated, allowing the distinctive typography and square geometry to take centre stage.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The polished 33mm square stainless steel case remains one of Nomos' most distinctive designs, wearing larger than its nominal dimensions suggest thanks to its approximately 45.3mm diagonal measurement. At only 7.3mm thick, it maintains an elegant profile despite housing an automatic movement, while elongated lugs reinforce the architectural character that has defined the Tetra.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall near-mint condition. The case shows light signs of careful wear. The dial and hands are like new. It is fitted with a shell Cordovan leather strap and a Nomos steel pin buckle, both in near-mint condition. Comes with the inner and outer boxes, warranty and cloth.
Our Perspective
Taken together, the four 175 Years Watchmaking Tetras demonstrate how dramatically colour can alter an otherwise unchanged design. The 421.S4 takes the most restrained approach, with its black dial sharpening the Tetra's typography and unconventional square proportions rather than competing with them. Limited to 175 examples and powered by the impressively slim DUW 3001, it makes a fitting final variation in this distinctive Glashütte anniversary series.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
