Where Tradition Meets Innovation: NOMOS Forum 2026
In the heart of Germany's watchmaking capital, NOMOS Glashütte welcomed more than 130 guests from 22 countries for the seventh edition of its annual Forum. Held over two days in October, the event brought together journalists, content creators, retailers, and watch enthusiasts for an exclusive look into the craftsmanship, innovation, and future direction of the independent German watchmaker.
With visitors traveling from as far as Mexico, the United States, and China, this year's gathering reflected the increasingly international presence of NOMOS Glashütte. What began as an opportunity to share the brand's watchmaking expertise has evolved into an important annual meeting point for the global watch industry.
A Closer Look At German Watchmaking
One of the central highlights of Forum NOMOS Glashütte was the opportunity for guests to explore the manufacturer's production facilities.
Visitors were introduced to the brand's Chronometry department and the specialist manufacturing site responsible for producing components for its in house movements. These facilities represent the technical foundation behind NOMOS watches, where traditional craftsmanship meets increasingly sophisticated manufacturing processes.
Over the past two years, NOMOS has invested approximately €3 million in new production machinery, strengthening its independence while improving precision and efficiency.
Among the latest additions are advanced cleaning systems, two wire EDM machines, a jewel setting machine with sorting equipment, and a new milling center capable of combining several production steps into one.
Beyond improving accuracy, these investments also contribute to more efficient energy consumption. With its production site already operating on a carbon neutral basis, NOMOS continues to demonstrate how modern technology can support responsible watchmaking.
As CEO Uwe Ahrendt explained during the Forum, the company's growing international presence has made investments in independent manufacturing increasingly important, particularly as markets such as the United States and China continue to develop.
Eleven New Watches And A New Movement
While craftsmanship remained at the heart of the event, the future of NOMOS Glashütte was equally important.
During the Forum, guests received an exclusive preview of eleven new watches scheduled for introduction before the end of 2026.
Among the first releases was the Club Sport neomatik Worldtimer dark, introduced on the second day of the gathering. The model expands the brand's growing collection of travel focused watches, combining the functionality of a worldtimer with the understated design language for which NOMOS has become known.
Another highlight was the introduction of new Metro models in ice blue, officially launched on October 8.
Particularly noteworthy is the Metro date power reserve ice blue, which introduces the new manually wound DUW 4701 caliber.
The movement represents another development in NOMOS Glashütte's commitment to producing its own mechanical movements, reinforcing the manufacturer's position as one of Germany's most distinctive independent watchmakers.
With additional releases expected throughout the remainder of the year, the Forum offered an early indication of the direction NOMOS intends to take its collections.
Beyond The World Of Watches
The Forum also explored subjects extending beyond traditional watchmaking.
Media expert Matthias Wesselmann discussed the growing influence of generative artificial intelligence on consumer purchasing behavior, examining how retailers, journalists, and content creators may need to adapt as technology changes the way customers discover and evaluate luxury products.
In contrast, Berlin based master gilder Michelle Sachs offered an insight into one of the world's oldest decorative crafts.
As one of only a small number of master gilders practicing internationally, Sachs shared her knowledge of working with gold, highlighting the precision, patience, and expertise required to preserve traditional craftsmanship.
Together, these presentations reflected a broader conversation about the relationship between heritage and innovation, a theme that remains central to NOMOS Glashütte's identity.
A Global Future Rooted In Glashütte
Now in its seventh edition, Forum NOMOS Glashütte has established itself as more than a traditional industry gathering.
It represents an opportunity to connect international perspectives with the expertise of a watchmaking region whose reputation has been built over generations.
As NOMOS continues to expand globally, its commitment to independent manufacturing, technical development, and traditional German craftsmanship remains central to its identity.
With eleven new watches, a newly introduced movement, and continued investment in production, the 2026 Forum offered a clear indication of what lies ahead for the German manufacturer.
For NOMOS Glashütte, the future may be increasingly international, but its foundations remain firmly rooted in the small Saxon town where every watch begins.
