NOMOS Plays a Sweet Symphony With the Tetra Symphony Collection

The Tetra line has always been a bit of a niche collection from NOMOS.

March 02, 2020
By: Logan Hannen

The Tetra line has always been a bit of a niche collection from NOMOS. Its square case, conservative sizing and art-deco stepped lugs make it fundamentally dissimilar to nearly anything you’ll find in a boutique. And yet, the Tetra collection is a favorite among enthusiasts – from the uniqueness of the model to the incredible dials often fit into the collection, the Tetra always has allure.

Now, to start 2020 off on the right foot, NOMOS has added a few models to the Tetra range that are both beautiful and (supposedly) inspired by the life and work of fellow German superstar Ludwig Van Beethoven.

The NOMOS Tetra Symphony Collection

Credit: NOMOS

Specs
Case Diameter: 29.5mm Square
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 30 Meters
Crystal: Sapphire
Strap: NOMOS Velour Leather
Movement: NOMOS Alpha Caliber

On a spec level, the Tetra Symphony is your standard Tetra model. It has a case width (and height) of 29.5mm, being a perfect square and all. It also features a 30 meter water resistance rating, and one of the absolutely sublime NOMOS Velour leather straps (think suede, but more buttery). All of the cases here are made of steel.

Powering the watch is NOMOS’ Alpha caliber. It’s a hand-wound movement featuring only the hours, minutes, and small seconds, and a 43 hour power reserve. Designed entirely in-house by the brand, the caliber, as the name might suggest, was their first movement. Measuring 2.5mm thick, the Alpha takes up just under half of the overall thickness of the pieces.

The dial colors are really the only new element of the watch to note here. Each is inspired by a particular facet of Beethoven’s career or life. The Divine Spark is the first up, with a copper dial that’s inspired by a line from Ode To Joy. Speaking of Ode to Joy, that name is reserved for the olive green model. Immortal Beloved, the title of a specific and somewhat controversial love letter written by Beethoven, is the turquoise variant, and the Fidelio is the name bestowed upon the rich, dark blue version, named after his only opera.

The Damage

The NOMOS Tetra Symphony collection retails for $2,080 and is currently available via NOMOS’ website and their ADs.

The Take

Before I dive into the legitimacy of the connection between the collection and Beethoven, I’ve got to commend Nomos for the watches themselves. The dials have dusty, pastel tones and, like Tetra dials often do, they remind me of Rolex Stellas. Unique, yet subtle and wearable. At $2,080, you’d be hard pressed to find a watch original in both design and construction, built with the quality standards Nomos holds.

Now, onto the controversy – what about these watches pays homage to Beethoven? Because, if there’s no connection, the release does seem like a shallow way to piggyback on the composers fame. Their press release notes that Fall 2020 will be the legendary composer’s 250th birthday, but that’s where the connection seems to end.

So, how could Nomos have bridged the gap between this collection and its inspiration? A launch event could have set the record straight from the start – an intimate gathering in Manhattan where fans gathered to experience these pieces for the first time and enjoy performances of some of the selected compositions that inspired them, celebrating Nomos and Beethoven together. Going a step further, if a portion of the proceeds from the collection were dedicated to supporting young musicians, the bond would be solidified and the brand applauded.

Maybe NOMOS knows something we don’t, and they’re trying to coordinate with some bigger celebration of the man’s life, but as of right now, I’m not seeing it.