The Real Time Show – Episode Summary

Podcast: The Real Time Show
Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
Episode: The Sixth NOMOS Glashütte Forum Reviewed By Alon And Rob
Date: October 5, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Rob and Alon reunite after attending the sixth annual NOMOS Glashütte Forum in Germany. The pair reflect on event highlights, new product launches (including the much-discussed Club Sport World Timer capsule), the spirit of the NOMOS brand, manufacturing insights, and memorable moments with industry legends. Blending personal travel anecdotes, detailed technical analysis, and warm camaraderie, this episode serves as a comprehensive debrief for those curious about an insider’s view on NOMOS, the Forum, and contemporary watchmaking.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Forum Arrival and Atmosphere

• Alon recounts a whirlwind journey through Germany, narrowly missing connections, and finally meeting Rob in "the best bar in Dresden" ([00:19]).
  • “My kids woke up in the middle of the night, and I'm like, huh? Is the forum starting now? I'm like, oh, no, the forum was yesterday. Am I in Glass Hutte? Dresden, Frankfurt, Munich. At so many German cities in less than 36 hours. I was a bit confused, but what a blast it was.” – Alon ([00:19])
• Discussion about the informal, friendly feel of the event, and how such spaces strengthen industry relationships.

2. What Is the NOMOS Forum? ([02:41])

• Rob explains the Forum’s growth into the brand’s annual gathering of “very close friends, retailers, journalists from around the world,” spotlighting speeches, technical insights, and culminating in a keynote address.
• This year, Lydia Winters (ex-Minecraft, now watch consultant and podcast host) delivered the keynote, bringing unique community-building perspectives.

3. NOMOS: Generational Legacy and Brand Philosophy

• The company’s familial structure and deep independence are highlighted.
  • CEO Uwe Arendt is a multi-generation watchmaker; his son Robert is involved in the business ([04:54]).
  • “Robert's been working… he's been in and around Nomos for many, many years… I was kind of charged with chaperoning Rob in his very young years when he was a minor, resulting in one of the most memorable experiences.” – Rob ([04:54])
• NOMOS’ foundation after the Berlin Wall fell, with the core models (Tangenta, Ludwig, Tetra, Orion) still in the collection ([07:26]–[08:11]).

4. Manufacture Visit: Openness, Craft, and Family Spirit

• Alon emphasizes the transparency and hands-on experience NOMOS offers during manufacture tours, appreciating the chance to see, touch, and even FaceTime souvenirs home ([09:00]).

5. Interaction with Mark Braun (Metro Designer)

• Both hosts delighted in meeting Mark Braun for the first time in-person ([10:12]):
  • “He reminded us, you and I, that we still need to record a TRTS episode with him. Oops, sorry, Mark, but we're already emailing with him since this morning to pick a date. So that was a highlight for me.” – Alon ([10:51])
• Discussion around the Metro’s impact and Mark’s singular focus on this design for NOMOS ([11:30]).
• Rob reflects on milestones: the Weltzeit, Metro, and neomatic movements as transformative for the brand ([11:30]).

6. New Releases Unveiled: Club Sport Neomatic World Timer ‘Night Navigation’ Capsule

• Alon describes the anticipation and embargo drama, noting immediate sell-out of all 175 pieces per color of the new Club Sport World Timer models ([15:19]).
  • “So there are only 175 pieces of a new trio of Club Sport World Timers. Awesome pieces... Ace already sold them out under 12 hours.” – Alon ([15:22])
• Rob details the watches:
  • Three colorways (Grid – orange, Trace – turquoise, Vector – yellow-green), all with luminous dial accents inspired by night-time aviation.
  • In-house slimline world-timer movement (DUW 3202), visible caseback, bracelet/strap options, and water resistance to 10 bar.
  • Notably low pricing: €3,940 ([20:08]).
    • “I got to this price and I put a big question mark next to it because I thought I'd misheard it... It's almost €1,000 cheaper than the Weltzeit.” – Rob ([20:08])
  • Both discuss the value, costs of new movement development, and transparent pricing despite limited edition nature ([21:10]).

7. Technical Deep Dive: Manufacture Capabilities and Limitations

• Rob and Alon analyze NOMOS’ vertical integration—making nearly all components in-house except a few (like jewels and some screws), with special note of their proprietary escapement ('swing system') ([37:42]).
  • “They create almost every component of this watch themselves… they take their time in ensuring that what they're making works.” – Rob ([23:53])
• Supply bottlenecks stem mainly from the pace of hand-assembly and the challenge of recruiting/training skilled watchmakers, not marketing scarcity ([37:42]).
• Discussion of the new Dresden assembly workshop: partly to help with servicing and attract younger talent not wanting to live in small-town Glashütte ([37:42]), plus a fun tangent on commuting logistics.

8. Design, Proportions & Future Possibilities

• Examination of potential cross-over of the new movement into other iconic NOMOS models.
• Rob and Alon agree the uniqueness of the Zurich Weltzeit case shouldn’t be compromised for slimness ([32:01]):
  • “There is a sweet spot and that certain designs work at certain dimensions and proportions better than they ever will at any other size or proportion. And I think that the Zurich Weltzer is perhaps a great example of that.” – Rob ([35:54])
• Speculation about more models in the pipeline using the new 3202 movement.

9. Olympic Guests and Special Editions Teased

• The Forum featured speeches from decorated German Olympians (military and police background), who impressed the hosts with their humor and engagement ([43:05]).
• Teaser for upcoming gold medal-linked releases and more Tetra editions, embargoed until November ([44:06]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On transparency and authenticity at NOMOS:

  • “With NOMOS, you can literally touch everything, look at everything, look at the schematics… I never in my life want to skip this stuff because there's so much to see.” – Alon ([09:00])

• On value and development cost:

  • “We all know it takes millions to develop a new caliber… Why are we so crazy about it? Well, nobody else makes this movement.” – Rob ([23:53])

• On design proportions:

  • “There is a sweet spot and that certain designs work at certain dimensions and proportions better than they ever will at any other size or proportion.” – Rob ([35:54])

• On the Forum’s familial vibe:

  • “It was lovely to see the family continue to grow and those relationships… strengthen and deepen.” – Rob ([04:28])

• On team growth and watchmaking logistics:

  • “Glasshütte is only so big… they made [a move] to put a new facility in Dresden… to attract more watchmakers to the company.” – Rob ([37:42])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro and travel stories: [00:05] – [02:00]
• What is the NOMOS Forum? [02:41] – [04:28]
• Brand background and people: [07:07] – [10:12]
• Factory tour and openness: [08:11] – [10:12]
• Mark Braun conversation: [10:12] – [11:30]
• Product launch anticipation: [13:30] – [16:16]
• Club Sport World Timer Night Navigation details: [16:49] – [21:10]
• Discussion on pricing and value: [20:08] – [23:53]
• Technical/development talk: [23:53] – [37:42]
• Design/philosophy discussion: [32:01] – [35:54]
• Olympian guest speakers & embargo teasers: [43:05] – [44:06]
• Farewell, birthday, thanks to listeners: [45:11] – [46:29]

Tone & Language

Consistently conversational, energetic, and slightly irreverent, with frequent inside jokes, personal banter, and a clear passion for both watches and the people behind them. The hosts skillfully blend deep horological expertise with relatable storytelling, making technical content accessible and engaging.

For Watch Collectors and Industry Followers:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about NOMOS’s culture, product philosophy, and the collaborative, almost familial spirit underpinning the independent, contemporary German watchmaking scene.

Stay tuned for the annual GPHG guessing game in their upcoming episodes!