38mm or 35mm Nomos Tangente

Don't sell. Have 2 🤔

Can't vote without pictures!

I have nearly the same wrist size as you (17.5cm) and I have the tangente 38 datum and the Orion 38:

I’m happy with the size on my wrist. I think it depends on what you are using it for. If it were an out-and-out dress watch - eg something to wear with black tie - then maybe the 35 is better. I have a Stowa 36mm for that purpose. On the other hand, if it is more everyday or casual wear, then I think the 38 is best.

I did try a Ludwig 35 once, and it seemed absurdly small on the wrist to me.

That's a really good point!

I use it as a casual wear with a t-shirt in summer or maybe a denim shirt, so not dressy at all.

Maybe that's why I'm in between the two sizes 🤔

Or maybe it's the long lugs?

I think you’re fine then.

Yes it has notoriously long lugs. But it also matters what shape your wrist is, how big your hands are and what you are using it for. IMHO, the casual look doesn’t work that well with a tiny watch!

I think the 38 looks excellent! I'd try a 35 on in person before making the switch, if you choose to do so

I thimble the 38mm looks good thus my vote. That being said do what makes you happy.

I have the 38mm and feel like the lugs are abnormally long

yeah, as soon as I have some time, I'll pop by a Nomos dealer to have another look (There's luckily lots of them here in Munich 😉 ). Currently wearing a 37mm Longines Spirit, and and really enjoying the smaller size..

First caveat as always is where what you like.

However as Nomos aficionado, who owns a 35, 36, 38.5 and 40mm watch, I would say a 35mm version would be more ideal on your wrist. The Tangente is an elegant design that should not overpower your wrist and it looks to be on the verge of that on yours. Your wrist looks to be slightly smaller than mine in that your 38mm Tangente fits your wrist like the 40mm Ahoi below fit mine.

I will post a few examples of my 7" wrist with various long lugged Nomos of different diameters for your reference. To me the 35-36.5mm Tangente/Ahois fit better than the larger Ahoi/Tangentes. I do like the 38.5mm Club on my wrist though it's almost too big, but the sportier nature feels more at home with the larger size. The 38mm Tangente definitely fits, but I think the smaller ones have a better overall look.

Obviously, this is all my opinion, but I've owned a lot of different Nomos over the years, so I have some perspective to add.

41mm Update

40mm Ahoi

38.5mm Club

38mm Tangente Topper LE

36.5mm Tangente Sport

36.3mm Ahoi

35mm Tangente

oh my, love your Nomos watches! Especially that Tangente Sport and Olive Tangente are amazing!

Will have to try a 35mm Tangente on again, but especially the 36,5mm models look like they are the sweet spot in size, for the design (loooong lugs and tiny bezel)

Great selection of Nomos watches @TimeEQ - that last 35mm Tangente (Olive?) is lovely, do you know the model number?

To be fair, I only have five right now, but have owned around 25 total. The olive one is the Tangente Matschgrün from their Super30 series in 2004. Interestingly, it has light blue print. Not a combination that would normally jump out as ideal, but its really quite handsome.

I really enjoyed the Hodinkee Tangente Sport, could see myself owning one again one day. The sport model is really a great size.

I never really had the Tangente Sport on my radar, since currently the only offer it in 42mm, and that seems a bit big... maybe they'll offer a 36mm again?

Looks great - thanks for the response

I prefer smaller watches so I voted 35mm but, honestly, 38mm sounds fine to me too. But 35mm is better. For me anyway.