NOMOS Caliber DUW 6101

The NOMOS Glashutte caliber DUW 6101 is a large in-house automatic watch movement with 27 jewels, made in Germany.

After about 3 years of research and development, a team of twelve designed the DUW 6101 and finally introduced it in March 2018. It is a current caliber being used in the NOMOS watch catalog as of 2024.

In the brand’s own words:

“Outstanding mechanics from Glashütte: The first neomatik caliber with a date, setting a new standard. The NOMOS automatic caliber neomatik date (DUW 6101) is not only very large—at only 3.6 millimeters in height, it is also extremely thin. That’s because this caliber was redesigned from start to finish, and the date mechanism has been integrated into it. ” –Source

While the movement is considered to be an in-house caliber, NOMOS is on the record stating that they “design every individual part ourselves and make nearly all of them ourselves too” (Official DUW 6101 press-release, page 4), confirming that at least some of the components are outsourced to other manufacturers.

Dial Side:

The large 35.2mm diameter in meant to allow for the datewheel to be as far against the edge of the dial as possible in the brand’s larger timepieces. As you can see in the image below, they achieved this. However, it appears that the datewheel itself extends out past the mainplate, contributing to the larger overall diameter of the movement.

Note the images of the back of the movement which show a white circle around the mainplate.

The images below are screenshots of from the Tangente neomatik 41 Update product video where the watch is spinning but never moves up and down. Based on the case fixing screw location, it certainly looks as if the overlapping white circle we see from the back of the movement is the datewheel.

Bi-Directional Date System:

Similar to a few other movements covered by Caliber Corner (for example, the Zenith Elite 670 SK), the date system on the DUW 6101 is bi-directional:

“The date can be set quickly and easily in both directions, with only a few turns of the crown needed for any adjustment.” -NOMOS DUW 6101 information page

How does it work? According to NOMOS:

“Despite the limited movement height, this was made possible by a specially shaped gear wheel, which connects with the date disk.”

This outside datewheel design is a big deal for NOMOS because it allows the brand to expand on their larger sized watches. Given that their designs are mostly all dial without much bezel, adding a calendar complication to a watch design powered by a smaller movement would mean the date would (as with many such watches) be located more towards the center of the dial – rather than along the outer edge. This also means that the font on the datewheel can be larger, since the larger diameter gives more real-estate to work with, so that the date can blend in seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the dial.

In the brand’s own words:

“The date ring was set around the DUW 6101 movement, which afforded the maximum possible freedom in terms of the design of these new watches; for a highly individual and harmonious timepiece aesthetic. Each watch has its own date ring design.” -DUW 6101 press-release, page 2

Swing System:

The DUW 6101 is equipped with the proprietary NOMOS Swing System escapement. This is the brand’s own in-house design/invention. When mentioning their Swing System in marketing materials, NOMOS uses the word “independence” frequently. This part appears to be the brand’s freedom from escape(ment) from dependency on parts from the Swiss conglomerates.

As NOMOS says:

“Down to its core: The NOMOS swing system, our proprietary escapement, also known as a caliber’s heart, sets the right pace with the highest precision. And of course there are many typical characteristics from Glashütte in this movement, which denote its rich heritage: the three-quarter plate, ribbed polishing, tempered blue screws, and so on.” –Source

And also, from the DUW 6101 press-release:

“High precision is also ensured by the NOMOS swing system, the proprietary escape- ment recognizable by the tempered blue balance spring.”

Chronometer Spec?

Although not COSC certified, NOMOS claims that each watch with the caliber DUW 6101 movement is adjusted according to chronometer standards. The word chronometer is not used on the movement or the dial, but the brand seems to want accuracy to be expected with their products, therefore not necessary to imply on the watch itself.

The DUW 6101 is adjusted in 6 positions at the factory.

Note About NOMOS Beat Rates:

You may see many of the other popular watch publications incorrectly list the NOMOS caliber DUW 6101 as having a beat rate of 28,800 bph. After reaching out to our contact, Caliber Corner has confirmed that not only does the DUW 6101 have a beat rate of 21,600 bph, but the official response is as follows: “The frequency of all NOMOS movements is 21,600 vph.”

This is also confirmed on their site here:

“The balance wheel in a NOMOS watch moves out of its rest position (each time the pallet lever engages the escape wheel with one of its arms) six times per second – that’s 21,600 motions per hour, and 189 million per year.”

Additional Resources:

• Official DUW 6101 press-release (pdf)
• NOMOS DUW 6101 official page
• NOMOS Swing System
• More NOMOS calibers