NOMOS for Doctors Without Borders / MSF – 6 Limited Editions In watchmaking, we place a high value on culture and tradition above all else. Like a coveted piece of art hanging on a museum wall, we watch collectors crave the next big thing in haute horology. The general idea is to preserve the creative genius that once was. However, creativity should not be limited to works of art, but should include other endeavors as well. The most fundamental problems arise when problems are solved through a creative and unique process. This so-called creative solution is called innovation in the modern world.

Innovation starts from the most basic questions. Stubborn problems are often solved with ingenious solutions for everyone's benefit. A lot of it has to do with the day-to-day operations of the business. But what if the problem at hand becomes a social problem? Is there anything the watch industry can do? Is it possible for us to use this creativity for good? Can a company thrive in the art world while also having an incentive to help? The answer to all these questions is a resounding "Yes!" A perfect example is the collaboration between NOMOS Glashutte and the Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders program (commonly known as MSF).

Since 2012, NOMOS has been actively supporting the MSF program by raising funds through the sale of its timepieces. A philanthropic initiative between NOMOS and MSF started in Germany and later expanded to the US and UK. Therefore, NOMOS will launch two limited edition watches for each country, for a total of six different models in support of MSF.

The NOMOS-MSF edition is a limited edition piece originally launched in Germany to commemorate its fundraising cause. Ideally, NOMOS uses its most iconic work as a platform for its initiatives. Tangente's original round case design and its reputation fit perfectly with this initiative. Remember, it was the same model that propelled the company to new heights and earned itself the title of "design classic".

The original MSF project was produced with an initial batch of 2000 watches as its first fundraising project in Germany. The effort was able to raise up to €200,000 for the German chapter of Doctors Without Borders. To prevent this success from being short-lived, NOMOS intends to continue the project outside of Germany.

The MSF version of the Tangente will have "MSF Special Edition" engraved on the caseback along with the respective countries (UK and US). 6 o'clock marker. These models will have black oxidized hands instead of tempered blue hands, and red twelves representing the colors of MSF. Last but not least, for every NOMOS-MSF piece purchased, the company will donate 100 EUR/GBP/USD to the Nobel Peace Laureate Organization. The overall goal is to raise over $1 million in support of Médecins Sans Frontières.

The two pieces for each country are classic Tangente and come in two sizes. Available in 33mm and 38mm sizes in the US, Tangente 33 in the UK and the classic Tangente which is always 35mm in diameter. NOMOS affirms their stance on unisex pieces, but also understands that the proportion or proportion of the diameter should complement each individual wrist. Additionally, the 33mm model will be available on a velvet leather strap, in stark contrast to the acclaimed Horween leather strap on the 35/38mm models. It's not that velvet leather is bad, but it depends on personal preference. The NOMOS store also offers a wide range of accessories to ensure that one can get the combination he or she desires.

With the emergency medical crisis dominating the headlines, supporting the concept of MSF is more necessary than ever. MSF now has more than 3,200 staff working on the Ebola response. Needless to say, the idea of helping each other is a win-win for both organizations. It also provides an easy way for our watch collectors to help those in need.

Finally, innovation doesn't have to come only from within the manufacturing sphere. By developing innovative solutions to support charitable causes, NOMOS takes a big step forward in the watch industry. It shows that creativity can also come from generosity.