Nomos Glashütte Club Automatic Date 38.5mm

Review: NOMOS Club Date 38 Limited Edition for Hodinkee – Pacific Blue

One of 75 – and yes, I’m still grinning.

We watch collectors love to roll our eyes at limited editions - until we get one! The moment my order confirmation for the Pacific Blue Club Campus hit my inbox, I was practically giddy. Nomos only made 75 of these in this colorway, and with Hodinkee’s track record, I knew it wouldn’t hang around long.

Let’s start with the dial, because that’s really the headline here. The “Pacific” blue is unlike anything else in my collection. It has a soft matte tone that seems to shift and come alive in the sunlight, calm and muted indoors, but radiant and vibrant the moment it catches natural light. It’s one of those dials that makes you check the time just to see it again.

The case, at 38.5mm across and a very wearable 8.45mm thick, is right in that sweet spot of modern-versus-classic sizing. It wears flat, hugs the wrist beautifully, and looks balanced on a variety of wrist sizes (mine included). Nomos always does a great job with proportions, and this is no exception.

Flip the watch over and you’re greeted with a view of the in-house DUW 4101 manual-wind movement. For a watch in this price bracket, around $2,000 at release, having a fully in-house caliber with Nomos’s proprietary swing system is a serious value proposition. It’s well-finished in that signature Glashütte three-quarter plate style, and the open case back lets you appreciate just how far Nomos goes to deliver craftsmanship that punches well above its weight.

As for the strap… well, we’re being honest here. It’s serviceable, but nothing to write home about. The velour leather looks good out of the box, but doesn’t feel quite up to the standard of the rest of the watch. That said, this is an easy fix, I’ve already thrown it on a high-quality shell cordovan strap and it sings.

What really sets this watch apart, though, is the minimalist Bauhaus design. No clutter, no gimmicks - just clean lines, subtle typography, and functional beauty. The dial symmetry (aided by the color-matched date window) keeps the aesthetic refined and uncluttered. It's a design that doesn’t try too hard - and because of that, it works effortlessly.

In terms of value for money, this is where Nomos continues to shine. The level of in-house production, distinctive design, and limited run exclusivity make this a strong contender for one of the best everyday watches you can get under $3,000. It’s rare to find something that feels this well-built and thoughtfully designed at this price - especially when it’s also a conversation starter.

All in all, the Nomos Club Campus 38 “Pacific” for Hodinkee is one of those rare pieces that combines collector-grade uniqueness with daily wearability. I bought it because I loved the dial - I’m keeping it because it keeps surprising me.