Nomos Glashütte

Nomos Glashütte Orion 42 mm Ice 18k

Photography on request

Front view

Dial, hands and bezel as delivered.

Case-back view

Case-back engraving and, where fitted, the sapphire display.

Movement

Calibre with its finishing and decoration.

On the wrist

Worn shot for proportion and strap drape.

Nomos Glashütte · Orion

Nomos Glashütte Orion 42 mm Ice 18k

Reference 98809OR.70

Reference at a glance

Brand: Nomos Glashütte
Collection: Orion
Model: Nomos Glashütte Orion 42 mm Ice 18k
Reference number: 98809OR.70
Year / era: 1990 · 1990s — mechanical revival
Complication: GMT / second time zone
Movement: Automatic chronograph
Case material: 18k white gold
Dial type: Ice blue
Strap / bracelet: Milanese mesh
Water resistance: 150 m
Limited-edition status: Limited edition of 500 pieces

Compare this reference

Case, dial & bracelet

Case dimensions: 42 mm
Case thickness: 11.3 mm
Case material: 18k white gold
Bezel: Bidirectional 24-hour Cerachrom
Crystal: Sapphire with internal AR treatment
Dial: Ice blue
Hands: Skeletonised sword hands, white luminescent
Indexes: Applied Roman numerals
Bracelet / strap: Milanese mesh
Clasp / buckle: Triple-folding clasp with safety catch
Water resistance: 150 m

Movement

Movement / calibre: Calibre 55E — Automatic chronograph
Movement type: Manual-winding
Frequency: 36,000 vph (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 55 hours
Number of jewels: 37 jewels
Complications: GMT / second time zone
Functions: Flying tourbillon, power reserve
Watchmaker: Finishing, assembly and timing are carried out in the manufacture's own atelier.

Production & market

Production period: 1990 – 1995
Limited-edition quantity: 500 pieces
Current market information: Values have stabilised after the 2022 correction; condition and box-and-papers drive the premium.

Designer

In-house design studio

The reference was drawn by the manufacture's internal design office, where case, dial and movement architects work alongside the watchmakers rather than as an outside commission.

Historical significance

Nomos Glashütte Orion 42 mm Ice 18k sits within Nomos Glashütte's Orion line, introduced in 1990. It carries the house codes established since 1990 — 18k white gold case, ice blue dial and automatic chronograph — and is one of the references collectors use to date the evolution of the collection.

Interesting facts

The case is finished by hand, alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces in a single pass so the edges stay razor sharp.
Early production dials show a slightly different minute track, and collectors pay a premium for them.

The House