Back in 2019, when Sternglas was starting to make waves with their Bauhaus-inspired watches, I reviewed the original Naos Automatik. Five years later, Naos Automatik has undergone a remarkable transformation. With the help of Sternglas’ passionate fan community, the brand has improved an impressive number of things. From updated movements to redesigned dials and optimized cases, there’s a lot to discuss. So let’s check out the new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik.
When the new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik model landed on my desk, I immediately recognized it as a successful watch from the Hamburg-based brand. Despite the long list of changes, Naos’ overall presence hasn’t changed all that much compared to the version I reviewed five years ago. But if you look deeper, you’ll see that a lot of things have been optimized. What immediately stands out is the thinner case and upgraded caliber. The latter instantly changes visually thanks to its colorful finish and black rotor. It’s time to find out what Sternglas has been working on with the Naos Pro Automatik.
The story of Naos Pro Automatik
Before we get into the details of the new watch, let me first clarify how this new watch fits into your collection. The Naos series is heavily influenced by the famous Bauhaus School of Design. There are several quartz and automatic versions, all of which (except the bronze version) retail for less than 400 euros. This new Pro version is not a replacement for the regular model. Rather, an optimized and improved version of the Naos Automatik model will be added to the lineup.
Two new Naos Pro Automatik models (right and left) and the regular Naos Automatik (center)
The premium version of Naos features a 38mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 11mm. This is a significant improvement compared to the regular Naos Automatik’s 12mm thickness. The lug-to-lug dimensions are also slightly different, with the regular model being 43 mm long, while the Pro version is 42.4 mm long. In addition to slimmer and slightly shorter dimensions, Sternglas also chose different finishes.
New Naos Pro case (top) and regular Naos case (bottom)
This case has a combination of brushed and polished surfaces to give it a more luxurious feel. The biggest change is that the mid-case has a brushed finish, whereas the regular version’s case has an all-polished finish. Additionally, the case sides now have a slightly different shape to allow for better placement of the larger crown.
Overall, the round case with straight lugs feels slimmer and more balanced, a big improvement over the regular model’s case.
Sternglass has redesigned the Naos dial
Sternglas offers two dials for the Naos Pro Automatik. The first is an alabaster (sand colored) version with black markings and the second is an anthracite version with white markings. However, if you look closely, you’ll see that it’s not just new colors.
The designers have also completely revamped the dial. The principles of minimalism are the same, but the even hour lines and numbers are thicker, and the “0” in front of numbers before 10 o’clock is gone. Furthermore, the markers at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, 9 o’clock, and 12 o’clock are equipped with luminous dots that glow in the dark.
The date window has also been increased in size and a nice steel frame has been added around it, adding even more detail. If that wasn’t enough, instead of pointy stick hands, this watch features wide, pencil-shaped hands filled with luminous material for easy reading in the dark.
The hands on the alabaster dial version are black and the luminous color is light green. A color combination that is easy on the eyes. The anthracite version has a contrasting orange luminous dot on the dial, blue luminous white hands, and a bright red seconds hand. With all the aesthetic updates, the Naos Pro Automatik’s dial now has better visual balance and a more premium feel.
Special “gold-plated” version of Miyota 9215
Turning the watch further emphasizes its luxurious feel. The first 400 pieces of the alabaster version and 300 pieces of the anthracite version of the Naos Pro Automatic will come with a special “gilt” version of the Miyota 9015 caliber with a black PVD rotor. Later models will have a regular version of the same movement, but this one is a step up from the regular Naos Automatik-powered Miyota 8215. The Miyota 9015 is an automatic movement that operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 24 jewels, and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
The special execution of the movement adds visual flourish to a fairly common caliber. Accuracy is -10/+30 seconds per day, so it’s not a number for precision-obsessed people. Nevertheless, these are an improvement over the Miyota 8215’s standard -20/+40 seconds per day. As you can see, the finishing of the movement is very simple and industrial. However, the contrasting colors add plenty of visual appeal for Nao fans.
Wearing Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik
We received both dial versions of the Naos Pro Automatik with leather straps, and also tried out the brand’s optional five-row bracelet watch. I prefer leather straps over bracelets because they go well with minimalist designs.
The bracelet feels well made and has the right style, but it seems too thick and wide for the watch. The lack of a nice taper means it lacks the refinement that the Naos Pro deserves. I wish the bracelet had the same elegance, as the watch face has been nicely redesigned and the case is especially thinner.
The tapered leather strap offers stylish elegance, which is why it looks great on the Naos Pro Automatik. When you wear the watch on your wrist, the contours of the case are immediately noticeable. That’s exactly what you want from a Bauhaus-style watch, and that’s what I appreciate most about this Naos Pro model.
The size and proportions are perfect for a watch like this. If it’s too big, there will be a lot of empty space on the dial, and if it’s too small, the sophisticated design will make the watch look even smaller visually, making it difficult to wear. But the designers at Sternglass have nailed it with this new watch.
There’s no right or wrong answer, just preferences.
Another major improvement is the size of the crown. The width and thickness have increased, so it looks much better when viewed from the front. Operation of the push/pull crown is as easy as you might imagine. Pull it out to the first position and turn it clockwise to change the date. You can adjust the time by pulling the crown to the second click. The Miyota 9000 series is the company’s premium product, so it feels much more robust and accurate than the cheaper 8000 series calibers.
As a fan of the minimalistic Bauhaus style, my preference when it comes to dials is the sand-colored alabaster version. That’s what I find exciting about this design style. While I certainly understand the visual appeal of the anthracite version with a little hint of color, a purer interpretation of the style is more my heart.
The leather straps Sternglas uses are absolutely stunning. It’s a little stiff at first, but you get used to it quickly and it goes smoothly after that. Easy to change between different straps and bracelets thanks to quick release pins.
Final thoughts on Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik
Overall, I can’t find any faults with the new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik. If you are a fan of the brand and Bauhaus style watches, this new Naos Pro Automatic is a great option. These new Pro models cost 699 euros for one leather strap and 749 euros for a bracelet, increasing the price compared to the regular Naos Automatik. But I have to say that you can get better watches too.
Sternglas has done everything in its power to improve every detail. I love how brands focus on listening to their fans and incorporating that feedback into better products. This is a price increase that makes the Naos Pro Automatik the most expensive watch in the current collection, but I feel it also justifies its status.
This is the best watch of any German brand I have dealt with. The Naos Pro Automatik is slimmer, nicely redesigned, has a better finish, and feels more premium. If you’re looking for a minimalist Bauhaus style watch, this is probably the best option for the price. Kudos to Sternglas for bringing this new Naos Pro Automatik to life!
For more information, please visit the official Sternglas website. Let us know what you think about these new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik models in the comments section.
This article is a collaboration between Fratello and Sternglas. learn more.
