Introducing: The New Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik
Back in 2019, when Sternglas was starting to make waves with its Bauhaus-inspired watches, I reviewed the first-generation Naos Automatik. Fast-forward five years, and the Naos Automatik has gotten a fantastic makeover. With the help of Sternglas’s dedicated community of fans, the brand improved an impressive number of things. There is plenty to discuss, from an updated movement to a redesigned dial and an optimized case. So let’s check out the new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik.
When the new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik models landed on my desk, I instantly recognized the Hamburg-based brand’s successful watch. Despite a long list of changes, the overall presence of the Naos hasn’t changed that much compared to the version I reviewed five years ago. But a closer inspection reveals that a lot of things have been optimized. The immediate standouts are the thinner case and the upgraded caliber. The latter is an immediate visual change as well thanks to its colorful finish and black rotor. It’s time to unpack what Sternglas has been up to regarding the Naos Pro Automatik.
The story of the Naos Pro Automatik
Before we get into the details of the new watch, let me first clarify how this new watch fits into the collection. The Naos series is heavily inspired by the famous Bauhaus School of Design. It features several quartz and automatic versions, all of which (except for a bronze one) sell for less than €400. This new Pro version is not a replacement for the regular models. Rather, the optimized and improved version of the Naos Automatik model is an addition to the lineup.
The two new Naos Pro Automatik models (right and left) and the regular Naos Automatik (center)
The premium version of the Naos has a 38mm stainless steel case that is 11mm thick. That is a substantial improvement compared to the 12mm thickness of the regular Naos Automatik. The lug-to-lug measurement is also slightly different, with the regular model measuring 43mm long versus 42.4mm for the Pro version. Besides the slimmer and slightly shorter dimensions, Sternglas also opted for a different finish.
The new Naos Pro case (top) versus the regular Naos case (bottom)
This time, the case gets a more premium feel with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The most significant change is a brushed mid-case, whereas the regular version has an all-polished case. Additionally, the shape of the case sides is slightly different, which allows for a nicer placement of the larger crown.
Overall, the round case with its straight lugs feels slimmer and much more balanced, so it’s a big improvement over the regular model’s case.
Sternglas redesigned the dial of the Naos
Sternglas offers two dials for the Naos Pro Automatik. The first is an Alabaster (sand-colored) one with black markings, and the second is the Anthracite version with white markings. But if you take a closer look, you will see that it’s not just about the new colors.
The designers also completely revamped the dials. The minimalist principle is the same, but the lines and numerals for the even hours are thicker and lose the “0” in front of the numerals before 10 o’clock. Additionally, the markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock feature a lume dot that lights up in the dark.
The date window has also increased in size and now has a nice steel frame around it for some extra detail. If all that was not enough, instead of pointed stick hands, the watch now has wider pencil-style hands filled with lume for legibility in the dark.
The hands on the Alabaster-dial version are black, and the lume is light green. It’s a combination of colors that is easy on the eyes. The Anthracite version’s dial has contrasting orange lume dots on the dial, blue lume on the white hands, and a bright red seconds hand. With all of the aesthetic updates, the Naos Pro Automatik’s dial has a better visual balance and a much more premium feel.
A special “Gilt” version of the Miyota 9215
Turning the watch around only emphasizes that premium feel. The first 400 pieces of the Alabaster version and 300 pieces of the Anthracite version of the Naos Pro Automatik come with a special “Gilt” version of the Miyota 9015 caliber fitted with a black PVD rotor. The later ones will feature a regular version of the same movement, which is still a step up from the Miyota 8215 that powers the regular Naos Automatik. The Miyota 9015 is an automatic movement that operates at 28,800vph, has 24 jewels, and offers a 42-hour power reserve.
The special execution of the movement certainly adds a little visual pizzazz to a fairly common caliber. With an accuracy of -10/+30 seconds per day, the numbers are not for people who are sticklers for accuracy. Nevertheless, they are an improvement over the Miyota 8215’s standard of -20/+40 seconds per day. As you can see, the movement’s finishing is pretty straightforward and industrial. However, the contrasting colors add plenty of visual attraction for the fans of the Naos.
Wearing the Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik
We received both dial versions of the Naos Pro Automatik with leather straps and also tried the watches on the brand’s optional five-row bracelet. I prefer the leather straps because they suit the minimalist designs better than the bracelet.
The bracelet feels well made, but while I do feel it has the right style, it looks way too chunky and wide for the watch. The lack of a nice taper means it lacks the refinement the Naos Pro deserves. With the watch’s nicely redesigned dial and especially the thinner case, the same elegance would have been nice for the bracelet.
The tapering leather straps offer that stylistic elegance, which is why they suit the Naos Pro Automatik much better. The case’s profile immediately stands out once you strap the watch to your wrist. That’s exactly what you want from a Bauhaus-style watch, and it’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 is a lot of emptiness in the dial, and if it’s too small, it becomes difficult to wear because the refined design makes the watch look visually even smaller. But the Sternglass designers hit the nail on the head with this new watch.
There is no right or wrong, just a preference
One other big improvement is the size of the crown. It is now both wider and thicker, so it looks a lot better head-on. Operating the push/pull crown is easy, as you would expect. Pulling it out to the first position allows you to change the date by turning it clockwise. If you pull the crown out to the second position, you can adjust the time. As the Miyota 9000 series is the company’s premium offering, it feels much sturdier and more precise than the cheaper calibers in the 8000 series.
As a fan of the minimalist Bauhaus style, my preference in terms of dials goes to the sand-colored Alabaster version. It represents what I find exciting about the design style. Although I certainly understand the visual attraction of the Anthracite version with its little hints of color, the more purist take on the style is where my heart is.
The leather straps that Sternglas uses are quite nice. Though they are a little stiff at first, they break in quickly, and then it’s smooth sailing. Switching between different straps and the bracelet is easy thanks to the quick-release pins.
Final thoughts on the Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik
Overall, it’s hard to fault the new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik on anything. If you are a fan of the brand and/or Bauhaus-style watches, then this new Naos Pro Automatik is a great option. At €699 on one of the leather straps and €749 on the bracelet, these new Pro models are a step up in price compared to the regular Naos Automatik. But I have to say that you also get a seriously better watch.
Sternglas did everything in its power to ensure every detail was improved. I love the effort the brand put into listening to its fans and translating their feedback into a better product. While it is a step up in price, making the Naos Pro Automatik the most expensive watch in the current collection, I feel that it also justifies that position.
It is the best watch that I have handled from the German brand. The Naos Pro Automatik is slimmer and nicely redesigned, it has better finishing, and it feels more premium. If you are in the market for a minimalist Bauhaus-style watch, this is probably your best option out there for the price. Kudos to Sternglas for bringing this new Naos Pro Automatik to life!
For more information, visit the official Sternglas website. In the comments section, let us know your thoughts on these new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik models.
This article is a collaboration between Fratello and Sternglas. Learn more.
