Upgrades to the Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik make it a certified Bauhaus beauty
Buffy AcaciaEven though it can trace its origins to a single building, the Bauhaus movement has had a far-reaching influence on art and product design globally. It’s really about communication, allowing the visual aspects to inform a product’s function intuitively, but still being aesthetically pleasing. The Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik is a perfect example of clean-cut Bauhaus style that’s both engaging and calming, and its recent improvements take it to new heights.
The case
Watch cases instantly tell you what kind of watch you’re dealing with before you even get to the dial, and the Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik knows it. If the watch’s function is mainly dealt with on the dial, then the case should serve to bring the dial more attention. The case is relatively demure at 38mm, however the slender, polished bezel gives the dial as much room as possible to expand. That helps to make the watch feel bigger, even if it suits a small wrist comfortably. The petite lugs achieve this too, reaching just 42mm from lug-to-lug.
If you hadn’t guessed from the name, the Naos Pro is actually an update to the previous Naos Automatik model. Most of the immediately obvious changes have to do with the dial, but the case has also been significantly slimmed down to a height of 9mm, excluding the domed sapphire crystal. That’s really what brings the new Naos Pro into dressy territory, as the last version was a bit too chunky too feel totally elegant at 12mm. The case is 50 metres water-resistant, so it’s not recommended for swimming, but you won’t need to be worried about the occasional splash or accident.
The dial
Bauhaus is often conflated with minimalism, and although the two share some aspects, the minimalist trap is that “less is more”. The Bauhaus philosophy does in fact allow for intricate designs, and even asymmetrical ones, as long as every piece has its reasons for being there. The dial of the Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik knows exactly where to lead your eye using the smallest of details. Hour markers use elongated printed markings, with Arabic numerals at the even intervals to quickly distinguish them at a glance. The quarters are punctuated by little luminous dots for added orientation, and there’s a date window neatly framed above 6 o’clock.
Two dial variants are available for the Naos Pro, and they do have substantially different personalities. The Alabaster Silver version is a lovely tone of beige with a soft, matte texture and accented with apple-green luminous paint. That’s probably what you’ll want if your tastes are quite traditional. The Anthracite Silver dial, aside from being a little bit contradictory, uses its charcoal background to make the deep blue lume in the hands pop, orange-ish dots at the quarters, and the bright red seconds hand. It’s somehow more stern and more playful at the same time, and can be versatile for smart or casual situations.
The movement
In choosing the Miyota 9015, Sternglas has made a notable improvement on the previous Naos watch’s calibre 8215. This movement from the Japanese company’s premium line is much slimmer, allowing the Naos Pro to achieve its meagre height. It’s also specced with a 4Hz beat rate for a smooth seconds sweep, and a 42-hour power reserve which is wound automatically. The accuracy is rated at -10/+30 seconds per day, but most results are well within the extremities. The movement is visible through an exhibition caseback, showing off the customised black PVD rotor with a golden Sternglas logo.
The strap
Three options have been made available for either reference of the Sternglas Naos Pro Automatic, offering ample choice for your particular style. Matte calfskin leather straps with side stitching can be chosen in brown or black colours, with matching stitching colours. There’s also a five-link stainless steel bracelet with brushed links for a more utilitarian vibe, however the lack of fitted end-links might be discouraging to some detail-oriented enthusiasts. In any case, the 20mm lug width also affords you plenty of aftermarket options to explore, perhaps aiming to accentuate the luminous colours more.
The verdict
As an upgrade to the previous Sternglas Naos, it’s clear that this small German brand has had its ear to the ground. Not only has consumer feedback been recognised and reflected in the new design, but elements like the dial texture and the colourful lume really give it more unique character. It represents the creative spirit of Bauhaus much better than sticking to minimal, thin lines, and the technical upgrades with the slim proportions and higher-class movement more than justify its slight price bump.
Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik pricing and availability
The Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik is now available from Sternglas’ website. Price: US$779 (leather), US$799 (bracelet)
| Brand | Sternglas |
| Model | Naos Pro Automatik |
| Reference | S02-NP26 S02-NP11 |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 9mm (T excluding glass) x 42mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | Alabaster Silver and Anthracite Silver |
| Strap | Black or brown calfskin leather Five-link stainless steel bracelet |
| Movement | Miyota 9015, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | US$779 (strap) US$799 (bracelet) |