
Nomos Glashütte
Tangente 38
Ref. 139
New Price
$2k–$2k
Pre-owned: $1k–$2k
Comparing the Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 ($2k–$2k, 30m WR, 37.5mm) against the Seiko Presage SPB165 ($650–$800, 100m WR, 40.2mm) — specs, movement, community votes, and an expert verdict below. The Seiko Presage SPB165 is the more affordable option by $1k.
Our Verdict
Too Close to Call
Both the Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 and Seiko Presage SPB165 are excellent choices — the winner depends on your priorities, budget, and style preference.
Complete head-to-head comparison

Nomos Glashütte
Ref. 139
New Price
$2k–$2k
Pre-owned: $1k–$2k

Seiko
Ref. SPB165J1
New Price
$650–$800
Pre-owned: $500–$700
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Visit Seiko Pillar Page →Seiko Presage SPB165 is the value winner at $650–$800 — over 50% cheaper than the Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 ($2k–$2k). Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 offers manual craftsmanship; Seiko Presage SPB165 runs quartz for higher accuracy and lower maintenance. Seiko Presage SPB165 edges ahead on water resistance: 100m vs 30m.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 offers a more compact size and costs more new. The Seiko Presage SPB165 excels in water resistance. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.
The Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 retails for $2k–$2k, while the Seiko Presage SPB165 is priced at $650–$800. Pre-owned, expect $1k–$2k and $500–$700 respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.
The Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 has a 37.5mm case diameter with 6.9mm thickness, while the Seiko Presage SPB165 measures 40.2mm × 11.6mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 44mm and 47mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.
The Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 is water-resistant to 30m, while the Seiko Presage SPB165 offers 100m. Both are suitable for swimming and snorkeling at their respective depths. For professional diving, verify the rating exceeds 300m and includes a screw-down crown.
The Nomos Glashütte Tangente 38 uses a manual Alpha with 43 hours power reserve. The Seiko Presage SPB165 features a automatic 6R35 with 70 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.
Nomos Glashütte and Seiko both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $1k–$2k for the Tangente 38 and $500–$700 for the Presage SPB165. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.
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