Roland Schwertner is a German entrepreneur and the founder of Nomos Glashutte, a watchmaking company that has become a significant figure in the revival of the German horological tradition. Born in Dusseldorf, Schwertner built a professional background as an IT consultant and photographer before entering the watch industry. His career path took a decisive turn following the fall of the Berlin Wall, an event that opened new opportunities for industrial development in the historic watchmaking town of Glashutte, Saxony.

In January 1990, just two months after the border opened, Schwertner founded Nomos Glashutte. He chose the name Nomos, Greek for law or rule, after discovering it in historical records of the town. Schwertner’s vision was to establish an independent manufacture that combined traditional mechanical precision with modern, minimalist design. Working from a rented apartment with only three watchmakers, he collaborated with designer Susanne Gunther to develop the brand’s first collection. This initial range, launched in 1992, featured four models that remain central to the brand today: the Tangente, Orion, Ludwig, and Tetra.

Schwertner’s leadership has been characterized by a commitment to design and technical independence. Influenced by the principles of the Deutscher Werkbund and the Bauhaus movement, he focused on creating functional, high-quality timepieces at accessible price points. Under his guidance, the brand transitioned from using Swiss-sourced movements to developing its own in-house calibers. A major milestone in this effort was the 2005 release of the Alpha movement, followed by the 2014 introduction of the Nomos Swing System, a proprietary escapement that allowed the company to achieve complete independence from Swiss suppliers.

Throughout the growth of Nomos Glashutte, Schwertner has maintained the brand’s status as an independent, owner-operated business. He established a unique organizational structure with watchmaking operations based in Glashutte and design and branding efforts centered in Berlin through the subsidiary Berlinerblau. This dual-site approach has helped the brand earn over 150 international awards for design and quality. Today, Roland Schwertner remains a key figure in the company, serving as its head of sales and ensuring that Nomos Glashutte continues to produce timepieces that are nearly 95% manufactured locally, upholding the protected designation of origin for the Glashutte region.