Happy birthday to one of my favourite brands ever! Glashütte Original commemorated 180 years of fine German watchmaking with an intimate lunch event in Sydney.
Long-time readers (or friends who skim my articles with no idea what’s going on) may recognise that I talk about Glashütte Original a lot. Yeah, it’s true; I do mention them often, but not without good reason. The Swatch Group brand has earned a reputation as part of a colloquial ‘big three’ of German watchmakers. Also a part of the trifecta is A. Lange & Söhne, while the third spot is up for constant debate.
However, their commitment to heritage, watch design, manufacturing, and relative accessibility in the luxury market is unparalleled. I had the privilege of seeing this first hand when I visited their manufactory and the Deutsches Uhrenmuseum in the town of Glashütte earlier in the Euro Summer.
All in all, I had high expectations for my time in the manufactory and museum, and both still managed to blow my mind. As it turns out, the love and appreciation wasn’t one-sided. Not too long ago, Glashütte Original invited Watch Advice to help mark its 180th anniversary. So, without hesitation, Chamath and I geared up and travelled to Sydney to be part of this momentous occasion.
Leaving the muggy humidity of Brisbane once more, I made my way to Paddington, where Glashütte Original had generously arranged an overnight stay for me at the Oxford House hotel. After dropping off my bags, I caught the next bus down the road and stepped through the doors of Hotel Centennial. A Woollahra institution, it served as the ideal setting for the occasion.
Following the professional staff, I was escorted to an intimate private area where the day’s proceedings were set to take place. While socialising with the other guests, I took a moment to notice the room, decorated with flowers, framed screens depicting natural scenes, and various adornments, including books from Porzellan-Manufaktur MEISSEN.
Originating from the Saxon town of the same name, MEISSEN is renowned for its exceptional dedication to porcelain manufacturing. Since its founding in 1710 by Augustus the Strong, it has become one of the most reputable porcelain artisans outside of the East.
MEISSEN’s involvement in the celebration makes perfect sense, given its long-time collaboration with Glashütte Original. This partnership between two masters of their respective crafts first began in 2018 and resurfaced again this year. Their joint effort, the Senator Meissen collection, held a prominent place among the decorations. Only two of the three pieces in the collection were present, but the third was missing for good reason. As Swatch Group Regional Brand Manager Kenneth Tan told me, the final piece had completely sold out.
Eventually, we all gathered around the large square table to enjoy a four-course menu curated by Hotel Centennial. The exceptional meal was crafted under the oversight of Ben Greeno, Executive Chef of Merivale, who has had a hand in both the multi-hyphenate venue The Paddington and Hotel Centennial. The selection, with its focus on Mediterranean flavours and seasonal produce, reflected both the restaurant’s theme and Greeno’s extensive culinary know-how.
His résumé includes time spent in France and Denmark, along with a stint as a sous-chef at the legendary Danish restaurant Noma. Perhaps someone should ask him what he thinks of Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto, though I’m sure someone has made that connection long before I did.
Throughout the lunch, Kenneth caught our attention with stories of Glashütte Original and Porzellan-Manufaktur MEISSEN. Much of Glashütte Original’s history I already knew from my time with them, but I was enthralled to learn more about the inner workings of Meissen and how the collaboration eventually came to be.
One interesting fact I learned was that MEISSEN logo, depicting two crossed swords, is one of the oldest trademarks in the world. Remaining unchanged since 1710, it appears at the six o’clock position on both porcelain timepieces displayed at the event.
However, all good things must come to an end, though not without one final twist. Kenneth stood up once more, but not to address the room. Instead, he approached me directly with a smile, an envelope in hand. As it turns out, both Kenneth and the Glashütte Original team wished to express their gratitude for my time in Germany.
And in the envelope? A letter, addressed to me and personally signed by CEO Roland von Keith. I was floored; the honour completely blew me away, and in my shock I had very few words. After a moment, I gathered myself and managed to reply, “I was only doing what I love.”
Once again, the appreciation between us wasn’t one-sided. They had taken time out of their day to personally tell me they were grateful for my visit, while I was deeply grateful for theirs. It was a moving, surreal moment, and one I’ll carry with me for as long as time allows.
Although I planned to spend the next day exploring Sydney, I doubted anything I saw would top the experience I’d just shared with Glashütte Original at Hotel Centennial. Massive thank-you’s are in order: to Glashütte Original, to MEISSEN, to Hotel Centennial, to Oxford House, to Kenneth, Alessia, Melissa, and Watch Advice. But most importantly of all, I thank you, the reader, for making times like these possible.
For more on both Glashütte Original and MEISSEN, head to Glashuette-Original.com
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