Evoking the spirit of the 60s once more, Glashütte Original has released a 2026 edition of their premium Sixties Chronograph in a royal purple tone.
The style of German watchmaking has become ubiquitous and recognisable across the watch world. Sleek lines, muted colours, and pragmatic yet refined functions have become the region’s defining traits. They contrast with the flamboyance of the Italians or the romantic artistry of the French, while blending with both cultures within Switzerland’s own manufactures.
But while much of German design can be pigeonholed into familiar stereotypes, the same cannot be said for the Glashütte Original Sixties. Introduced in the early 2000s, the collection has become one of the brand’s most disruptive responses to Germanic horological philosophies.
Pops of colour and hyper-stylised forms have long defined the Sixties, with this year being no different. As part of what has become an annual tradition, Glashütte Original has introduced its latest Sixties: a chronograph with a vibrant purple-violet dial.
A Fun Fit
Measuring 42mm in diameter, 48.5mm lug-to-lug, and 12.4mm thick, the Glashütte Original Sixties Chronograph 2026 Annual Edition is a stylish new take on an already dynamic design. The stainless steel proportions remain consistent with previous Sixties Chronograph models. Despite the 42mm diameter, the relatively short lugs and compact lug-to-lug measurement help moderate wrist presence, allowing it to wear smaller than the dimensions suggest.
Designed to balance its heritage inspiration with more modern sensibilities, the case features a fully polished finish with soft transitions between surfaces, a slim bezel that maximises dial exposure, and a domed sapphire crystal. Despite its compact dimensions, the crystal and slim bezel allow for a more expansive dial presence, making it appear larger than its actual footprint.
The contemporary-heritage balance continues with the strap of choice: a black synthetic fabric with a steel pin buckle. While some have lamented the use of fabric over more premium leather, it does dress the watch down significantly, pushing it towards more casual wear. It’s an important restraint given the radiance of the dial. Finally, water resistance is rated to 30m, which essentially means it is suited to everyday exposure rather than any serious aquatic use.
Smoke On The Water
But the wearability of the watch is merely a footnote in the presence of such a bold purple dial. According to Glashütte Original, the colour choice draws inspiration from the 1960s, a decade in which vivid purples became a recurring motif in music culture. Think Deep Purple, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and B.B. King’s King Of The Blues, among countless others that embraced such a striking visual identity.
The dial is stamped from a bronze plate, with finishing on the subdials reminiscent of vinyl records. The surface is then treated with a layer of galvanic gold, over which translucent purple lacquer is hand-applied to achieve the Sixties’ signature hue.
After firing, white text is printed on top. The indices, rather than being applied, are engraved into the lacquered surface, revealing the warm bronze tone beneath. This contrasts with the surrounding purple and is matched by a pair of baton hands.
Only The Greatest From Glashütte
Powering the Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition is the automatic Calibre 39-34, operating at 4Hz (28,800VpH) and delivering a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The movement is based on Glashütte Original’s Calibre 39 architecture and incorporates a Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module, maintaining reliability and functional robustness within a modular system.
Visible through a sapphire caseback, the Cal. 39-34 is finished with the traditional Saxon decorations, including a three-quarter plate adorned with Glashütte stripes, polished bevelled edges, and blued screws.
A swan-neck fine adjustment regulator crafted in steel provides precision tuning, while the rotor features a 21k gold peripheral weight and alternating decorative finishes on the double-G motif. Finally, finishing is executed through a combination of machine-assisted and hand-applied techniques, reflecting the brand’s hybrid manufacturing philosophy.
Initial Thoughts
I’ve always appreciated how Glashütte Original approaches its design language. While this is partly personal bias, the Sixties line stands out as a deliberate juxtaposition to the seriousness that typically surrounds German watchmaking.
The new Sixties Chronograph 2026 Annual Edition continues that tradition, not as an exercise in preserving heritage for its own sake, but simply because it is enjoyable and the brand clearly takes pride in it.
Furthermore, annual editions are a strong idea, arguably more compelling than strictly limited runs. It’s surprising that more brands do not adopt the approach, as it allows prospective buyers to acquire a model that becomes unique by virtue of time rather than artificial scarcity.
It also gives Glashütte Original flexibility to refine and redevelop the watch in future years if better movements or methods arise. In that sense, from design to mechanics to business practice, the new Sixties Chronograph sets a strong example and a high standard for the watch industry moving forward.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | 1-39-34-08-22-04 |
| Dimensions | 42mm case diameter x 48.5mm lug-to-lug x 12.4mm thickness |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Translucent purple lacquer with embossed finish & gold accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. 39-34 with chronograph (30min register) complications |
| Power Reserve | 40h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 30m / 3bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Black fabric strap with steel pin buckle |