In their latest addition to their retro-modern Seventies line, Glashütte Original have debuted yet another set of limited models! This time, they look to bring the colours of the future to the designs of the past.
Glashütte Original is certainly one of the most underrated brands in the modern watch landscape. Sure, I’ve said that about plenty of brands, but the German watchmaker is undeniably one that fits the bill – especially considering how long they’ve been around. Founded in 1845 by a veritable who’s who of German icons, Glashütte Original represents the continuation of the efforts of every watchmaker to have passed through its namesake town. Though the famous watchmakers who contributed to the brand eventually went on to become household names in their own right, the Original remains the one true successor to remarkable German watchmaking.
Over the years, they’ve become renowned for their variety of designs, deep and versatile catalogue, and their accessibility relative to the dizzying levels of craftsmanship on offer. From ornate dress pieces to robust diving watches, there’s likely a Glashütte Original for every type of enthusiast. One of the more esoteric collections in the Swatch Group brand’s roster is the Seventies line, which pays tribute to the designs of that decade. With a TV-shaped tonneau case that was commonplace in the era, the Seventies collection debuted in 2011 to significant acclaim. The flagship model, the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date, capitalised on its distinctive charm to experiment both aesthetically and horologically.
This year, that spirit of disruption continues with the release of new Glashütte Original models. While North American fans of the Saxon brand enjoyed their own limited edition of the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date, Glashütte Original wasn’t content to let them have all the fun. The brand has now unveiled two new references available to all, both of which double down on their commitment to playful design and exceptional engineering.
The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date collection measures 40mm in case diameter, 50.6mm lug-to-lug, and 14.1mm thick. It’s certainly a watch designed with larger wrists in mind, a perception enhanced by its square shape. Square watches like these tend to wear noticeably larger than the average timepiece, so it’s worth keeping that in mind. However, both the strap and bracelet options for the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date are exceptional in their own right – the latter even featuring a micro-adjustment clasp – so achieving the perfect fit shouldn’t be an issue. Compounded by a screw-down crown and 100m of water resistance, the collection is as versatile and as hardy as any modern piece should be.
Limited to 100 pieces each, the two new references arrive in distinctive colourways befitting their exclusivity. You can choose between the ‘Plasma’ purple dial or the ‘Fusion’ lime green dial. Both colours are designed to evoke the bright neon lights of a futuristic aesthetic, reminiscent of fictional works like Blade Runner or Cyberpunk 2077. Shimmering at various angles, the matte lacquer dials bring these visions of the near future into the present. Complementing the vibrant colours are galvanic black accents, which decorate the chronograph registers and the Panorama Date window at the six o’clock position.
Turning the watch over, the futuristic colours give way to Glashütte Original’s storied and refined expertise in the world of watchmaking. This is showcased through the in-house Calibre 37-02, most commonly found in the Seventies line. Beautifully finished along every facet, the movement beats at the luxury-standard 4Hz (28,800VpH) and is supported by a 70-hour power reserve. That’s only half the story, however, as the Cal. 37-02 has a few clever tricks up its sleeve.
Naturally, the chronograph function is the most apparent, though its layout breaks from tradition by positioning the registers at three o’clock and twelve o’clock respectively. The arched cut-out just beneath the Glashütte Original typeface is actually the twelve-hour register. Discreetly integrated into the nine o’clock small seconds subdial is the power reserve indicator – a handy feature for those who rotate their watches in and out of regular wear. Finally, the Panorama Date complication sits proudly at the bottom – a spectacular mechanism in its own right, and a rarity to see outside of watchmakers from the small town of Glashütte.
My Thoughts
Everyone has their own preference when it comes to watch styling. Most people find the round watch most appealing, while others may opt for rectangular pieces or other shapes. The TV-shaped case, however, is typically considered something of an oddity in the watch world. Its quirky, retro form has left many a beginner watch enthusiast scratching their heads, wondering if it’s truly for them.
But while beauty is almost always in the eye of the beholder in this industry, when something as unusual as the TV-shaped dial is executed to an exceptional standard, it’s hard not to respect it. This is certainly the case with the Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date ‘Plasma’ and ‘Fusion’ models. It takes courage to double down on such experimental aesthetics and technology, yet the Saxons pull it off brilliantly – creating two retro-funk timepieces that still wouldn’t feel out of place in a modern collection. While some watch brands constantly attempt to sidestep tradition in the pursuit of contemporary design, Glashütte Original simply looks to its own past to find what’s worth keeping in rotation. After all, if you don’t celebrate the past, “all those moments will be lost in time… like tears in rain.“
References:
- Plasma Dial: 1-37-02-20-02′-70′ (Bracelet) / ‘-63’ (Rubber)
- Fusion Dial: 1-37-02-19-02′-70′ (Bracelet) / ‘-63’ (Rubber)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 40mm case diameter x 50.3mm lug-to-lug x 14.1mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Matte Plasma (Purple)/Fusion (Lime Green) lacquer with galvanic black accents
- Movement: Automatic Cal. 37-02 with flyback chronograph (30min, scrolling 12h registers), power reserve, small seconds, & Panorama Date complications
- Power Reserve: 70h
- Beat Rate: 4Hz (28,800VpH)
- Water Resistance: 100m (10bar)
- Strap: Steel bracelet with micro-adjustable folding clasp / Black rubber strap with fold-over pin & buckle clasp