Baselworld 2016 is approaching, and it’s high time for the eager, pre-show novelties to start making the rounds. Leading the salvo of announcements is the forthcoming Mühle-Glashütte 29er Zeigerdatum (“Pointer Date”) watch – a sporty and highly legible, yet classical seafaring instrument that embodies the clean design language and nautical spirit that we’ve come to appreciate with every Mühle-Glashütte watch.

When it comes to German-made watches at this price point, the gleefully overbuilt Sinn, or the proudly minimalist Nomos are usually at the forefront of the conversation. But the Mühle-Glashütte 29er Zeigerdatum – and to a greater extent, the brand as a whole – seems to exist between the two, balancing thoughtful movement innovations and subtle design flourishes with rugged case construction and highly legible dials that collectively lack the austerity characterized by many German watches.

The Mühle-Glashütte 29er Zeigerdatum joins Mühle-Glashütte’s 29er series; a collection of relatively simple, do-it-all watches that get their name from the equally versatile “29er” style of sailboats, which are known for sharing similar sail and hull characteristics. The Mühle-Glashütte 29er Zeigerdatum revisits the familiar marine clock dial execution of the Mühle-Glashütte M29 Classic, whose  design inspiration was drawn from one of Mühle’s other businesses – nautical instruments, like ships’ chronometers, tide clocks, thermometers, and barometers. Of course, as its translated name would imply, the Mühle-Glashütte 29er Zeigerdatum offers a twist on the M29 in the form of the Sellita’s own SW 221-1 pointer date movement – a classic complication which replaces the date wheel with a hand whose crescent-shaped “moon” cradles the corresponding date running around the dial’s chapter ring. The 221’s specs mirror the common SW 200, which reliably hums along at 28,800 V/H and keeps a 38-hour power reserve.

In keeping with the nautical theme, that ring exhibits a soft, matte blue finish, which nicely contrasts the luminous hour points, applied stick indices and eggshell white dial. The watch will be available both on the Mühle-Glashütte’s 29er bracelet, or on a navy blue textile strap, lending the watch a sporty edge that’s arguably more in-line with its overall design intent, and befitting of its 100-meter water resistance. Like the rest of the 29er series, the Mühle-Glashütte 29er Zeigerdatum is designed to fit neatly alongside the brands more entry-level pieces. We will update when it becomes available. muhle-glashuette.de