Back in 2014, Glashütte Original announced the development and release of their caliber 37 in-house column-wheel, automatic flyback chronograph movement. It was a significant achievement for the German watchmaker and though initially offered in only platinum or red gold, the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date watch which featured this movement will now be released in stainless steel for Baselworld 2017. While many of GO’s offerings can be seen as quite dressy, this new variant serves up an unmistakably sporty look that takes the collection into some new visual territory. Ultimately, this watch presents a dressed down version that, while far from affordable, is about half the cost of the $32,000 gold models. To show that they’re not kidding, there’s even a rubber strap version available – so hang onto your monocles!
The Rose Gold model
Aside from the stylistic changes from the highly traditional, pocketwatch-inspired gold models, this version also delivers many of the same features the original models are known for but in a package that is far more suitable for daily wear. Much of this is also due to the new variety of bracelet and rubber strap options Glashütte Original offers with the timepiece. The difference in the hands, use of indices rather than Roman numerals (other than at 12 and 6 o’clock), the blue lume, and black dial all make for a casual wear watch that isn’t quite so stuffy.
The case of the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date watch is 42mm in diameter with brushed sides and polished surfaces along the bezel as well as the top of the lugs. Unlike the previous models in platinum and red gold, this version features a deep black dial which contrasts starkly with the white gold hour, minute, and stop seconds hands. Pair it with an impressive application of blue Super-LumiNova and you’ve got yourself a truly sporty chronograph. In many ways, it’s a color scheme that simply serves to promote legibility while showcasing the established layout of the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date.
A true column-wheel-controlled flyback chronograph, the caliber 37-01 beats at 4Hz with indications for running seconds, a 30-minute counter, and a 12-hour counter. We have a power reserve indicator integrated into the running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock and a distinct central chronograph seconds hand with a snappy flyback feature operated by the reset button. At 6 o’clock, you’ll find the unique Panorama Date indication, which showcases a bold and digital date display that also maintains the symmetry of the dial layout.
When fully wound, the automatic caliber 37-01 provides a serious 70 hours of power reserve, something I probably wouldn’t worry too much about as I honestly doubt I’d actually keep the watch off my wrist long enough to test it. It’s also worth noting that Glashütte Original claims to have included a new oscillation system, which effectively guarantees no deviations within the 70-hour range. As with the earlier models, everything is operated through the prominent pushers, which are accompanied by a new screw-down crown that increases water-resistance to 100 meters.
For years, I’ve found myself attracted to the Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar but always considered it a bit too formal for my taste, and the original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date models with their precious metal cases just commanded too high of a price tag for me to even dream about. The steel case, sporty styling, and inclusion of an impressive movement together go a long way in increasing my interest in the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date.
The purposeful feel of a black-dial stainless steel chronograph is particularly attractive when considering all the releases from brands that are, unfortunately, limited to only precious metals – something that just never sat well with me as an enthusiast. With that said, I can’t wait to see more of this watch in the coming weeks. This version of the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in stainless steel will retail for $16,400 on the bracelet. If you opt for the alligator leather strap with blue stitching or the rubber strap, pricing will be $14,600 with the pin buckle option and $14,900 with a clasp. glashuette-original.com
