When the Senator Sixties first came out, Glashutte Original put it in a relatively small (for me) 39mm wide case. Since then it has been rendered in an impressive number of versions. There have been chronograph models as well as the Senator Sixties Square in a cushion case. The collection may have been topped with the Glashutte Original Senator Sixties Square Tourbillon (hands-on). For 2013, the Senator Sixties gets a lovely Panorama Date (Glashutte Original’s name for a big date complication) version in a 42mm wide case. Now we are talking more my style.
Neighboring watch brand in Glashutte, A. Lange & Sohne, developed the big date complication in the 1990s. They called it an “outsize date.” Since then it has been a hallmark of the region, and I like that Glashutte Original focuses on it so much. Many of the brand’s older models with a big date complication had it floating near 4 o’clock on the dial, offering an asymmetric look. More recently, Glashutte Original has moved to this layout, that on simple three-hand dials, puts the “Panorama Date” complication neatly in the middle of the dial over 6 o’clock. This symmetrical layout offers what is in my opinion a more attractive design.
At 42mm wide in steel, the size of the “dressier” watch is perfect for me. I feel that given the more avant garde dial, the large case size is beneficial for the design of the watch. Though if you prefer a smaller size, the 39mm wide Senator Sixties is still available. Of course this metallic blue dial is by far my favorite of the available dials for the watch. Other options include a white dial with rose gold colored hour indicators and hands, or a black dial. I also understand that the hands on the watch are in 18k white gold. A great and retro detail is the domed nature of the dial, which the hands follow. I love that.
It is worth noting that even though the 39mm wide version also has a blue dial, the blue seems to be a bit different. I compared the two next to each other and it looks like Glashutte Original improved the color for this 42mm wide Panorama Date model. The previous version seems to be a bit more purplish. Legibility is very good on the dial, and everything is easy to read. I am a fan of thin hands and applied baton hour markers, so this is clearly a dial I enjoy reading. Lume? Yes, there is some, but not a huge amount. Thin strips of SuperLumiNova are applied to the hands and as small points on the outside of the hour markers.
Inside the Senator Sixties Panorama Date is the Glashutte Original caliber 39-47 automatic movement. It has about 40 hours of power reserve operating at 28,800 bph and is visible through the sapphire crystal case back window. The rotor has a 21k gold weight on it. It is nice to see the movement through the domed crystal on the rear of the watch. Another sapphire crystal is placed over the dial, and is curved to mimic the look of vintage acrylic crystals. Case is only water resistant to 30 meters though. How about brands shoot for at least 50 meters when it comes to watches that only have a single crown and no pushers? Not a big deal though, just murmurings of a crazed watch lover talking.
To complement the blue dial, Glashutte Original has matched the Senator Sixties Panorama Date watch blue dial with a high quality blue alligator strap. That look goes well together. Retail price for the Senator Sixties Panorama Date ref. 39-47-01-02-04 watch is $9,200. glashuette-original.com
