Category: Glashuette Watches

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Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar

From renowned manufacture A. Lange & Söhne to the modern independent brand of NOMOS (and many others), Glashütte in the eastern part of Germany is the birthplace and home to German watchmaking. It is also home to a brand that bears the town’s name in its own name, Glashütte Original. I won’t go into the history of G.O. too much but I highly recommend reading into its history, as its journey to where it is now is quite interesting. Though G.O. manufactures many styles of watches, their Pano line is probably one of their more popular collections, in which I will talk specifically about the Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar in this review.

The watch has a diameter of 40mm, case thickness of 12.7mm, a lug-to-lug of 47mm, and a lug width of 20mm. The measurement that perhaps sticks out the most is its thickness. There is no denying that the PanoMaticLunar is chunky. On the wrist, it has substantial presence. You can view this as either a pro or a con. If you’re after a svelte dress watch that tucks away neatly under a cuff, this may not be the watch for you. However, if you’re after a modern watch that won’t look out of place with a suit and in more casual settings, then its thickness is a plus. It gives off a “sportier” vibe, if you will.
The Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar fits comfortably on my 16cm (6.3″) wrist, though it does appear to be larger than 40mm due to its thin, sculpted bezel. The dial of the watch, though asymmetrical, is very balanced and pleasing to look at. The hour, minute, and seconds are on the left side of the dial and the moonphase and big date located on the right side which creates a sense of harmony and doesn’t jar its wearer into thinking something is askew. The galvanized blue dial shifts from demanding your attention in the sunlight to shying away in the shade. The moonphase display is white and complements the blue dial nicely. Its other party piece (one of many) is its big date. Unlike the big date utilized by A. Lange & Söhne, G.O.’s big date disks lie on the same focal plane. For some, this is a better execution of the big date design. However, I’ve come to find that I actually prefer the execution of the Lange big date disks because it adds a sense of depth to an otherwise flat dial. (Disclaimer: I did replace my PanoMaticLunar for a Lange 1). Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which is the “better” execution but this was my experience in owning both the Lange 1 and the PanoMaticLunar.

When you flip over the watch and you’re treated to a visual feast. The movement is generously decorated with a skeletonized micro-rotor, the famous Glashütte stripes that opens up dimensions with the direction of light, and a hand engraved balance bridge with a double swan neck regulator. The entire movement exhibits high polishing, heated blue screws, and beveled edges. A quick glance at the movement can turn into several minutes staring into the labyrinth (and perhaps an awkward reaction from coworkers asking what you’re doing); it’s that good!
After all that comes the big “but”: …but it looks like a Lange 1. It’s no secret that the Pano collection is inspired by the Lange 1 (I mean, Glashütte Original’s HQ is literally right next to Lange. Wouldn’t you be interested to see what’s going in your neighbour’s backyard too when there’s a commotion?). But I don’t think they should be looked at as an alternative to the Lange 1 for those who can’t afford (or justify) the exorbitant amount of money for one. The concept may be similar but their execution is different. Lange only offers their watches in precious metals. The Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar series comes in stainless steel (as well as PM). Though inspired, the watch is different enough not only in design but in character that it feels like a completely different watch. The Lange stands stern and straight-faced. The GO, more playful. Ever wanted a stainless steel Lange? Glashütte Original.

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Glashütte Original PanoMatic Calendar

 Glashütte Original PanoMaticCalendar  is welcoming a new complication to its high-end luxury collection, the PanoMaticCalendar with an annual calendar mechanism. This premiere is offered in red gold and a limited platinum execution, with 150 pieces manufactured. Both have an unmistakable style and are bond to make the hearts of aficionados beat faster. By definition, the annual calendar complication is a great companion throughout the year, reliably indicating the day, month and date with taking the different lengths into account. It’s only once a year, on March 1st, that the owner has to advance the date.
It goes without saying that the characteristic large date, aptly called “Panorama Date,” and a beautiful moon phase are also aboard. The innovative retrograde display of the month, beneath a sapphire crystal window between 3 and 6 o’clock, perfectly complements the signature asymmetric design.

With the  Glashütte Original PanoMaticCalendar , Glashütte Original also presents a new genuine movement, which celebrates its premiere in two versions at once: as Calibre 92-09 in the unlimited red gold version, and as Calibre 92-10 in the partially skeletonized platinum model. Both movements are rhodium plated and finished to the high standards of this traditional luxury manufacture. The one powering the limited edition is particularly striking; galvanization coats it in an elegant shade of black rhodium. From a technical standpoint,  Glashütte Original PanoMaticCalendar this top-notch movement running at 28,800 vph offers a silicon balance spring unaffected by changes in temperature or magnetic fields, a power reserve of 100 hours. The retrograde month display is particularly refined. It can be easily set, just like the date, via the crown.

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Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama

The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date engenders a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of when platform heels were all the rage and the Mercedes SL Pagoda was the stuff of schoolboy dreams. Recently, Angus Davies was granted the opportunity to spend a few days with this fascinating chronograph.
There comes a point when several sprigs of grey hair appear atop a middle-aged head. It is often at this moment there is a desire to look back at one’s salad days, a period when moments were bathed in optimism and most of life’s journey had yet to be travelled. This is manifest with the number of pop bands from the 80s choosing to do revival tours, engaging with former fans, the so-called fiftysomethings. The overwhelming desire to relive the best years will be familiar to many people of my generation.

In my youth, I lacked the pecuniary means to buy the cars of my dreams. Now, as a ‘mature’ gentleman, I can afford to purchase some of the cars I once craved as a child. The only problem is that such cars often lack the refinements we have grown accustomed to with modern vehicles. For example, drum brakes have been supplanted by disc brakes, cars now have ABS braking and provide superior levels of safety. Put simply, retro styling is often accompanied by out of date technology.

Glashütte Original has looked to the past and produced a range of models imbued with a dose of retro charm. However, where these watches are superior to their vintage forebears is that they also encompass the benefits of modern-day watchmaking. For example, the mainplate and three-quarter plate are made using state of the art CNC machines, capable of milling metal to tolerances of just a few microns. Recently, I had the opportunity to don a tank top and a pair of flares and enjoy some ‘hands-on’ time with the Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date.
Over the last few years, I have worn several timepieces from Glashütte Original and I have never been anything less than impressed. The brand’s dials, made in its own in-house facility, are beautifully executed and the blue vista presented on this version of the Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date proves no exception. Both the sunburst decoration and snailing are subtle and tasteful.
The incorporation of the power-reserve indicator within the lefthand counter and the unusual 12-hour chronograph register, heighten the overall appeal of the dial. However, no elements detract from efficiently imparting the time. Quite simply, the display also proves eminently legible. I am also very fond of the Panorama Date which converses with the wearer intelligibly.

Perhaps it’s a function of my upbringing, but I appreciate products which convey a sense of worth. The Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date has a welcome heft, suggesting a high degree of value. Moreover, wherever you look there are numerous refined details and an overriding sense of quality.

The Manufactory has been at pains to point out that it has adopted a simplified column wheel mechanism. I must be honest, I found the pushpiece feel to be very agreeable and comparable with many other watches featuring a column wheel and lateral clutch or vertical clutch. Furthermore, there are a myriad of additional mechanical refinements which heighten the overall ownership experience.

The TV-style dial/case combination may not be to everyone’s taste, but I love it. The watch embraces retro styling, but incorporates the technical refinements of a modern-day timepiece. Indeed, the best analogy I can think of is a 1970s Mercedes SL Pagoda with ABS, traction control and a satellite navigation system. In my opinion, that sounds like a mouthwatering ownership proposition.

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2022 Glashütte Original SeaQ

When it comes to German watchmaking, there are not many brands that can create excellent dress watches like Glashutte Original SeaQ. With over a hundred years of watchmaking experience, Glashutte Original continuously creates timepieces that exhibit high quality and unparalleled craftsmanship. This brand is most commonly associated with the elegant, classic models from its Senator and Pano series.

While the models in those collections are all impressive in their own right, Glashutte Original SeaQ also has a hand in making versatile dive watches. If you are searching for a stunning modern diver with vintage looks and a reliable movement, have a look at this nifty Spezialist watch – the Glashutte Original SeaQ. Join us on the ride as we check out the specifications of this remarkable German-made dive watch and everything it has to offer.
The Glashutte Original SeaQ is an interesting and unique entrant into the dive watch category. While it may not currently have the history or the following of the Rolex Submariner, it is a nice option at a time where Rolex dive watches are not readily available. In many ways the SeaQ surpasses the Submariner in quality of build.
I was lucky that Glashütte sent me a two-tone SeaQ on nylon strap to wear and review for a week. While I am generally not a huge fan of two-tone watches, the SeaQ offers a toned down two-tone that only displays hints of gold around the bezel and the crown. In my view, the two-tone SeaQ represents one of the best two-tone watches available on the market.

In the stainless steel case, you can really see Glashütte’s attention to detail. While most of the case is brushed, there are polished lines across the edges that add a little bit more sophistication to the piece.
The SeaQ is a 39.5mm watch that wears a little bit smaller. This is due to the lack of crown guard and the slim case, which I prefer. Because of the slim case, definitely slimmer than a Submariner or Sea-Dweller, the SeaQ wears very comfortably and looks good on both larger and smaller wrists.

The blue sunburst dial on the two-tone model is stunning. It is no surprise that Glashütte blue dial offerings for both their two-tone and stainless steel options, given the popularity of the blue dials on the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711 (now discontinued) and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Refs. 15500 and 15202 (among other popular blue dial watches). It will be interesting to see how many buyers there are for a dive watch priced similarly to a Submariner or Sea-Dweller but without the decades of heritage. However, the build quality of the Glashutte Original SeaQ is just as high as Rolex’s dive offerings, make it a great choice for someone who does not have an established relationship with a Rolex AD or is unwilling to pay grey market prices.
Let us dive deep into a full-on analysis on the new Glashutte Original diver’s watch called the SeaQ Panorama Date.

Today we will be taking an up-close-and-personal look at a fantastic dive watch called the Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date. It has some incredible features that make it worthy of a detailed review.

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Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date

The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date is currently the premium option if you’re craving the squared-case and seventies-inspired Seventies collection. Slightly redesigned, finely improved and also offered in two exclusive limited series, including a vivid yellow-dialled model, the new Chronograph Panorama Date epitomizes the brand’s expertise in crafting rugged and refined integrated chronograph movements and works as its flagship in the fiercely-competitive luxury sports segment.
I like its design and believe it’s well-conceived; nonetheless, square cases are often polarizing. The TV Screen inspired case is smoothened, with rounded edges and pushbuttons; yet it’s quintessentially Saxon, as you can tell by the logo, the applied indexes, the font. It measures 40 x 40 mm and sports a 14-millimetre thickness, which proves as a constraint to many enthusiasts who’ll love to wrap a chronograph this refined around their tiny wrist.
By taking a quick look at the dial, you’ll spot all the main functions provided; at six o’clock is the signature Panorama Date; alone, it is a statement that this is a Saxon-made luxury timepiece and a feature you won’t easily find elsewhere. The pleasant, well-organized layout includes three counters, despite looking like a two-register chronograph instead. At twelve, a tiny arch works as a 12-hour counter, while the two oversized central registers elapse, left to right, the running seconds, and the first 30 chronograph minutes. In the running seconds’ counter, you’ll spot the power reserve indicator. The only feature you won’t discover that quickly is the integrated Flyback function.
The blue dial is, as usual, manufactured in the Pforzheim headquarters; as with previous iterations, we’re familiar with the superior Glashütte Original Sixties collection’s craftsmanship, proved by several examples of their mastery in producing unique palettes and patterns. Overall, the execution is top-notch inside and out and flawless.
The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date mechanical movement is a close call to the most demanding and expert watch connoisseur. The 37-02 is an integrated chronograph with a Flyback function, a remarkable 70 hours power reserve, big date complication all encompassed with details and finishes you’ll hardly find in this class of products. The execution includes the Glashütte ribbon-finished bridges, a (fine) swan neck regulating system and a skeletonized rotor with oscillating weight crafted in solid 21-karat gold.
In this regard, the Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date is a class of its own and the only sports chronograph in this price range with such refinement and engineering. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the only letdown is its size; the brand design philosophy is about building solid and long-lasting calibres, which won’t usually come with ultra-slim mechanical movements.
The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date comes in three options; you can choose it with a nubuck leather strap, a more traditional Louisiana alligator leather, a rubber strap or, finally, a steel bracelet. Unfortunately, you’re not offered a quick-change strap; it’s not possible to swap from one to another at the push of a button.

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Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Stainless Steel Green

Glashütte Original’s sophistication meets nature in this SeaQ Panorama Date Green that suggests, through its livery of a sumptuous deep green, how fundamental it is. At a time like the present, when our thoughts turn to sadder subjects, Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Green seems to want to remind us how critical respect for the world around us is – and this timepiece, with its unique features, becomes a perfect testimonial of this mindset.
A watch that is made to withstand the most demanding tests yet exudes an innate elegance: this is the stylistic hallmark of the Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Green. It offers a 300 meter water resistance, and a manufacture 36-13 movement, with 100 hours of power reserve, shown in all its beauty through the visible sapphire crystal case back – the perfect way to showcase the superbly finished Glashütte Original calibres.
The case of this Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Green is large, at 43.2 mm in diameter, but perfectly proportioned to ensure maximum readability, with white indicators, extremely evident thanks to a generous amount of SuperLuminova.

The dial is the most fascinating part of the timepiece and is basked in its deep green colour that seems to fade into black, with a depth effect that recalls a natural element: the ocean. However, it also proves to be surprisingly up-to-date in catching the eye of the beholder even in a meeting room downtown, thanks to the unusual and elegant solution of the Panorama Date placed at four o’clock.
Available with a rubber and fabric strap, or a steel bracelet, the watch is available from March 2022 at Glashütte Original retailers worldwide. If you like the Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Green, you may also be interested in the stunning and unique Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph.

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Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date

The new Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Reed Green delivers more than your typical diver
The diver’s category, pun alert, is already saturated in the watch marketplace. Many of their design cues are quite fixed, as in order to be appealing, as well as meet the demands of the segment, they have to offer certain visual cues and functionality. But, leave it to the Germans to engineer a diver that delivers much of what we already love about a solid dive watch with distinct twists to separate it from the herd. Glashütte Original made headlines when they first introduced the SeaQ Panorama Date, bringing their signature Panorama Date window to a sports watch. Its smaller sibling, the SeaQ, has already been introduced in their attractive reed green shade. Today, the SeaQ Panorama Date joins in on the green party with the new Glashütte Original Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Reed Green. Divers are typically utility-driven in design, so it makes sense that Glashütte Original opted to primarily brush the stainless-steel case. The front of the case has a rich concentric brush, and the case flanks a linear brush, but a hint of polish is injected through the bevelled shoulders of the lugs. The geometry is quite faceted, with the lugs squared off and the case almost completely flat where the strap or bracelet meets the case. A contentious aspect of this collection, depending on your wrist size and preference, is its larger size. The SeaQ Panorama Date clocks in at 43.2mm in diameter, 15.65mm thick, so, for reference, it is a millimetre wider than an Omega Seamaster 300M and around two millimetres thicker. But, the SeaQ Panorama Date carries a lug-to-lug of 51.5mm, 1.5mm more than the Seamaster, so as far as a 43.2mm watch goes it remans rather reasonable across the wrist. My wrist is not much more than 6 inches in circumference, and I consider 50mm to be my personal upper limit, so the reality is that the average wrist can comfortably sport this 300m water-resistant diver, with a screw-down crown I should add, without issue. Framing the dial is a well-knurled and ceramic inlaid bezel, with a full timing scale, that detents every half-minute in its uni-directional rotation. Visually speaking, the dial of the SeaQ Panorama Date stands out from other divers we see with large and legible alternating applied Arabic numerals that sandwich applied indices. But this is nothing new to the brand. In fact, when you look at the original Spezimatic diver from 1969 that it was inspired by, the case profile and dial aesthetic is largely the same. I am not accusing the brand of a boring rehash, but rather it is an intriguing revitalisation of a distinguished design that is decades old. It is a testament to their German sensibilities, and their efforts to not simply reproduce what their Swiss counterparts create. Now, green has received a lot of airtime over the past year or so. So if a brand is going to go green, it has to be executed just right to stand out. Their reed green shade, in my opinion, delivers one of the best green hues you can find – not too bright, nor too dark. I also enjoy its matte and grained lacquered finish, which will limit the amount of reflection the dial gives off – maintaining a high degree of legibility a diver deserves. Nonetheless, it remains dynamic – darkening and brightening depending on the light and angle. A final note on the subject of legibility, you will be glad to know that each of the applied indicators and central hands are filled with SuperLuminova to ensure visibility in darkness. There is one final aspect I have yet to touch on though, and it is the most distinguished element of the watch: the date complication. Situated at the 4:30 position is Glashütte Original’s signature Panorama Date window, which utilizes two discs to convey the digits of the calendar date. On the 10th, 20th, and 30th (if applicable) day of the month, it is extremely satisfying to watch both discs flip over. And, better yet, the discs are white on green, so they perfectly blend into the dial.
The Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Reed Green, like its predecessors, is offered on a variety of strap options. At your disposal, you have a stainless-steel bracelet, khaki-grey synthetic fabric strap, and green tropical rubber strap to choose from. Compared to its case, the steel bracelet dresses things up a bit through mixed finishes on its three-piece links. The broader central link is mirror polished, while the narrower shouldering links have a rich vertical brush. As for the strap options, each, the synthetic and rubber, have two clasp configurations. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a standard pin/buckle system or a deployant folding clasp.
Arguably the most appealing aspect of the SeaQ Panorama Date is the fact you can see the in-house automatic calibre 36-13 beneath its exhibition caseback, because it is very easy on the eyes. As a German watch, you are treated to traditional German movement design. A 3/4 bridge plate covers the majority of the components beneath it, but utilisation of this traditional German architecture aids in protecting the movement from shock and it does boast nicely applied striping and thin bevels to its outer edges. Some would prefer a full balance bridge, in favour of the traditional balance cock, but all is forgiven considering it is exquisitely black-polished – and that is not all in terms of high-end finishing. Its screws are polished and fired blue, the main plate circularly grained, and its openworked rotor carries a 21k gold mass. While traditionally executed and wonderfully finished, it is also quite rugged too. The calibre is “bayonet mounted” into the case, anchoring it to afford greater shock-resistance for the movement and it is adjusted in six positions to ensure greater accuracy and timing over the course of wear. The escapement also utilizes a silicon hairspring, so it is a highly anti-magnetic calibre as well. Now you may be wondering how long this beaut of a calibre can run. The answer: it has a power reserve of 100 hours. So, yeah, *mic-drop*.

The moral of the story: if you can get past its size and thickness, the SeaQ Panorama Date Reed Green diver is a distinct, exciting, and visually attractive way to join in on thus rather saturated colour trend and category.

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Glashuette Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar

Glashuette Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar has unveiled the new Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar with a rose opaline dial.

Limited to 100 pieces, it comes on a dark blue leather strap and is powered by a hand-crafted, finely finished automatic movement from the renowned Saxon manufactory.
The galvanic rose opaline dial is crafted and decorated in an elaborate process with numerous individual steps.

All calendar indications are precisely tailored to suit the various lengths of the months, lending the watch a new look day after day and thanks to its mechanical memory, Glashütte Original‘s Perpetual Calendar won’t need to be reset until the year 2100.

The transparent sapphire crystal case back offers a clear view of the finishing of the automatic movement, its skeletonized rotor and skeletonized Double-G, which renders the rotor even more delicate.

The priority governing development of this movement was to maximise user friendliness and ease of maintenance. A silicon balance spring guarantees precision, while a single spring barrel offers a power reserve of more than 100 hours.

A special engraving on the case back guarantees the quality of each watch while an exclusive online portal also gives owners access to detailed test scores for their watch along with information regarding the individual test procedures.

The new Glashuette Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar is available from the end of October exclusively at Glashütte Original Boutiques and authorised dealers.

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Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Panorama Date

At Baselworld 2016, Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Panorama Date release a simple three-hand watch called the Senator Excellence as a home for its new high-performance automatic movement, the caliber 36. Now the German watchmaker has released two new watches additions to the Senator Excellence collection, adding some complications to the caliber 36 base. The Senator Excellence Panorama Date and the Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phase start the same way as their predecessor, just bringing a little more to the mix.
The Senator Excellence Panorama Date is the simpler of the two new additions, adding a big date complication to the three-hander. As mentioned, the Panorama Date features the same caliber 36, however a big date has been added at 4 o’clock, giving the dial a little more visual interest. It’s not quite as dramatic an execution of the big date as you’ll find on some other German watches, but it’s extremely practical and well-done. The official name for this newly modified movement is the Caliber 36-03.
The Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Panorama Date measures in at 40mm in diameter and 12.2mm thick, making it a great size for an all-purpose/everyday kind of watch. It’s also available in either rose gold or stainless steel (the latter with an optional bracelet), depending on your preference. The dial is traditional silver with Roman numerals, blued steel handset and a center seconds hand with the signature double Gs on the end. It’s worth noting that both of the new watches presented here are only available in this more classic style, not the high-contrast black-and-lume style also offered for the original (you can see both of them here).
If the Senator Excellence Panorama Date is one step beyond the original Senator Excellence, the Panorama Date Moon Phase is just one more step in the same direction. Not only is there the big date aperture at four o’clock but also a moonphase function spanning 10 and 11 o’clock. Glashütte Original is calling this movement the Caliber 36-04 (as you could have probably guessed by this point). If set properly, the moonphase indicator is pretty accurate and can go 122 years without a correction –assuming you keep the watch wound, of course.
Like the Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Panorama Date , the Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phase is also available in rose gold and stainless steel, with the exact same 40mm across and 12.2mm thick case (there’s no thickness added for the moonphase display).

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Glashütte Original PanoMatic Lunar

Awhile ago we covered two of the SeaQ models, German watchmaking icon Glashütte Original also sent one of their most recognisable models my way, a PanoMatic, but more specifically, the Glashütte Original PanoMatic Lunar ref.1-90-02-11-35-30. This watch offers contemporary styling using the split-dial layout that is a hallmark of Glashütte watchmaking. Rather than placing everything onto one dial like a Senator watch, for instance, the Pano models split the hours and minutes, seconds, Panorama date and in this case the moon phase from each other to create a distinct style.
The most crucial part of any watch is the style, why would you wear something that doesn’t suitably reflect you as an individual? To me, the PanoMaticLunar is for someone who can enter a formal situation with ease and grace and yet remain confident and relaxed in a more informal setting. It’s hard to design a watch that can be both. Usually, it ends up as a dressy styled sports watch with an integrated bracelet and a hilariously long waiting list, but Glashütte Original subverts this idea by blending rose gold, a staple of high-end watchmaking, with a deep blue colour. If this were any other colour combination this watch would become formal only, but the use of blue balances it out enough to be worn right down to a casual polo shirt and jeans, as I had it for the most part during the review.
But, having said that, it is just as comfortable with a blazer or even a full-on suit. The stepped bezel means the watch glides under the cuff with ease. In terms of wearing experience, the watch is weighty and substantial, as German products tend to be. It doesn’t showcase finesse through lightness, rather, elegance through robust design and manufacturing. I also want to mention the blue leather strap. Usually, during reviews such as these, I am wearing the watch all day, and sometimes halfway through the review process, the leather strap starts to relax and loosen up, conforming to the wrist more. Not this one, though, it was so thick and well made that it held its shape from start to finish. That’s pretty uncommon, and though it may be a little uncomfortable at first, you only need to loosen it by one notch, and it becomes wearable again. That’s high quality, though you’d expect that at this price level, a point we’ll come to in a minute.
Part of that wearability ultimately comes down to good case design. Being a dress watch primarily, this piece is conservatively sized at 40mm in diameter and 12.7mm in height. The lugs are relatively short, too, so it can fit smaller wrists without dwarfing them.

The gold clasp is easy to operate and features a brushed/polished appearance with the double G logo engraved onto it. It’s not a push-button clasp. Instead, it’s a friction type, but to add extra security you need to pull it off from the end of the strap which is usually tucked through the strap minders. Try as hard as you like, it won’t budge if you don’t pull it from the end, and someone trying to pinch it will find that out very quickly.
The blue dial is clear and crisp. Glashütte Original PanoMatic Lunar calls it galvanic blue, and it certainly stands out. It’s not as deep as you might expect, it shows up in a lot of the photos as a deep and dark, mysterious blue, but it’s lighter than that. It’s very susceptible to the lighting conditions at the time and the viewing angle, thanks to a subtle finishing on the parts that aren’t time dials. The dials that do display the time have their own circular guilloché which reflects light in another fashion, creating a part gold part blue shimmer that is quite attractive. The dial is made in Glashütte Original’s dial manufactory in Pforzheim where experts craft their elaborate and intricate dials.
The Panorama Date and the moon phase (depicted with the delightfully German words ‘Panoramadatum’ and ‘Mondphase’) are the extra features on these timepieces. Last year in a hands-on I had with Glashütte Original’s Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phase watch, I mentioned that I found the stars on the silvery moon phase disk hard to make out. This watch also features a silvery moon phase disk which contrasts with their blue dial. However, this time, the moon and the stars are in rose gold, matching the case and making them stand out more easily. The sub-small seconds hand doesn’t touch the markers on the subdial, but perhaps that’s more my undiagnosed OCD kicking in.
The Panorama Date has been a hallmark of the brand since 1997. It uses two discs, sat one inside the other, to switch the numbers independently of each other, which adds to the character of the timepiece. The font is large to allow easy reading and is crisp in appearance, too. It’s a smooth mechanism to operate as well.
Ticking away in the back of this watch is Glashütte Original PanoMatic Lunar in-house made calibre 90-02. The first thing to become apparent with it is the level of finishing, which is spectacular. The rotor is made of 21k gold with a gold double G logo cut into it and a gold oscillating weight. The rotor runs around a track that makes use of a milling process to create an attractive ribbed design which contrasts the Glashütte striping on the three-quarter plate. The visible gears have a sunburst polish to them as well for added visual attraction. This all contrasts the heat blued screws holding the movement together. But, once you’ve taken it all in for a few seconds, perhaps the most prominent part is the balance bridge. That’s right. This watch uses a bridge to suspend the balance from. “Why?” you ask? The reason is that it supports the duplex swan’s neck regulator assembly, which has been polished and sits on top of the bridge. This is another hallmark of the Glashütte Original brand. A single swan’s neck regulator is not that uncommon, but adding a second one improves upon the standard swan’s neck adjuster.
One swan’s neck regulator on its own is used to set the rate of the watch finely. In this design, the second one adjusts the position that the impulse pin connects to the fork by turning the balance itself. When the impulse pin is set in the optimal position, it means that the watch is running more efficiently and more accurately than before. This means that the watch can be set with extreme precision that other brands can’t do, and while you may not notice the results of that as a wearer, horology fans always appreciate it when watchmakers go out of their way to improve something. That balance operates at 4Hz to provide accurate and precise timekeeping and will continue to do so for roughly 42 hours.
Let’s not forget, though, that the entire balance bridge is not only very technical and forward-thinking in its design, but, like the rest of the watch, it’s very well executed. The engraving is very high quality. For the photography, I used a super zoom function on the camera to get right in close so that I can focus properly. When doing this, I also took the time to perform my own little unofficial ‘inspection’, in the broadest sense of the term, and couldn’t find a fault in any of the engravings on the movement.