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GLASHÜTTE ORIGINAL SENATOR CHRONOGRAPH PANORAMA DATE

When Glashütte Original unveiled the Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in 2014, it was only available in red gold or platinum. However, in 2017, the Saxony-based Manufactory unveiled a steel version of the model, bringing it within the financial grasp of a larger audience. Meehna Goldsmith provides an insight into this German timepiece, while Angus Davies summarises his hands-on experience.

By Angus DaviesPublished 2 years ago 5 min read
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Chronographs are a popular complication even though digital has stepped in to take over the chore of clocking intervals. Still, they remain fascinating technically: all those little parts working together in harmony. More than just a function, the chronograph offers a coordinated dance that animates the dial and offers a way to intimately interact with your watch.

In 2014, Glashütte Original unveiled the Calibre 37-01, an integrated, self-winding flyback chronograph, housed within the Senator Chronograph Date, encased in either platinum or red gold. Differentiating it from its competitors, the movement simplifies the mechanism with a switch lever comprised of one part, as well as a coupling clutch that works by using a pinion. Fewer parts equals increased reliability. With a flyback chrono, you don’t have to fumble around to start, stop and reset the chronograph. In the middle of timing, a push of the button at 4 o’clock immediately flips the indicators back to zero.

Three years later (2017), Glashütte Original added another member to the Senator Chronograph Panorama Date family, this time packaged in a much more affordable stainless steel case. Sometimes chronograph dials can look cluttered and your eyes have to tease out the indicators. With the Senator Chronograph Panorama Date, you won’t have to worry about that. True to its Teutonic roots, this watch is a crisp beacon on your wrist. The chrono dials are large, bold and easy to read. The running seconds and 30 minute counter at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock respectively, leap into focus first, while the smaller 12-hour register nestles in between, positioned just below noon. The usual tri-compax layout often features counters of equal circumference, but this model is different. Indeed, by presenting the 12-hour register in a smaller format, the overall appearance of the dial looks different.

The panorama date, one of the best and most legible in the industry, resides at 6 o’clock, on call when needed without distracting from the overall composition. Instead of cluttering the dial with another discrete indication, the watch cleverly tucks in a power reserve on the running seconds to let you know how much of that impressive 70-hour power reserve remains.

Providing contrast, the vivid inky black dial is framed by a white minuterie with Arabic numerals at 5 minute intervals, all anchored by Romans at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock. This artistic choice keeps the dial tidy while also adding some finesse. The indexes also have a generous fill of Super-LumiNova in a cool blue hue to shed more light in dimmed conditions. The original models were dressed with a white dial and employed Roman numerals to denote each hour save for 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The alternative dial colour and style of hour markers identifies this as a stainless cased model. Personally, I find this reference striking, making me gravitate to this model more.

First and foremost, the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date is a tool watch, but that doesn’t mean it will blush in a more formal crowd. The white gold hour, minute and stop seconds hands are crafted in white gold. Completing the picture, the 42mm stainless case, with both polished and satin-brushed finishes, secures to the wrist with either a black calfskin strap, highlighted with blue thread, or a satin-brushed stainless steel bracelet with a patented closure allowing little adjustments for a comfortable fit. For a sportier look, there’s also the option of a rubber strap.

In 2018, the German marque added another steel variant to the model range, this time sporting a crisp varnished white dial.

Since the Senator Chronograph Panorama Date was only offered in precious metals when it hit the stage, it put the watch out of reach for some fans lusting for the new creation. Now offered in stainless steel, the watch is better able to fulfil people’s dreams, by becoming a reality.

My temporary ownership experience by Angus Davies

Glashütte Original kindly provided a sample of the Senator Chronograph Panorama Date for a few days hands-on evaluation. Mindful of not repeating Meehna’s eloquent overview, I will touch on those points that stood out during my brief courtship with this German beauty.

I know I have said this before, there is no escaping that Glashütte Original’s in-house dials are superb. In this instance, each counter is recessed while the date is framed with a two-level aperture. The sky blue hands and baton-type indexes express meaning with a notable dose of style.

In my opinion, the Panorama Date function is the best on the market. Two date discs appear as one with only the faintest of lines disclosing that this is a delightful duet rather than a solo performance. The stainless steel case measures 42mm in diameter, while the lugs are comparatively short. These latter characteristics suggest this watch will suit most wrists.

Flip the watch over and you are invited to survey a sublime mechanical landscape courtesy of the exhibition case back. It’s a glorious scene where components are finished to a matchless standard. The three-quarter plate, a regional speciality, is adorned with Glashütte ribbing, while thermally blued screws abound.

The 21-carat gold mass affixed to the rim of the rotor runs in a neat channel, encircling the Calibre 37-01, thereby mitigating the overall height of the movement. Another refinement is the free-sprung balance, making the watch less susceptible to positional errors as well as providing superior rate stability. Glashütte watchmaking traditions are repeatedly celebrated. For example, a swan neck sits near the balance wheel, providing an elegant means of addressing any beat error.

Those horophiles with a penchant for chronographs should certainly give the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date due consideration. The execution of the dial, case and movement proves impressive. To compare this watch with cheaper alternatives fitted with modular movements or cam-actuated calibres would be foolish. This integrated movement, with an über-desirable column wheel, sits on a higher plane. Further, the finishing of the Calibre 37-01 is wonderfully refined and stands comparison with costlier watches.

Without question, I am a fan of the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date. Indeed, it reaffirms why I have a weakness for timepieces crafted in the Ore Mountains, where watchmaking excellence is clearly alive and well.

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