Hands-on review of the Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer with silver-blue dial ref. 1-58-08-01-04-61 with exclusive pictures. Price €36,400
Accurate knowledge of the time over a long sea voyage was vital for effective navigation, lacking electronic or communications aids. These timekeeping instruments were tested to guarantee certain precision standards. The term 'chronometer' became commonly used to identify watches of remarkable precision certified by an authorized testing institute.
Glashütte's marine chronometers garnered global recognition during the 19th and 20th centuries for their high standards of quality and performance.
The Senator Chronometer model by Glashütte Original is directly inspired by these timepieces of the past, especially in terms of the aesthetics of their dials and the certification of their extreme accuracy.
Launched in August 2023, the latest interpretation of the Senator Chronometer from the Saxon brand is characterised by the sophisticated silver plating friction technique used for the dial and certain elements of the hand-wound movement.
We had the opportunity to wear this prestigious model for several days and are delighted to share with our readers our impressions and pictures (click to enlarge them).
This new version of the Senator Chronometer comes in a 42 mm x 11.4 mm case entirely crafted from 18 ct white gold with a pleasing alternation of satin-brushed and polished surfaces to highlight the design lines.
Waterproofness is ensured up to a pressure of 5 bar (approximately 50 metres / 165 feet).
The polished bezel has a concave profile, a detail that is not only beautiful but also offers the advantage of being less prone to scratches than a convex one.
The bezel is edged with a diamond-polished decorative motif composed of small pyramids.
A marine chronometer had to ensure excellent legibility at first sight. Therefore, the Senator Chronometer reflects this aspect by employing a suitable case diameter and providing ample space for the dial. The wearability remains good on average wrists (the wrist in our pictures is 17.7 cm / 7 in), thanks to short and curved lugs.
As written above, the special silver plating friction finishing technique lends the dial a fine, shimmering texture, obtained by rubbing a mixture of fine silver powder, salt, and water into the surface by hand. These elements are then given a galvanic grey coating.
Completed by polished thermally-blued hands and applied Roman numerals, the attractive dial features central hour and minute "poire" hands, small seconds at 6 o’clock, a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and the signature Panorama Date at 3 o’clock. This is a jumping date, i.e., the date change takes place precisely at midnight in seconds. The corrector, which allows one to set the date quickly, is located on the caseband at 4 o’clock.
The two numerals defining the date are not separated by a central vertical bar thanks to the fact the two concentric display discs are mounted on the same level, a feature that demonstrates the level of attention that the brand pays to even the smallest details.
The power reserve and small seconds displays are slightly recessed into the surface of the dial creating a pleasing multi-level effect. Scales and letterings are printed in blue. The hands are thermally blued while the applied Roman numerals are made of gold and blue-coated.
The small circular aperture located within the power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock serves as a day/night indicator, displaying a black dot between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
A notable feature that some may have observed is that the power reserve scale (with AB denoting UP and AUF for DOWN) displays the time used rather than the time remaining. Thus, we have AB 36 27 18 9 AUF instead of AB 9 18 27 36 AUF.
This choice by Glashütte Original draws from historical reasons. In fact, during the times when the first marine chronometers were introduced, they had a running time of approximately 56 hours, but they were not as precise as those of today.
When a chronometer reached the last quarter of its running time, it became inaccurate, signaling the need for rewinding within the next 48 hours. Therefore, knowing how long the chronometer had already been running was crucial. In homage to this historical aspect, the Senator Chronometer incorporates the historically accurate "duration indication.
Just below the power reserve indicator we find the "CHRONOMETER" inscription to remark that the precision of this timepiece is certified by an authorized testing institute. In fact, each model within this collection undergoes a stringent 15-day test run, where it is examined in five positions and three varying temperatures by the independent Thuringian Office of Weights and Measures. Only upon successfully completing these rigorous tests, the timepiece earns the title of an officially certified chronometer.
The transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals the enchanting beauty of the manufactory’s own Calibre 58-08 with its three-quarter plate silver-plated by friction and galvanized in grey, perfectly matching the appearance of the dial.
Many details of this hand-wound movement can be admired: bevelled and polished edges, screw-mounted white gold chatons, polished and thermally blued screws, the perlage finish of the ground plate, the double sunburst pattern on the ratchet wheel, and, of course, the outstanding hand-engraved balance cock with swan-neck fine adjustment.
Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) with a power reserve of 44 hours and 40 minutes, this manufacture calibre is equipped with a sophisticated second-stop mechanism: when then crown is pulled out, the time display stops and the second’s hand is reset to zero and held in that position.
When setting the time, the characteristic minute detent ensures that the minute hand jumps ahead from one minute index to the next with an audible haptic click – thus ensuring that the correct relationship between seconds and minutes is maintained at all times.
Handling this timekeeping instrument offers a tangible experience of superior quality and accuracy. The distinctive finishing techniques enhance the allure of this prestigious timepiece, making it particularly appealing to discerning mechanical watch enthusiasts.
The watch is beautifully paired with a dark blue Louisiana alligator leather strap and secured to the wrist by a triple folding clasp with security push-buttons in white gold.
The new Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer with silver-blue dial, ref. 1-58-08-01-04-61, is available at all boutiques of the brand and from selected retailers worldwide at the price of Euro 36,400 (including 19% VAT). glashuette-original.com
I can't say if I like more the dial side or the case back. This watch is a winner.
ReplyDeleteAgree. This brand deserves great respect for the quality of their watches but also because they keep it real, unlike some others out there. Of course, it's high-end stuff, but they're not going all out with the crazy prices, you feel me?
DeleteMasterpiece. On a different level.
ReplyDelete