Part 6: Experiencing the Essence of German Watchmaking - Glashütte Original

Glashütte Original

The Essence of German Watchmaking: Glashütte Original
Glashütte Original

Glashütte Original is renowned for its German perfectionism. Experience its high-quality timepieces, produced with a unique philosophy distinct from Swiss watchmaking, at Japan's first Ginza boutique.

Text by NABATA Masaharu

A True Manufacture

Headquartered in Glashütte, Saxony, Glashütte Original is known as a true manufacture (fully integrated production facility), producing nearly all of its components in-house.

Founded in 1845, the company has consistently pursued German perfectionism and a quest for high quality, today producing superb timepieces counted among the world's finest.

The first and only directly managed boutique in Japan for Glashütte Original is located in the Nicolaus Hayek Center in Ginza. Consequently, many visitors ask basic questions such as, "How do you pronounce the brand name?" and "Where is it made?"

While Switzerland is the first country that comes to mind for watches, Germany also boasts a rich watchmaking tradition, with Glashütte Original being one of its leading brands. As its popularity grows, centered around this boutique, it is sure to gain recognition in Japan.

The "PanoMaticDate." This model features Glashütte Original's signature large date display, the "Panorama Date," at the 4 o'clock position. It is powered by the in-house Cal. 90-01 movement, with 41 jewels. Stainless steel. Case diameter 39.4mm, thickness 11.9mm. 3 ATM water resistance. ¥1,155,000.

Porcelain dial models are popular
Despite its reputation, Glashütte Original is indeed appreciated by those in the know. The models sold at the boutique attest to this fact.

The current highest-priced item is the "Lady Meissen "Flower of India"" for ladies (¥1.89 million), which features a Meissen porcelain dial.

Separately, one customer who had visited the boutique five times went on to purchase the company's "Star Collection "Arabic Dream"" (a staggering ¥6,457,500!) from a department store they frequented.

This illustrates that the Glashütte Original Ginza boutique serves not only as a retail space but also as a showroom and a kind of public relations center.

While we've introduced models with Meissen dials here, Glashütte is located in Saxony, the same German state that is the origin of European porcelain, and both are representative products of the region. This connection is why Glashütte Original's special models feature dials produced at the Meissen porcelain factory.

In keeping with this, the Ginza boutique offers guests tea served in Meissen glasses or cups during consultations, allowing them to view the products in a relaxed atmosphere.

Manufacture Technology That Captivates Watch Enthusiasts

Among the extensive product range, staff recommend the "Pano-line" series, which features the company's original large date display mechanism, the "Panorama Date."

"This line features a unique design with Glashütte Original's characteristic off-center dial and Panorama Date, maximizing visual impact without compromising the precision of the mechanism."

"Furthermore, the sapphire crystal case back allows you to appreciate the high artistry of the movement, with its intricate hand-engraving," explains a staff member.

Gazing through the sapphire crystal case back at the precise and beautiful finishing, a hallmark of a highly skilled manufacture, one is sure to be captivated by the charm of Glashütte Original.

Glashütte Original Boutique Ginza
Address: 7-9-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Nicolaus Hayek Center 4F
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit A3 of Ginza Station, Tokyo Metro

A consultation area within the boutique. The wall displays a timeline of Glashütte Original's history, accompanied by photographs.