Watch & Jewelry
March 31, 2015
Glashütte Original | Panomatic Chrono
Glashütte Original
Pano-Matic Chrono
Text by OPENERS
The “Pano” series from Glashütte Original is characterized by its asymmetrical design, with the dial offset from the center axis. The vacant space on the dial is then used to display the large date with two discs, the “Panorama Date.”
The “Pano-Matic Chrono” introduced here is also part of the Pano series and was unveiled in 2005. However, it takes an exceptionally novel approach by reinterpreting the asymmetrical dial design characteristic of the Pano series, offsetting the main dial with hour and minute hands to the 6 o’clock position, and concentrating the chronograph functions in the 12 o’clock direction.
In other words, the large ring located centrally at the 12 o’clock position functions as a counter for measuring elapsed seconds. Furthermore, this chronograph ring is a three-dimensional structure supported by three small feet, creating a 3D design that overlaps with the 30-minute counter at 2 o’clock, the small seconds at 10 o’clock, and the hour/minute dial at 6 o’clock.
While its appearance is highly spectacular, the movement within is equally unique. The movement is the in-house Caliber 95, a traditional column-wheel chronograph with a flyback function. It features a large balance wheel with a free-sprung Glashütte stopwork and a swan-neck regulator, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. It is also adorned with numerous details such as gold chatons securing the synthetic rubies. Naturally, with its sapphire crystal case back, one can fully immerse themselves in its beautiful view.
Furthermore, a noteworthy aspect of the Caliber 95 is its adoption of the company's first twin barrel (double mainspring barrel) system. However, unlike typical twin barrel movements that offer extended power reserves, this one provides a standard 42-hour duration. The aim here is not to enhance stamina but rather to improve winding efficiency and stabilize torque for greater accuracy. The use of a twin barrel to bolster the watch's fundamental performance reflects the noble spirit of a German manufacture.
Thus, the Pano-Matic Chrono is a new generation of German chronograph that fuses tradition with innovation. In addition to an 18K red gold case with a silver dial (or black dial), an avant-garde variation is also available, pairing an 18K red gold case with a carbon fiber dial and a Trieste strap.
Automatic winding. 28,800 vibrations per hour. Approximately 42-hour power reserve. Case diameter 39.4mm. 18K red gold case. Alligator strap. 3 ATM water resistance. Price: 6,510,000 yen.
18K red gold case. Carbon fiber dial. Trieste strap. Price: 6,510,000 yen.
BRAND HISTORY
Since Ferdinand Adolph Lange opened his watchmaking workshop in 1845, Glashütte, Germany, has been the heart of the German watch industry. After World War II, watches were manufactured as industrial products in the state-owned factory G.U.B. under the administration of former East Germany. However, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, brands that revived the traditional watchmaking inherited from former court watchmakers gradually emerged. Glashütte Original was one of the brands that began this revival early on.
In 1994, former president Heinz W. Pfeiffer acquired the privatized G.U.B. and fundamentally reformed the previous mass-production system. He shifted to a low-volume production system focused on quality, and the brand debuted as Glashütte Original at the Baselworld exhibition the following year.
The brand's products feature the distinctive Glashütte three-quarter plate and swan-neck regulator, hallmarks of the region's unique handmade craftsmanship. They also incorporate functional, robust German watch design elements such as off-center dials and the Panorama Date.
Since 2000, the brand has been under the Swatch Group, and Japanese operations began in 2002. Offering a wide range of products from sports models to complicated watches, and developing its own split-seconds chronograph mechanism in 2007, the company continues to demonstrate its outstanding technical prowess rooted in the traditional watchmaking of Saxony.
FOUNDED: 1845
FOUNDED IN: Glashütte, Germany
MAIN SERIES: Panodate, Senator, Sport Evolution
INQUIRIES: Swatch Group Japan Glashütte Original 03-6245-7160
Official Website: http://www.glashuette-original.com/