Glashütte Original PanoMatic Lunar

The Glashütte Original PanoMatic Lunar is a watch that needs little introduction, especially with its mesmerising green dial—a shade so rich it feels like you’re peering into a deep forest canopy. As a brand, Glashütte Original has mastered the art of understated elegance, and the PanoMaticLunar is no exception. Combining classic German watchmaking precision with a contemporary twist, this timepiece offers an intriguing asymmetrical dial layout and an exquisitely crafted moon phase.

In this hands-on review, we’ll explore the finer details of this stunning watch, from its impeccable finishing to the way the green dial dances in the light, and why it might just be one of the standout models in their collection.

The PanoMaticLunar’s case exudes elegance, featuring a 40mm diameter and a thickness of 12.7mm that feels solid without being bulky. The bezel slopes gracefully, polished to a brilliant shine, while the case sides showcase a finely brushed texture. The lugs curve sharply, with a polished finish on top and brushed detailing on the sides, enhancing the watch’s refined look. Secured by five recessed screws, the case back has a slight curve, allowing the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist.

The bezel encircles a flat sapphire crystal treated for scratch resistance and anti-reflective clarity. On the right is the detailed crown, offering two pull-out positions—one for quick adjustments of the date and the other for setting the time. Just above it, near the upper lug, is a discreet pusher to adjust the moon phase.

The moon phase display features a high-polished moon set against a white backdrop with silver stars, contrasting beautifully with the green dial. The moon is crafted using a milling tool that forms two moons on the disc, giving them a convex shape. These are then polished with a diamond tool, creating a brilliant shine. The date display follows the brand’s classic two-disc design.

The forest green dial is the standout element of this model. It’s achieved by applying green pigment over the dial, gradually darkening the edges with black to create a gradient effect. A clear green lacquer is then applied to complete the look. This handcrafted process ensures that every dial has a unique depth and gradient, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Back in 2003, Glashütte Original launched the PanoMaticLunar, a moon phase watch known for its harmonious design, which was based on the Golden Ratio. It quickly became a cornerstone of the PanoMatic lineup. Fast forward to 2022, and the brand unveiled a captivating version featuring a deep green dial housed in a stainless steel case—an instant favourite in the collection. The case maintains the classic combination of polished and brushed surfaces, creating a visually appealing contrast.

The dial stays true to the original layout, adhering to the Golden Ratio, with the time displayed on two offset sub-dials on the left side, counterbalanced by the panorama date and moon phase on the right. The sub-dials feature concentric circle detailing.

The javelin-shaped hands, filled with Super-LumiNova, ensure clear visibility in low light. Applied hour markers in white gold accentuate the dial, while the seconds track features ticks, with every fifth second highlighted. Numerals mark the tens along the inner perimeter for added precision. The overlapping sub-dials form an elegant, inverted figure-eight.

The Glashütte Original PanoMatic Lunar has a sapphire crystal case back. Offering a glimpse into the Caliber 90-02, an in-house automatic movement crafted in Glashütte, Germany. The movement has a 42-hour power reserve, and the first elements to catch your eye are the off-centre micro-rotor and the finely engraved balance bridge, featuring a dual swan-neck regulator, supporting the balance wheel.

The skeletonised rotor has a 21k gold weight, and the brand’s double-G logo is intricately cut out in the centre. This beautifully crafted rotor swings bi-directionally, efficiently winding the mainspring barrel. The expansive three-quarter plate, adorned with Glashütte stripes—a German twist on the Geneva waves—adds a touch of refinement. The plate is partially open, revealing the balance assembly and its precise adjustment system, complemented by perlage visible underneath. Heat-blued screws add small bursts of colour, contrasting against the silver and gold hues of the movement, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.

Wearing this timepiece exudes sophistication, with its lush green dial catching the light beautifully from every angle, creating a captivating shimmer. Its unique, off-centred design draws the eye and sparks conversation among fellow watch enthusiasts. Available at £10,100.00 with a grey synthetic strap and a folding clasp. The clasp’s finish matches the case perfectly, featuring a brushed texture and an engraved double-G logo.

This is one of those watches that I was reluctant to part with—something I don’t say often. The value it offers is outstanding, and it fits seamlessly into various settings. Glashütte Original has truly excelled with this model, and although it’s time to send it back, it’s been a joy to experience. If you’re in the market for a Moonphase watch, then the Glashütte Original PanoMatic Lunar is absolutely worth exploring.

For More Articles and Reviews, Click HERE