Glashütte Original – German Excellence
When it comes to engineering, the Germans have a well-earned reputation for precision and excellence. Glashütte Original perfectly embodies these qualities with bells on. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is unmatched. When the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date was released, I knew I had to experience it firsthand. It felt like the perfect fit for my tastes. The bold design, reminiscent of the 1970s, reflects an era when square cases were more common, and watchmakers embraced creativity with fewer limitations.
As a long-time admirer of watches from that decade, the Glashütte Original Seventies Panorama Date, especially the version with the green dial, immediately caught my attention. This timepiece is a harmonious fusion of vintage aesthetics and modern watchmaking. Glashütte Original, deeply rooted in the rich watchmaking tradition of Glashütte, Germany, consistently delivers exceptional craftsmanship, and this model is no different. It perfectly showcases the brand’s dedication to meticulous detail, functionality, and refined elegance. Let’s take a closer look at this timepiece, exploring its design, technical specifications, movement, and wearability.
Design and Aesthetics
The Seventies Panorama Date is part of Glashütte Original’s “Vintage Collection,” drawing inspiration from the bold designs of the 1970s. One of the most striking features of the watch is its square-shaped stainless steel case, which stands out against the typical round watch designs dominating the market. The case measures 40mm x 40mm and 11.5mm in thickness, striking a perfect balance between presence and wearability. The edges are soft and slightly curved, giving it a sleek, retro appeal that sits comfortably on the wrist.
The green dial of this model is the real showstopper. The vibrant sunburst finish creates a play of light that shifts depending on the angle, moving from dark forest green to lighter, almost lime-like hues. It’s rich, luxurious, and visually engaging, making it a true head-turner. The dial also features applied hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring legibility even in low-light conditions. The hands follow a similar aesthetic, with faceted edges and luminescent material.
At the 6 o’clock position, the Panorama Date window is a hallmark of Glashütte Original. Unlike traditional date windows, this one displays the date in two large, legible digits without a visible dividing line between them, contributing to the watch’s elegant and clean look. This design choice is not only practical but also a testament to the brand’s ingenuity in engineering.
Case and Build Quality
The stainless steel case has a polished bezel with brushed surfaces on the front and sides, creating a contrasting finish that enhances the watch’s visual appeal. The integrated lugs provide a seamless flow from the case to the bracelet, which can be ordered in either a stainless steel version or with an option of a leather or rubber strap. The finishing on the case is immaculate, with crisp lines and a level of polish that reflects the high standards of Glashütte Original.
On the back, the sapphire crystal exhibition case back offers a full view of the movement. The crystal is scratch-resistant, ensuring the timepiece remains pristine over time. The watch also features 100 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for everyday wear and light water activities like swimming.
The beating heart of the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date is the calibre 39-47 automatic movement, manufactured in-house by Glashütte Original. This movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a power reserve of 40 hours. It’s a testament to German engineering, with a focus on durability, precision, and functionality.
The movement is beautifully decorated, featuring traditional Glashütte ribbing (stripes), a skeletonized rotor with a 21-carat gold oscillating weight, and meticulously hand-polished screws. The level of finishing visible through the exhibition case back rivals that of Swiss high-end brands, giving the wearer a deep appreciation of the craftsmanship involved.
One standout feature of the movement is the Panorama Date mechanism, which allows the two date discs to sit side-by-side at the same level, resulting in a cleaner, larger, and more legible display than a traditional date window. This mechanism is unique to Glashütte Original and reflects the brand’s commitment to both form and function.
Case and Build Quality
The Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date comes with multiple strap options, each contributing to a different wearing experience. The stainless steel bracelet, with its polished centre links and brushed outer links, adds a bold, masculine touch to the watch, complementing its retro design. The bracelet features a fine adjustment mechanism, allowing wearers to make micro-adjustments for a perfect fit without needing tools.
For those who prefer a more casual or versatile look, Glashütte Original offers leather and rubber straps. The leather strap, typically in a brown or black colour, adds a vintage and dressy feel to the watch. While the rubber strap offers a sportier, more casual aesthetic, ideal for everyday wear.
Priced at £13,800.00 with the bracelet or £12,700.00 with either the leather or rubber strap, this isn’t a cheap option. However, in its class, it stands head and shoulder against its rivals. A highlight for me is the 12-hour chronograph hour counter, offering a smile on the dial.
Despite its bold square case, the Glashütte Original Seventies Panorama Date wears surprisingly well on a variety of wrist sizes. The soft curves of the case, combined with the integrated lugs and ergonomic design, allow the watch to sit comfortably without feeling bulky. Its 40mm size is modern yet not overpowering, and the thickness of 11.5mm ensures it can easily slip under a cuff, making it a versatile option for both formal and casual occasions.
The watch’s weight is well-balanced, especially when paired with the stainless steel bracelet, and the fine adjustment mechanism on the bracelet enhances the overall comfort. The straps are also of high quality, with supple leather and robust rubber that moulds comfortably to the wrist over time.
My Thoughts
The Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date with the green dial is a captivating timepiece that blends vintage design cues with modern watchmaking technology. Its distinctive square case, stunning sunburst green dial, and innovative Panorama Date display set it apart from other watches in its category. The stunning in-house calibre 39-47 movement, with its impeccable finishing and reliable performance. Reinforces the brand’s standing as one of the finest watchmakers in Germany.
This is a watch that will appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate bold design, quality craftsmanship, and a unique take on traditional watchmaking. Whether you’re a fan of vintage-inspired timepieces or simply looking for a statement watch that offers both style and substance, the Seventies Panorama Date is a compelling choice.
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