Tom Austin Glashütte Original has unveiled the exclusive North American watch, a special edition of the Ultra Cool Sebus chronograph. Limited to just 100 units, the ‘X’ chronograph from the ’70s draws inspiration from the famous architecture, fashion and culture of the 1970s. Unveiled in the form of a retro television style, the muted panda dial references past watches and celebrates subtle details celebrating the 10th anniversary of the chronograph range of the 70s.
You are in the mid-1970s. Chevrolet Camaro Barbles Snarling v8 is under you. The air smells like gasoline or leather, and Springsteen is on the radio. Baby, you were born to run. Billboards have passed for Levi, Camel Filter and Marlboro Country. It all felt normal back then, but looking back now, there’s an effortless cool to all simplicity. The German brand Glashütte Original captures its 70s Americana and takes you back in time with the latest 70s “X” chronograph.
It has been ten years since the brand introduced the chronograph range of the 70s, but it was not a direct dendriticity of vintage models of the era, but it certainly could capture the appearance. Its stainless steel TV case is the perfect performance of the watch of that era, mixing its 40mm rounded square into a lovely tapered integrated bracelet. There’s nothing bothering about the incident. The chronograph pusher is subtle and follows the case contours, but the simple polished bezel frames the dial and does not have the complicated tachymeter scale that you never use.
At 14.1 mm thick, it’s a bit a bit on the thick side, but it’s a watch that demands presence. I could imagine it on the wrists of people like James Kern and Steve McQueen, but even back then it didn’t look very out of place. It is also rated as water resistant to 100 meters, making it the perfect poolside partner when attached to a supplied rubber strap.
We are panda dial suckers and the Glashütte originals are in the habit of making something very cool for the 70s chronograph. This particular variation is crackers, whose lacquered white contrasts with the charcoal black-zinc-plated subdial. It is perfectly balanced, with two main sub-dials on each side and an oversized panoramic dating window at 6 o’clock. There is also a cleverly hidden power reserve indicator that lurks in the number of runs at 9am, and a subtle 12-hour indicator that is 12pm.
Interestingly, I feel at first glance that I won’t see these details unless you’re really looking for them. This is proof of smart design. Getting even closer, the 3 o’clock subdial includes a subtle nod to mark the watch’s 10th anniversary, with the 10-minute marker finished in red lacquer, with another detail that many of us will be engrossed in. Finally, the blackened Dauphin hands contrast with the bright red chronograph hands for a sporty retro feel.
Glashütte Original watches are more than a German alternative to something Swiss, and while there is much effort being put into the aesthetics of the ‘X’ chronograph of the ’70s, more effort is in what you can’t see, not to mention that. The internal movement is the Caliber 37-02, a finely completed automatic flyback column chronograph caliber that beating at 4Hz and offers a 70-hour power reserve.
Some may argue that integrated bracelet games are currently being rolled out and there are too many options in the market. But I would argue that, in combination with the TV-type case of the 70s chronograph, GO offers something different. The stainless steel bracelet consists of three links, and the central piece is extremely refined, bringing contrast and luxurious finish. Unlike some integrated bracelets, it has a great adjustment mechanism. However, the ’70s “X” chronograph comes with an alternative black rubber strap. This gives the watch a whole new look, providing practicality and comfort.
Glashütte’s original ‘x’ chronograph pricing and availability
The Glashütte Original Sevenis ‘X’ chronograph is only available from certified North American dealers. Price: USD 17,900
Brand Glashütte Original Model 70s ‘X’ Chronograph Reference 1-37-02-18-02-70 Case Dimensions 40mm (D) x 14.10mm (T) x 46.4mm (LTL) Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance
Folding clasp clasp athletic caliber 37-02, in-house, additional black rubber strap with automatic power reserve 70 hours function, minutes, seconds, flyback chronograph, panorama date, power reserve indicator availability is limited to 100 pieces, North American limited price 17,900 $17,900
