Hands-on: Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer

Once upon a time, the marine chronometer was one of the most important of all instruments. Measuring latitude helped determine the ship’s location. Glashütte Original, originally known as Glashütte Uhlenbetrieb GmbH (GUB), was a well-known manufacturer of these instruments. The Senator Chronometer takes inspiration from these nautical watches and recreates their form on the wrist.

The Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer is not a new watch, but today’s model represents a new color variation within the line. Classic yet modern, with cool gray and blue tones. We had the opportunity to touch this watch and enjoy its beautiful details.

Inspiration for today’s Glashütte Original Model

Before introducing the modern Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer, let’s take a moment to talk about the original inspiration for this watch. Marine chronometers like the GUB above were used until the 80s, but became a backup solution in the 60s. These watches were often transported and stored in wooden boxes. In addition to providing protection, the chest also housed a gimbal that kept the marine chronometer upright, increasing its accuracy. Functionally, these watches were wound with a key and displayed the time. It also displayed the running seconds and, importantly, the power reserve. After all, it would have been disastrous if the clock had stopped. Notice the beautiful hand shape on this model (hint: look again!).

senator chronometer

The watch version of the Marine Chronometer closely imitates that of its much larger relative. The dial has a similar layout, with a power reserve indicator and seconds subdial. However, Glashütte Original added features such as a large panoramic date and a small day/night indicator within the power reserve subdial. That’s just the surface, as the brand has built this watch beautifully.

Gorgeous gray dial and blue elements

The Senator Chronometer features a new gray dial with blue details such as Roman numerals and hands. The production of this dial involves an unusual friction process. First, water, salt, and silver powder are applied to the base of the dial to create a unique surface finish. The elements are then galvanized and grey. The result is a finely grained, matte surface. As I mentioned earlier, although it looks modern, it uses a very traditional dial format.

18k white gold case

The Senator Chronometer case is made of 18K white gold and measures 42mm x 48.4mm. The thickness is 11.4mm including the sapphire crystal, and it is water resistant to 5 ATM. The case design is simple when viewed from above, but more features appear when viewed from the side. Dramatically curved lugs are designed to hug your wrist. The cross-knurled bezel takes cues from marine chronometers and adds precision to the watch. Note the date collector on the side of the case.

Beautiful and accurate Glashütte Original 58-08 movement

The in-house 58-08 is a 58-jewel hand-wound, chronometer-certified caliber with a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. The frequency is 28,800vph and is tuned to 5 positions. Glashütte Original tests each watch in these positions for 15 days to ensure accuracy. The movement displays the traditional Glashütte three-quarter plate and is finished using the same friction silvering process as the dial. The swan-neck regulator and gold chatons are also visible through the sapphire crystal on the back.

nice on the wrist

The Senator Chronometer is not a small watch, but its slim case design and reasonable lug spacing make it comfortable to wear on a standard blue Louisiana alligator strap. Although it’s not a sports watch, its colors pair well with most wardrobe choices. This is important because such watches typically have traditional dressy coloring, making them less versatile.

conclusion

The Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer is a luxury option priced at 36,100 euros. Offering next-level craftsmanship in colorways suitable for everyday use. The watch also borrows the design from legendary marine chronometers and adds the brand’s signature Panorama Date. As I said, this is not a brand new watch, but the new colors and dial finishing techniques make it an attractive and fresh watch.

For more information about the new Senator Chronometer, please visit the official Glashütte Original website.

Watch specifications