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Make Waves with Glashütte Original’s $48,000 Marine-Inspired Senator Chronometer
By Lee Smith - News Published:
For many watch enthusiasts, the most desirable watches have a claim to fame or historic significance in the world of watchmaking. Think about some of the most iconic watches. The OMEGA Speedmaster is a legend because it was the first watch on the moon. And the Rolex Submariner? It will forever be remembered as James Bond’s (first) watch of choice. Seiko was the brain behind the first quartz watches and TAG Heuer will always be associated with motorsports and Formula 1. German watchmaker Glashütte Original has its own place in the pantheon of influential watch brands.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, it was one of the pioneers of marine chronographs. Paying homage to those groundbreaking timers, the latest Senator Chronometer is an exceptional piece of horology inspired by crashing waves and deep blue seas.
That’s certainly the first impression we had of this latest iteration of Glashütte Original’s Senator Chronometer. It features a new set of colours that double down on its maritime heritage and it has subtle updates to a design first released in 2009 and then reworked in 2020. It’s a deceptively complex watch and the beauty is in the attention to detail.
Take the 42mm case. It’s crafted from white gold and is elaborately polished by hand. It features a concave bezel with a knurled edge that mimics the original marine chronometers. That link to the ocean continues on the dial and the eye-catching combination of silver and blue colouring.
If you’re a fan of high-end watchmaking you’ll love the creation of the dial. The process used involves a silver powder, mixed with salt and water, being rubbed by hand onto the dial. It’s then sealed with a galvanic grey coating. The rich blue Roman numerals are actually gold and have been coated with blue.
The effect, along with the matching blue pear hands, is stunning. This sumptuous dial features a slightly recessed small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 12. We’re always pleased to see the brand’s signature panorama date and this sits opposite and level with the logo.
Of course, marine chronometers were created for precision and the Senator Chronometer is certainly precise. The in-house Calibre 58-08 manual winding movement is a marvel and was put through a 15-day test at the independent Thuringian Office of Weights and Measures. Priced at AUD$48,400, this exquisite piece is available at Glashütte Original Boutiques and selected retailers.
Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer
Reference: 1-58-08-01-04-61
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 11.5mm
Case: White Gold
Movement: Calibre 58-08 Manual Winding
Strap: Dark Blue Louisiana Alligator Leather
Water Resistance: 50M
Price: AUD $48,400
