Hands On With The Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in Steel

I don’t know about you but when I think Glashütte Original, I generally think formal watches, exceptionally finished but a bit more sombre in design. That’s not to say the German watchmaker is afraid to use a bit of color (just look at the Sixties Iconic Square collection) but typically speaking, I would not describe the brand’s watches as particularly ‘young’ looking. That is until I got my hands on the new Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in steel.

As a regular reader of Monochrome, I’m sure you are already familiar with the original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date that was launched by Glashütte Original back in 2014. The watch was particularly notable for the fact that it was powered by the in-house Calibre 37-01, the brand’s first automatic integrated chronograph entirely designed, developed and manufactured in-house in Glashütte, Germany.

At the time, two different versions were made available, one in rose gold and the other in platinum, both with lovely but very traditional looking dials. Exceptional pieces though they are, the decision to use precious metals only meant that the Senator Chronograph Panorama Date has remained out of reach for many due to price (€ 25,500 Euro for the red gold and € 45,000 Euro for the platinum model). Earlier this year, however, Glashütte Original unveiled a new sportier, hipper looking steel version and I must say I really love it.

Fundamentally not much has been changed on the new steel Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date. It’s still presented in the same 42mm case (made from steel now, obviously) and it’s still powered by the gorgeous in-house Calibre 37-01. This is a big win for collectors waiting for the steel version, as this 12-hour, integrated chronograph with flyback functionality is an exceptional bit of watchmaking ingenuity, beating at 4hz and offering 70-hours of power reserve when fully wound. Best of all, all the chronograph parts are on full-display through the sapphire exhibition caseback (including the column-wheel and the chronograph levers) and the movement as a whole has been finished to Glashütte Original’s high standards.

Aesthetically however, the changes are quite substantial and primarily concern the dial, which is now black, providing the perfect backdrop for some strong contrast. The lay-out however, remains largely unchanged; central time display, 12-hour counter at 12, 30-minute counter at 3, small second with power reserve at 9, and Panorama Date at 6. Gone though, are the rail-road minute track and thin roman numerals from around the dial, replaced instead with large batons painted in blue luminous material. Two large Roman numerals remain at 12 and 6 o’clock respectively but the blue luminous finish gives them a much sportier appearance – plus I find they balance out the dial nicely. Likewise, the traditional looking blued steel hands on the original models have been replaced by larger sword hands in steel, also filled with blue luminous paint.

It’s hard to put my finger on the specific style, it’s not quite vintage but it does have something of a retro feel to it. One thing’s for sure though, the Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in steel definitely makes a statement on the wrist. This is not a watch you slide away subtly under your cuff (the thick case makes sure of that), so expect to get some looks, maybe even some comments (in a good way, of course!) That being said, it is quite comfortable and the steel case makes it lighter than the previous models.

Three different options are available for your choosing; stainless steel bracelet with easy-adjustment clasp, black leather strap with light blue stitching matching the color of the indexes or black rubber with a laser-cut herringbone pattern. Both the leather and rubber straps can be attached to a folding clasp or a pin buckle, although my personal preference is for the rubber strap with a folding clasp. It’s super comfortable plus I figure you might as well fully embrace the sporty nature of this new Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in steel. The best comes from the massive price reduction, compared to gold and platinum versions, as this watch will be available at EUR 13,200 on strap and EUR 14,700 on bracelet. More details on www.glashuette-original.com.

Technical Specifications – Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in Steel

• Case: 42mm diameter x 14.6mm thick – stainless steel – domed sapphire crystal on the front, sapphire crystal on the back – screw-down crown – 100m water resistant
• Movement: Glashütte Original Calibre 37-01, in-house – automatic integrated column-wheel chronograph comprised of 450 parts, including 65 jewels – 4Hz frequency – 70h power reserve – hours, minutes, small seconds, 12-hour counter, 30-minute counter, power reserve, Panorama date.
• Bracelet: steel, black leather strap with blue stitching or black rubber strap with laser-cut herringbone patter – folding clasp or pin buckle on leather and rubber straps.
• Price:  EUR 13,200 on strap / EUR 14,700 on bracelet