Glashutte Original PanoMaticChrono watch

The Glashutte Original PanoMaticChrono watch is a technically brilliant luxury timepiece.

A proud declaration of the watchmaking excellence that has been inherent to the Glashutte watchmaking craft for well over a century, the PanoMaticChrono timepiece combines innovative design that departs from traditional chronograph presentations, animating it with a breathtaking manufacture movement that combines luxurious finishing with innovative complications and intricate mechanics. Crafted from precious 18K rose gold, the stately 39.4mm case of this Glashutte Original watch resonates with classicism and the aura of impeccable workmanship. It features satin brushed surfaces on its lugs and flanks, while the contrastingly polished bezel draws attention to the superbly rendered dials with their fascinating details and complexity.

Distinct from every other chronograph in the luxury watch market, the dial of the PanoMaticChrono watch is a true enigma. The time display is placed in a subdial at the six o'clock position, which is crowned on the left by a subsidiary seconds dial, and to the right, a 30-minute chronograph totalizer. Adjacent to the crown is the distinctive Glashutte Original Panorama date feature, an ingenious and mechanically sophisticated "large date" mechanism which features two discs to offer an exceptionally legible date display that avoids unsightly gaps or separations between the numerals.

Particularly striking is the elevated dial that presents the chronograph 60-minute counter. This element imparts an unmistakable technical fascination to the dial, as well as cultivating a deep impression of superlative luxury and attention to minute detail. An elegantly domed sapphire crystal spans the dial, offering superbly scratch-resistant protection. The Glashutte Original PanoMaticChrono watch is a true marvel for those appreciate of the silent art of the watchmaker. A glance through the sapphire crystal caseback confirms that one is looking at an extraordinary mechanical creation; presided over by a large central rotor with a 21K gold outer segment, is a visually alluring three-dimensional structure of bridges, polished steel levers, and jewels borne in gold chatons which are secured by shimmering blued steel screws.

Additional features that capture the eye include a large balance wheel with weighted gold screws, an artfully shaped balance cock complete with hand-rendered engravings, and a polished swan-neck fine adjustment spring. The engineering is every bit as spectacular as the appearance---the chronograph function is, naturally enough, governed by a column-wheel, and features a prestigious fly-back function that ensures the central chronograph hand can be resent to zero without requiring a stop. The bi-directional winding system is ingenious, featuring a unique stepped gear mechanism that allows it to optimize its winding efficiency according to the activity of the wearer. Two transmissions, one faster and one slower, feed the twin mainspring barrels; once a certain level of energy is accumulated, the rotor reduces its winding motion to unidirectional only, adding energy solely from the larger (slower) transmission. Thus, the mainspring tension reduces accordingly, and wear to the slip spring in the second mainspring barrel is largely avoided as well.

Offered exclusively in 18K gold, the Glashutte Original PanoMaticChrono watch is available in a range of tempting dials, including a classical silvered style, an opulent black sunburst pattern, and a rich mocha brown that has the color of finely aged tobacco. A sportier alternative also exists, with a striking guilloche-decorated black dial that is accented by tasteful red numerals. Each variant is fitted with a fine strap crafted in Louisiana alligator or calfskin, and completed by a triple-folding 18K rose gold clasp.