Basel 2008: Glashutte Original PanoInverse XL Watch

The Glashutte Original PanoInverse XL watch is a stunning new addition to the Glashutte Original Pano series of timepieces.  By inverting key technical elements in the manually wound movement, Glashutte Original has exposed the heart of the mechanism--the exceptional duplex swan-neck fine adjustment--and given connoisseurs an object of extraordinary mechanical fascination.

The Glashutte Original PanoInverse XL is defined by its manufacture Caliber 66.  The off-centered time display has been reduced to a system of black rings, with applied gold figures, to reveal the full structure of the underlying mechanism, which shimmers with fine Glashutte stripe decorations, and gold jewel settings secured by blued-steel screws.  Visually dominant is the hand-engraved duplex swan-neck bridge; the large balance wheel, outfitted with 18 solid gold screws, pulsates beneath it 28,800 times each hour.  Directly above this fascinating element is the blued-steel hand of the power reserve indicator, which moves across its scale to show the status of the mainspring tension.  In all, this caliber was a demanding project for the mechanical engineers and watchmakers of Glashutte Original, who had to re-orient many components and subgroups to produce the unusual displays.

The Glashutte Original PanoInverse XL watch is presented in a polished 18K white gold or 18K rose gold, and fitted with Louisiana alligator straps.  The convex-shaped crystal is manufactured from sapphire.