Hands-On: The Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer
At one time, the marine chronometer was among the most important of all instruments. It helped determine a ship’s position by measuring longitude. Glashütte Original, originally known as Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH (GUB), was a famed maker of these instruments. The Senator Chronometer takes inspiration from these ship clocks but transports the form to the wrist.
The Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer isn’t a new watch, but today’s model represents a new color variant within the line. It’s classic yet modern with its cool gray and blue tones. We’ve had the opportunity to go hands-on with the watch and enjoy its beautiful details.
An original Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB) marine chronometer — Image: eBay
The inspiration for today’s Glashütte Original model
Before we look at the modern Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer, let’s spend a moment on the original inspiration for the watch. Marine chronometers like the GUB above were used into the ’80s, although they became backup solutions in the ’60s. These clocks were often transported and kept in wooden chests. The chests offered protection but also housed gimbals that kept the marine chronometers upright, which aided accuracy. Functionally, these watches were wound with a key and displayed the time. They also showed the running seconds and, importantly, the power reserve. After all, a stopped clock would have been disastrous. On this model, note the lovely hand shapes (hint: we will see them again!).
The Senator Chronometer
The watch version of the marine chronometer faithfully mimics its much larger relative. The dial presents a similar layout with a power reserve indicator and running seconds sub-dial. However, Glashütte Original has added functionality, including a large, panoramic date and a small day/night indicator within the power reserve sub-dial. And that’s only the surface because the brand has also constructed this watch beautifully.
A gorgeous gray dial and blued elements
The Senator Chronometer has a new gray dial paired with blued details, such as the applied Roman numerals and the hands. Manufacturing this dial involves a rare friction process. First, water, salt, and silver powder are applied to the dial base, providing a unique surface finish. Then, the elements are galvanized and turn gray. The result is a matte surface with fine graining. As I mentioned, the look is modern but uses a very traditional dial format.
An 18K white gold case
The Senator Chronometer has a 42mm by 48.4mm case made of 18K white gold. It measures 11.4mm thick, including the sapphire crystal, and has a 5-bar water resistance rating. The case design is simple from above, but a side view shows more characteristics. Its dramatically curved lugs are designed to hug the wrist. The cross-knurled bezel takes its cues from the marine chronometer and adds a dose of precision to the watch. Note the corrector on the case flank for the date.
The beautiful and accurate Glashütte Original 58-08 movement
The in-house 58-08 is a 58-jewel manual-winding, chronometer-certified caliber with nearly 45 hours of power reserve. It has a frequency of 28,800vph and has been adjusted to five positions. Glashütte Original tests each watch for 15 days in these positions to ensure accuracy. The movement displays the traditional Glashütte three-quarter plate and is finished using the same friction silver-plating process as the dial. A swan-neck regulator and gold chatons are also viewable via the sapphire crystal on the back. The watch also has an interesting complication that resets the seconds hand to zero and allows the minute hand to be set exactly to the minute marker with a click. Therefore, when the watch begins running again, it starts exactly on the minute.
Lovely on the wrist
The Senator Chronometer isn’t a small watch, but the slim case design and moderate lug-to-lug allow it to wear comfortably on the standard blue Louisiana alligator strap. It’s not a sports watch, but the colors allow it to pair well with most wardrobe choices. That’s important because watches like this typically have traditional dressy colorways, making them less versatile.
Conclusions
The Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer is a luxury option with a price of €36,100. It offers next-level craftsmanship in a colorway suitable for daily use. Also, the watch channels a design from legendary marine chronometers and adds the brand’s hallmark panoramic date. As I mentioned, this isn’t a brand-new watch, but the new colors and dial finishing technique make it an attractive and fresh addition.
For more information on the new Senator Chronometer, visit the official Glashütte Original site.
