Glashütte Original has always taken a measured approach to watchmaking. German precision, clear design language, and a respect for tradition define the brand. But there is also a willingness to experiment with materials, color and form. This balance is what makes their collections so versatile. We recently spent time with five of their distinctive models, each showing a different side of the manufacture.
Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date
The Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date is one of the most distinctive designs in Glashütte Original’s portfolio. Its cushion-shaped 40 by 40 millimeter case draws directly from the 1970s, yet the watch feels modern in both execution and mechanics. It is powered by the in-house Calibre 37-02, an integrated column wheel chronograph with flyback function, 12-hour counter, Panorama Date, and 70 hours of power reserve. Sapphire crystals on both sides showcase the movement’s finishing, from the Glashütte stripes to the skeletonized rotor. With 100 meters of water resistance and a balanced case profile, the watch offers both resilience and refinement.
The Plasma presents a deep, shifting purple inspired by virtual worlds and digital aesthetics. Its hue changes with light and perspective, sometimes leaning toward a muted violet, other times showing a more vibrant tone.
The Fusion I tested came fitted with the matt black rubber strap, which creates a striking contrast against the vivid lime green dial. The combination makes the color appear even more intense and gives the watch a sport-focused, contemporary edge.
Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phase Salmon Dial, Synthetic Strap
The Senator line represents Glashütte Original’s more traditional side. The Panorama Date Moon Phase is a study in clean proportions and classical complications, but in this version, the salmon dial changes the character entirely. The tone is warm and understated, never overly bold, and it plays beautifully with light. Paired with a synthetic strap instead of leather, the watch gains a fresh and slightly sporty touch. This combination gives a centuries-old complication a modern spirit without losing its elegance.
The watch is powered by the Calibre 36-24, part of the Excellence series. It features a silicon balance spring, a 100-hour power reserve from a single barrel, and the high level of finishing expected from the manufacture. At 40 millimeters in diameter and just 12 millimeters in height, the steel case wears comfortably and suits both formal and casual contexts.
SeaQ Chronograph Steel Bracelet, White Dial
The SeaQ Chronograph stands as the sporty counterpart in this selection. With a bright white dial and steel bracelet, it presents a crisp and functional design. The layout is highly legible, and the proportions avoid the heaviness that often comes with professional diver’s chronographs. It feels capable in performance but refined enough to be worn well beyond a sporting context.
Measuring 43.2 millimeters in stainless steel, the watch combines brushed and polished surfaces for balance. It is powered by the Calibre 37-23, a chronograph movement with flyback functionality and 70 hours of power reserve. Water resistance of 300 meters and a unidirectional ceramic bezel confirm its tool credentials, while the finishing of the movement visible through the back elevates it into a category of its own.
SeaQ Panorama Date Grey Dial, Rubber Strap
The Panorama Date version of the SeaQ reveals another dimension of versatility. The grey dial keeps the watch understated, while the black rubber strap emphasizes its sporty side. Despite the utilitarian choice of strap, it pairs unexpectedly well with formal clothing, showing how adaptable the design can be. The watch sits at the intersection of practicality and refinement, a piece that can easily transition from the office to the outdoors.
This model is driven by the Calibre 36-13, which offers the same 100-hour power reserve and silicon balance spring found in the Senator’s movement. The 43.2 millimeter case features a ceramic bezel and screw-down crown for 300 meters of water resistance. The Panorama Date remains legible at a glance, while the exhibition back reveals a movement that upholds the Glashütte tradition of meticulous decoration.
A Closing Thought
Across these watches, Glashütte Original demonstrates its ability to move fluidly between tradition and modernity. Each piece reflects the brand’s commitment to precision and craft, while small choices in material, color, and detail give them distinct personalities. Whether in the retro lines of the Seventies, the elegance of the Senator, or the contemporary spirit of the SeaQ, the result is the same: watches that carry substance and quiet confidence.
Read about our in-depth review of the Seventies Chronograph here.
